Difference between revisions of "Breastfeed"
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#Wear comfortable clothes for nursing. A [[Make a Nursing Bra|nursing bra]] or tank can help you feed more easily in public, if you're comfortable with that. But really, any soft, comfortable button-down shirts will do just fine and will be easy to bunch and to give your baby easy access to your breasts. The more skin to skin you share with the baby, the more stimulated he will be, so there's no need for you or your baby to wear a million layers. | #Wear comfortable clothes for nursing. A [[Make a Nursing Bra|nursing bra]] or tank can help you feed more easily in public, if you're comfortable with that. But really, any soft, comfortable button-down shirts will do just fine and will be easy to bunch and to give your baby easy access to your breasts. The more skin to skin you share with the baby, the more stimulated he will be, so there's no need for you or your baby to wear a million layers. | ||
#Learn to breastfeed before your baby arrives. Get help from a maternity nurse either before or right after your baby is born, or even enroll in a prenatal breastfeeding class. This can help you be relaxed and ready on the day when your baby arrives -- and he'll be hungry when he does. | #Learn to breastfeed before your baby arrives. Get help from a maternity nurse either before or right after your baby is born, or even enroll in a prenatal breastfeeding class. This can help you be relaxed and ready on the day when your baby arrives -- and he'll be hungry when he does. | ||
| − | #Don't give your baby a pacifier right away. Though a pacifier will certainly do the trick -- pacify your baby -- it may make it more difficult for you to breastfeed. To keep your baby focused on sucking on your breasts instead of the pacifier, you shouldn't give him or her one until your baby reaches 3-4 weeks old. That will be enough time for your baby to become accustomed to breastfeeding. There are also arguments ''for'' using the pacifier right away; do your research to learn what's best for you and your child.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/crying-colic-9/using-pacifiers</ref> | + | #Don't give your baby a pacifier right away. Though a pacifier will certainly do the trick -- pacify your baby -- it may make it more difficult for you to breastfeed. To keep your baby focused on sucking on your breasts instead of the pacifier, you shouldn't give him or her one until your baby reaches 3-4 weeks old. That will be enough time for your baby to become accustomed to breastfeeding. There are also arguments ''for'' using the pacifier right away; do your research to learn what's best for you and your child.<ref name="rf1">http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/crying-colic-9/using-pacifiers</ref> |
=== Breastfeeding === | === Breastfeeding === | ||
#Feed your newborn regularly and often. All newborn babies typically need to nurse at least every two to three hours and may sleep 5 hours in a row once every 24 hours. Awaken the baby during the day at first every few hours so the long sleep period will be at night. Babies vary in the amount of time they take to nurse at each feeding. Let the baby decide he is finished with the first side. Note that the breast has natural anti-bacterial properties, so it is not necessary to wash your hands and breasts before each nursing. The breast has Montgomery glands that keep the nipple bacteria free. | #Feed your newborn regularly and often. All newborn babies typically need to nurse at least every two to three hours and may sleep 5 hours in a row once every 24 hours. Awaken the baby during the day at first every few hours so the long sleep period will be at night. Babies vary in the amount of time they take to nurse at each feeding. Let the baby decide he is finished with the first side. Note that the breast has natural anti-bacterial properties, so it is not necessary to wash your hands and breasts before each nursing. The breast has Montgomery glands that keep the nipple bacteria free. | ||
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#*When your baby feeds from your breast, it should feel like a gentle pull, not a pinch or a bite. | #*When your baby feeds from your breast, it should feel like a gentle pull, not a pinch or a bite. | ||
#*When your baby is done feeding on a breast, you shouldn't pull or even yank him away. Instead, insert your finger in his mouth so that his mouth releases your breast. | #*When your baby is done feeding on a breast, you shouldn't pull or even yank him away. Instead, insert your finger in his mouth so that his mouth releases your breast. | ||
| − | #[[Burp Babies|Burp your baby]] (optional). This isn't always necessary. Depending on how much air the baby takes in through the nose while it is nursing, you may or may not need to burp baby. If your baby is arching his back, squirming around, and looking uncomfortable, then he may be ready to get burped. Try to burp him in one of these ways:<ref>http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-burp-a-baby_10378283.bc</ref> | + | #[[Burp Babies|Burp your baby]] (optional). This isn't always necessary. Depending on how much air the baby takes in through the nose while it is nursing, you may or may not need to burp baby. If your baby is arching his back, squirming around, and looking uncomfortable, then he may be ready to get burped. Try to burp him in one of these ways:<ref name="rf2">http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-burp-a-baby_10378283.bc</ref> |
