Getting the Right Start Breastfeeding
Thinking about breastfeeding? Here are some tips
to get you started
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Your decision to breastfeed your infant is one of the most important choices that you will make as a new parent. Breastfeeding provides the best possible nutrition for your infant and allows you special uninterrupted time to bond with one another. Breastfeeding has numerous long-term benefits for your infant, too.
Here are some tips for getting off to the right
start breastfeeding during the early days following delivery:
Nurse your baby as soon as possible:
Babies are often alert during the first hour after birth and display a
strong sucking reflex that is not as strong again until approximately
40 hours later. Nursing soon after birth will help your uterus
contract by stimulating the release of oxytocin. This first time at
the breast is a time to introduce your baby to breastfeeding. Don't
expect too much or try to practice everything you've read or
learned. Some babies will just nuzzle and lick the breast, while
others will latch on immediately.
Practice latch on and positioning:
Getting your baby to latch on well is key to successful breastfeeding.
Before you leave the hospital, you should be able to tell whether your
baby is latching on properly, and whether he is getting colostrum or
milk from the breast. If you and your baby are leaving the hospital
without knowing this, or if you have very sore nipples, seek help
immediately. Remember that pain is not a natural part
Get enough rest:
This may be easier to say than to do, but taking care of yourself is
important for breastfeeding to succeed. Make sure that you have help
at home, especially during the first few weeks. Hopefully, your spouse
will be able to take some time off from work. Your only job should be
to get to know your baby and get breastfeeding well established. Let
someone else take care of all of the other household duties.
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