How and when do you get started for ultimate breastfeeding success? There are a few breastfeeding techniques that can help you and your baby set the foundation for a positive breastfeeding experience.
When do you start?
The optimal time to start breastfeeding is immediately after birth. Newborns have a period of time after delivery when they are alert and eager to nurse. This is when their sucking reflex is the greatest, so it is the easiest time to get your baby to latch on and begin the nursing process. After the initial wakeful period, your baby will be very sleepy for the next 12 to 24 hours, during which time it will be more difficult to rouse him and get a successful latch.
In the beginning, skin-to-skin nursing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby while providing some great benefits. Request to hold your baby for a few minutes, skin-to-skin, immediately after delivery. This enforces the first bond between mom and baby. Studies also show that immediate skin-to-skin contact helps regulate baby's temperature and helps baby attain a more stable heart rate and breathing rate. Then after the baby has been evaluated and cleaned, you can nurse for the first time. Babies who are placed skin to skin to nurse immediately after birth are more likely to latch on properly, which is absolutely crucial to breastfeeding success. The successful latch will help baby get more milk and prevent soreness for you.
Breastfeeding Techniques for the Critical First Week
The first week after baby is born is a critical time for success at breastfeeding. By following a few simple tips, this initial time can go more smoothly and help set the stage for a great breastfeeding experience.
During the first few days you may only produce colostrum - a thick, sticky, yellow-ish liquid - in a small amount, but this is exactly what your baby needs, so be persistent about nursing without worrying that your baby is not getting enough. Colostrum is the perfect first food for your baby. It is high in nutrients, low in fat, and very easy for baby to digest. It works as a laxative for your baby, helping her pass the early stools that aid in expelling bilirubin to help prevent jaundice.
During the first week after you and baby go home, get as much help as you can with household duties, other children, and the baby since fatigue can make it more difficult to get breastfeeding established. If you can remain as well rested as possible, you will have more of the energy and patience required to help your baby nurse properly.
Set up a relaxing place to nurse your baby. A comfortable chair is essential and a footrest will help. Use something to support baby's weight while you are nursing - a nursing pillow is a great option, but regular pillows and throw pillows will also do the trick. If your baby is easily over-stimulated, try choosing a quiet, dim corner of a room away from distractions. Playing soft music may help you and baby both relax. A relaxed baby will latch on easier and if you are relaxed your milk will let down quicker.
If baby isn't already awake and hungry when it is time to feed, rouse him by changing is diaper, unwrapping him if he is swaddled, or by changing his clothes. Once baby is awake, bring him to your breast to latch on. Newborns may want to nurse often when they are awake - as often as every hour or two - but should not be allowed to go more than three hours between feedings. After the first week, your baby should be allowed to nurse on demand, which is typically every one to three hours.
While there are many other breastfeeding techniques that can assist you along the way, hopefully these few simple tips will help guide you through the often difficult first stages of breastfeeding and provide a good foundation for the nursing journey.
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