How to insure a happy breastfeeding experience from birth

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By Jennywrites
eHow Community Member

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Many new moms want to breastfeed their babies to give them the best start on life. Often new mom's are given bad advice right from the start jeopardizing the breastfeeding relationship between mom and baby. I have written this article in hopes of teaching women how to have the best relationship they can have, but it starts right at birth.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Congratulations on your pregnancy! During your pregnancy there is really no way to get your nipples ready for breastfeeding. Some mom's feel that if they constantly pull and pinch them before the baby is born, they will toughen them up. My only suggestion is from this point on NEVER use ANY KIND of soap on your nipples. In the shower be very cautious not to use any soap. Soap will dry your nipples out.
Step 2

In your hospital bag pack either a permanent marker, or a thick marker that will stand out. Or you can create your own crib card on an index card and put in your hospital bag. You want everyone that goes near your baby's hospital crib, that your baby is BREAST ONLY. You can write "Mommy's Milk Only!" or be creative! The nurses will get a laugh, and you will be able to get your point across!
Step 3

Your birth experience was either beautiful, or maybe not like you planned. You've heard it all before, put the baby to your breast. If your able to be with your baby right away, offer the newborn your breast to suckle. At first there may be lack of interest. But maybe not. If you rub your newborns cheek just a tiny bit, the baby might root towards your finger, this will be an indication that it's time to try nursing.

Hold your breast with your left hand, and baby in your right. Your going to cradle baby holding mostly the babies head with your hand and the body rests along your wrist and arm. Tilt your nipple slighty up so it's parallel to the babies nose. Bring the baby to the nipple and as the baby starts to open wide (and make sure it's wide) you will push the baby on allowing him to grab your nipple and areola. If the baby does not have your areola in your mouth you will need to re-latch or else your nipples will become very sore. Latch is very important. If you are having a tough time nursing, ask to speak to the hospital's lactation consultant on staff. If the baby is not properly latched they will not gain weight or get enough nutrients so it is important.
Step 4

No pacifiers in the hospital. You are now this baby's human pacifier. You want to nurse every time your baby desires the need to suck. This sucking even if there is no milk, will get your body ready to supply the baby with milk. It will bring in your milk, as well as give you the sufficient supply your baby needs. It is VERY important to not give ANY pacifiers until your milk comes in. The baby will take a pacifier at that point.
Step 5

Remember to either write on the current crib card, that your baby does not need any formula or pacifiers. You can say Boob baby only, or I want my mommy's milk only, or just no bottles, no pacifiers. Whatever you prefer to write. If you already made a card, just put it right in there.
Step 6

Do not watch the clock. Feed on demand. You can also put warm packs on your breast which will help to bring in your milk. If you are worried you may also use a hospital grade pump in the hospital to pump in between feeding your baby. This will also stimulate your nipples to demand your milk to come in. Remember though, the colostrum is the most nutritional for your baby. They only need small amounts. Bringing in your milk fast though may help prevent any issues with jaundice or any other issues. Also will deter any arguments about whether or not your baby is getting enough milk.
Step 7

Never guess if your baby is getting enough milk. You need to go by the diapers. If the baby is getting enough soiled diapers, then your baby is getting enough milk. If your baby is gaining weight, then your fine, relax. In the hospital it is normal to lose a lot of weight quickly. Your baby will pack that back on when you get home, and your pediatrician will be monitoring that so don't worry. Just nurse.
Step 8

You are going to want to do stuff around the house. Don't! Your baby will only be a nursing newborn for a short period of time. Sit back and enjoy this time! Make sure you surround yourself with supporting people and not people who know nothing about breastfeeding or dislike breastfeeding. Trust me you will run into a lot of those. They always think we starve our babies. Let mom's intuition guide you through this some times frightening stage.

Hang in there, and enjoy this time!

Comments

2besure said

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on 12/8/2008 Ohhhh, how cute! These are wonderful tips. Breast feeding is a wonderful experience. It made me feel so important, that no one could do this for my child but me.