Breastfeeding provides many benefits for both mom and baby, but it does not always come naturally to either. Most new moms feel awkward, a bit nervous and unsure about what they are supposed to do.
The main thing to remember is to relax and don't be shy about asking for help. Below are some tips and frequently asked questions to help you through. If you have specific questions or simply need some reassurance, please call our lactation specialists at 918-494-MILK (6455).
Breastfeeding Tips for the First Three Days
Many babies are totally disinterested during the first few breastfeeding attempts. If this is your baby, don't worry. Stay relaxed and follow the tips below.
Keep the baby with you as much as possible in order to learn his/her hunger cues and respond right away. Newborns will fall back asleep soon without the needed feeding. Hunger cues include:
- Active rooting—turning from side to side searching
- Mouth opening and licking lips
- Sucking motions or sucking fists
- Crying (a late feeding cue)
It is normal during the first couple of days to have frequent short feedings. The baby may nurse briefly, fall asleep and awaken shortly wanting to feed again. Newborns generally don’t sleep more than three hours at a time. Until the baby is gaining weight well, you should wake the baby to eat if he/she sleeps longer than three hours.
Some ways to wake a sleeping baby include:
- Move baby’s arms and legs gently
- Change baby’s diaper, leaving clothes and blanket off
- Sit baby up and rub his/her back
- Sit baby up and lie him/her back down repeatedly
- Gently roll baby from side to side
- Apply a cool washcloth on baby’s legs
- Talk to your baby and make eye contact
- Use your fingers to express milk and drop on baby’s lips
What Should I Expect to See in My Baby’s Diapers?
Good output and limited weight loss will show that your baby is feeding well. Your baby’s urine (wet diapers) should look pale yellow.
How many wet diapers per day?
- At least one wet diaper on day one
- At least two wet diapers on day two
- At least three wet diapers on day three
- Six or more wet diapers after day four
Your baby’s bowel movements (dirty diapers) will look black to green in color for the first three days. After three days, expect three or more loose bowel movements that are yellow in color. It is normal for your baby to have a bowel movement with each feeding.
If you have questions or problems after you go home from the hospital, please call 918-494-MILK (6455).
Take a Deep Breathe and Relax
It is difficult to prepare yourself for something you have never done before. Many new parents have the idea that breastfeeding is instinctive—that all the mother has to do is hold the infant against her breast and the baby will immediately start to suck vigorously. It is wonderful if it happens this way; however, more often than not, getting started isn’t that simple. Initially,
Many babies are totally disinterested during the first several attempts. With time, the baby will put forth more of an effort to suck and gradually learn what he/she is supposed to do. It should be remembered that each baby is a unique little person with their own way of doing things.
The point is to relax! Consider the early days as a learning time for both mom and baby. If your baby isn’t interested in eating, concentrate more on cuddling, stroking and talking to him or her. Use this time to get acquainted and comfortable with your baby. Don’t be shy about asking for help and remember most babies lose weight in the first few days regardless of their his or her nursing performance.
Common Breastfeeding Questions and Answers
- Is nursing instinctive?
Nursing is a learned art; it is not instinctive. The ability to suck is instinctive, but you must teach the baby to nurse. By offering your breast, you allow this inborn reflex to come into play. It takes a few days for the nursing pattern to fall into place.
- When will my milk begin to flow?
Babies are not born hungry. In a few days, their intestines are empty enough for them to feel hunger and that is about the time your milk appears. Before that, a fluid called colostrum comes from your breasts. The baby takes this in while learning to nurse. Colostrum is high in protein and may offer some protection from infectious diarrhea and other intestinal illnesses. Being held close to you at this time is also important for your baby.
- How do I actually start nursing my baby?
You can nurse your baby either sitting up or lying down. A hospital nurse or lactation consultant can show you how.
The smell of your breast milk and the warmth of your body can be sensed and the infant will root around searching for the nipple. Tickle your baby’s lip until he/she opens his/her mouth wide. Then quickly draw the baby toward you to help him/her “latch on.” Push the nipple far enough in so that the mouth fastens near the areola (the circle around the nipple). This is where most of your milk ducts lie. Babies do not suck the way you suck on a straw; they pump the way you squeeze the top of a medicine dropper. When the baby pumps on the areola, the milk comes out of the ducts in the nipple.
- How long will the baby continue sucking?
The baby will suck for about 10 to 11 seconds, then rest for about 10 seconds. Do not worry when the pumping stops. If you allow a little rest, the sucking will start again. It is not necessary to poke or tickle the baby’s feet to keep him/her from falling asleep. Babies seldom sleep during nursing; they rest. Pumping is hard work for the baby and if you wait a bit, you will see a pattern of sucking until the baby is finished feeding. The bulk of the milk is emptied from the breast in about five to seven minutes. If you were to time a baby on the breast, about 15 to 20 minutes would lapse. But, it is better not to be a clock-watcher. Take this time to relax and rest.
