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Breastfeeding your baby Functions:
Proper nipple care, positioning, appropriate nursing frequency, and other measures can prevent many common breastfeeding problems .
Recommendations:
NIPPLE CARE
Most women's breasts have nipples that protrude slightly at rest and become erect when stimulated, as with cold. During pregnancy , the nipple and the pigmented area around it (areola) thicken in preparation for breastfeeding . Little glands (Montgomery glands) on the areola become more noticeable. They contain a lubricant to keep the nipple and areola from drying, cracking, or becoming infected. Soaps and harsh washing or drying of the breasts and nipples can cause extreme dryness and cracking and should be avoided. Some experts recommend leaving milk on the nipple after feeding and allowing it to dry and protect the nipple. Keeping the nipples dry is important to prevent cracking and infection.
BABY'S POSITION
Comfortable nursing requires correct positioning of the baby at the breast. Some guidelines are given to help you develop your own technique. Observing someone else breastfeed or practicing with an experienced nursing mother may also help.
Cradle Hold:
Sit in a comfortable chair, with arm rests if possible. Place your baby on your abdomen, tummy-to-tummy. The baby's head is cradled in the crook of your arm and the face to your breast. The baby's knees are underneath your other breast. The infant's head, back, and legs should all be in a straight line. This position can be held for the entire duration of the feeding. If you feel your nipple starting to hurt half-way into the feeding, check to see if your baby has slipped down and if the knees are starting to face the ceiling instead of being tucked in next to your side.
Football hold:
Cradle the back of your baby's head in your hand, with the body under your breast and toward the elbow. Place a pillow under your elbow to help you support your baby's bottom. Use your other hand to support your breast. This position allows you to control the baby's head and assures good positioning to latch on.
Side lying:
Lie on your side with one arm supporting your head. Your baby can lie beside you with the head facing your breast. Pull the baby in snugly and place a pillow behind to support the infant.
Rarely, a baby may have a sucking disorder which will need to be observed by a health care provider. A certified lactation consultant can be of tremendous help in teaching a baby to breast-feed. If your physician or local hospital cannot refer you to a lactation consultant, call ILCA at (708) 260-8874.
NURSING FREQUENCY
Most babies normally breastfeed every 1 or 2 hours during the first few weeks. Breast milk is digested more quickly than formula so breastfeeding is needed more frequently. Even if you cannot measure the amount of milk your baby drinks, you can tell that the baby has had enough if: baby nurses every 2 to 3 hours, has 6 to 8 really wet diapers per day, and is gaining weight appropriately (1 pound each month). The frequency of feeding does decrease with age as the baby can eat more at each feeding. So, don't get discouraged ; you will eventually be able to do more than sleep and nurse!
NIGHTTIME FEEDING
While you were pregnant , your baby was continuously fed and didn't know hunger . After birth, babies need to be fed frequently. During the first few weeks, your baby will want to breastfeed around the clock. This is perfectly normal. Some mothers find that bringing the baby in bed at night or placing a bassinet within reach, allows them to meet the child's needs while losing minimal rest. Other mothers prefer to keep the baby in a separate bedroom, and have a comfortable chair there.
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