How to start breastfeeding?
The best time to start breast-feeding is within 20 to 30 minutes of the baby's birth if there are no complications with delivery. In addition to the benefits of bonding and immune protection, breast-feeding also releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps shrink the mother's uterus back down to its normal size.
For the first few days, feedings may last about 10 minutes on each breast. Later, feedings will last about 10 to 20 minutes at each breast. It's normal for a baby to nurse every 11/2 to 3 hours for the first few weeks. Newborns need to eat often because they have small stomachs and breast milk is easily digested. Eventually the time between feedings may lengthen to 3 or 4 hours.
Every baby and nursing mother is different. With time, most mothers and babies find a feeding style and schedule that are uniquely their own.
The first step towards successful breastfeeding is to make the decision before having a baby. It is a good idea to talk to someone with experience, seek information, read books and magazines or surf the Internet.
Breastfeeding can begin immediately after the baby is born. In most maternity wards babies can be put on their mother's stomach straight after birth. This first close contact greatly promotes breastfeeding. Immediately after birth the baby is often awake. It eagerly searches for the breast and wants to suckle. The baby can be helped by carefully supporting it under the soles of its feet so it can crawl or push itself up from the stomach and all the way to the breast. It will eagerly search for the breast and start suckling as soon as it is there.
It is important that the breasts are stimulated as soon as possible, as the quantity of milk depends on how often the baby suckles. |
