Things You'll Need:
- Nursing Bras
- Nursing Shirts
- Nursing Pillows
- Armchairs
- Gliders
- Rocking Chairs
- Juices
- Water
- Diapers
- Water
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Step 1
Make sure your hands are clean.
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Step 2
Choose a breast-feeding position: on your lap (cradle hold), baby at your side (football hold) or lying on your side (reclining position). Use pillows to support your back and arms as necessary.
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Step 3
Hold your baby very close, with his head, shoulders and hips facing you. While his mouth is close to your breast, tickle his mouth with your nipple. When he opens his mouth (the 'rooting' reflex), bring him in the rest of the way. If he is latched on correctly, his lips will be flared out and he will take a good portion of your areola into his mouth.
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Step 4
Expect to feel a pulling of the nipple, or even some pain initially. If pain lasts beyond a few seconds, the baby is probably sucking on just the tip of the nipple; remove him from the breast and try latching him on again.
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Step 5
Let your baby nurse on the first breast as long as he wants, to ensure that he gets enough to eat and that your milk supply will keep pace with his needs.
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Step 6
To remove your baby from the breast, insert a clean finger into his mouth to release the suction, and then pull him off.
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Step 7
Burp your baby after he finishes the first side, then offer the other breast. If he doesn't take the other breast, offer that breast at the next feeding.
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Step 8
Nurse at least 10 to 12 times a day, or whenever your baby seems hungry. Signs of hunger include increased alertness or activity, mouthing and rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger.
Comments
NikyCLC said
on 12/15/2008 I highly recommend finding your local breastfeeding resources. Your local hospital may have breastfeeding mom lunch ins for new moms. W.I.C has a wonderful support system called Peer Counclers which are trained in helping new moms and experienced moms breastfeed successfully. They also offer a breastfeeding class to help your get started prenataly.
Finding help prenatally will greatly increase your success for starting off right.
As a Lactation Councilor I see the many bumps that happen in the road but with the right help and support you CAN be successful!
mama2milk said
on 9/26/2008 If anyone is having problems breastfeeding but does not want to buy formula consider buying breastmilk. I am overproducing for my child and would like to sell breastmilk to mothers that can use it. Please contact me at mama_milk@yahoo.com
Allandra said
on 7/21/2007 I wish babies came with a manual! Breast feeding is not easy and is no piece of cake for new mothers. The best advice I can give is to try, try and try some more. Don't give up and don't feel afraid to ask for help. No one is going to look down on you if you are unable to breast feed. Keep trying and you will succeed eventually.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I received a special ruby ring on the occasion of the birth of our first child. Instead of the hassle of a safety pin or the awkward and obvious wrist band, I just switch my ring to the opposite hand. It is quick, consistent (I find I can't feed with it on the same side) and much more fashionable. But besides the vanity, it is a special reminder to me of the occasion for which it commemorates.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Even easier, safer, and perhaps more attractive than a safety pin is a fabric-covered hair elastic (called a scrunchy), or an elastic beaded bracelet. Switch it to the wrist on the side from which you have just nursed.