- Do I use both breasts at each feeding?
Generally, physicians prefer that the mother use both breasts each time. After enough has been taken from the first breast, pull the infant on top of your chest again and rub his/her back to see if there is a burp. (Not all breast-fed babies need to burp because there is no air in the breast and the fit between the baby’s mouth and the breast is perfect.) Then shift the baby over to the other side and follow the same procedure for nursing on that breast.
When the feeding is finished, bring the infant onto your chest again and relax. You will be able to see how the baby relaxes and drifts off to sleep. In this position, your body is exactly the right temperature and your breathing provides a gentle rocking motion. That closeness is important and provides a special sense of security.
- Does it matter which breast I start with?
You should alternate the breast you start with at each feeding. A useful way to remember is to put a safety pin on the bra strap to mark the correct one. There are also many helpful apps available that help track breastfeeding habits including last breast used.
- How should I take care of my breasts?
If your nipples become sore, exposing them to hot, dry air for 10 minutes every few hours will help them to heal quickly. Your breasts should feel better within a day or two. If not, check with your doctor. Improper “latch on” is the cause of most prolonged soreness and problems.
Wash your breasts normally with water when you take a shower and pat them dry. Do not scrub them. It is unnecessary to wash your breasts before each feeding. When you are nursing, your nipples produce an extra amount of sebum which keeps them from becoming dry and cracked. If you wash this off because it feels “greasy,” you are removing the nipple’s natural lubrication.
- Can a woman with small breasts provide enough milk for her baby?
The size of the breasts has nothing to do with the amount of milk produced. A woman can have very small breasts and an adequate milk supply.
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
There is no way you can see how much milk your baby is taking. But, when your baby is hungry, there is no mistaking it. If there is little or weak sucking at one particular feeding, do not worry. The very young baby may still be tired from the birth trip. Chances are a baby will eat a little more the next time to make up for whatever was missed. If you can hear the baby swallowing milk; if there are six to eight wet diapers a day; if the baby seems generally content and gains weight—you can be sure you are giving enough milk.
- Should the baby also be getting solid food?
Most pediatricians recommend that babies begin to eat solids around the age of six months. In the event your baby is not gaining enough weight, solid food may be given as a supplement. It does not, however, mean you must stop nursing.
- Will I be tied to the house if I breastfeed?
It is important for you to be able to get away from your house and your baby once in a while. Bottles serve an important function for nursing mothers. Leave your baby with someone you trust to give the bottle, and, by all means, go out and enjoy some time in the adult world.
- Will breastfeeding make me gain weight?
Though you will eat more than you normally do while breastfeeding, the extra calories are used to produce the milk. There is no physiological reason to gain any extra weight. In fact, breastfeeding sets off a chain of physical reaction that help you to regain your pre-pregnancy figure more rapidly.
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What do I need to know about nutrition while breastfeeding?
You should eat and healthy, well-balance diet. Your need for extra calories and fluid will increase slowly as the baby takes more milk. Drink when you are thirsty. In order to know your fluid intake is adequate, watch for clear to pale yellow urine. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding.
Most mothers can eat anything in small amounts without any effects on their babies. However, if you feel something in your diet may be causing fussiness or extreme gas to your baby, drop one food at a time for one or two weeks. This will help determine what food is upsetting your baby.
The most common foods to cause problems for babies include:
- Milk and dairy products
- Caffeine (including chocolate)
- Citrus fruits
- Nuts
Certain fish and shellfish to avoid or limit due to mercury levels include:- Shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tile fish
- Limit albacore or “white” tune to one meal weekly
- Limit shrimp, pollock, tuna, salmon and catfish to two meals weekly
- Check for warnings on fish from local areas. If no warnings, limit to once weekly
- Can I drink alcohol and breastfeed my baby?
Alcohol readily passes into your milk. If you are going to drink, feed the baby stored breast milk during the time you drink. You may need to “pump and dump” the milk while drinking. It is safe to breastfeed again when you no longer feel the effects of the alcohol.
- Can I take medication and breastfeed?
Do not take any medication without first checking with your doctor. Even the mildest medicine can affect your baby. Flu and most vaccinations are safe. The Oklahoma Poison Control Center (1-405-271-5454) can also provide up-to-date information on drugs in pregnancy and lactation.
- Does breastfeeding protect me from pregnancy?
No. This is a common misconception. If you wish to prevent pregnancy, consult your physician about contraception.
- How long should I continue nursing?
This is entirely up to you. Some women nurse their babies for a few days; others for a few months; and some for 18 months or more. Weaning should be a mutual parting that takes place when both you and your baby are ready.
Learn More About Newborn Services Available Through Saint Francis
For more information, view the links below or call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Newborn Services
Choosing a Pediatrician
Circumcision
Neonatal Intensive Care
Newborn Screenings
Postpartum
Vaccinations