#*Lift your baby toward your shoulder, with your hand on his head and neck for support. He should be facing the area behind you. Rub your baby's back with a firm and open hand to release the trapped air. | #*Lift your baby toward your shoulder, with your hand on his head and neck for support. He should be facing the area behind you. Rub your baby's back with a firm and open hand to release the trapped air. | ||
#*Sit your baby on your lap and lean him forward, supporting his chest with the base of your hand and his chin and neck with your fingers. Massage his stomach with your front hand and gently pat his back with the hand on his back. | #*Sit your baby on your lap and lean him forward, supporting his chest with the base of your hand and his chin and neck with your fingers. Massage his stomach with your front hand and gently pat his back with the hand on his back. | ||
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#Get used to the feeding and sleeping routine. A newborn baby will mostly nurse and sleep. You know when the baby is "getting enough" when there are 8-10 wet and or [[Change an Extremely Dirty Diaper|dirty diapers]]. Though this routine will be repetitive and you won't have as much time to play with your baby, it'll give you time to get some of that much-needed rest you must be missing so badly. | #Get used to the feeding and sleeping routine. A newborn baby will mostly nurse and sleep. You know when the baby is "getting enough" when there are 8-10 wet and or [[Change an Extremely Dirty Diaper|dirty diapers]]. Though this routine will be repetitive and you won't have as much time to play with your baby, it'll give you time to get some of that much-needed rest you must be missing so badly. | ||
=== Staying Healthy While You Breastfeed === | === Staying Healthy While You Breastfeed === | ||
| − | #Maintain a healthy diet. Not eating healthy may have an impact on mother's health, as most nutrients are translated into breast milk and mother essentially gets the "left-overs" Many mothers also continue to take prenatal vitamins or should take daily multivitamins to stay healthy. Eat plenty of veggies, fruits, and grains, and avoid overly fatty or greasy foods in favor of foods with nutritional value.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00003/NSECTIONGROUP=2</ref> | + | #Maintain a healthy diet. Not eating healthy may have an impact on mother's health, as most nutrients are translated into breast milk and mother essentially gets the "left-overs" Many mothers also continue to take prenatal vitamins or should take daily multivitamins to stay healthy. Eat plenty of veggies, fruits, and grains, and avoid overly fatty or greasy foods in favor of foods with nutritional value.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00003/NSECTIONGROUP=2</ref> |
#*Though you may be eager to drop that baby weight, now is not the time to go on an extreme diet -- unless you want to deprive your baby of the proper nutrients he needs. | #*Though you may be eager to drop that baby weight, now is not the time to go on an extreme diet -- unless you want to deprive your baby of the proper nutrients he needs. | ||
| − | #Stay hydrated. If you want to be healthy and produce enough milk for your baby and to remain healthy, then you have to stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 oz. of water eight times a day, and add some juice, milk, or other healthy drinks into your routine.<ref | + | #Stay hydrated. If you want to be healthy and produce enough milk for your baby and to remain healthy, then you have to stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 oz. of water eight times a day, and add some juice, milk, or other healthy drinks into your routine.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Avoid alcohol at least two hours before you breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that it's not harmful for a woman of average size to drink up to 2 glasses of wine or two beers during the time when she is breastfeeding (though not ''during'' breastfeeding, obviously). However, the doctors also recommend that you should wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol to breastfeed your baby.<ref>http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full</ref> | + | #Avoid alcohol at least two hours before you breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that it's not harmful for a woman of average size to drink up to 2 glasses of wine or two beers during the time when she is breastfeeding (though not ''during'' breastfeeding, obviously). However, the doctors also recommend that you should wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol to breastfeed your baby.<ref name="rf4">http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full</ref> |
#*Additionally, you should pump your breasts in advance if you know you'll be drinking and won't be able to breastfeed for a little while. | #*Additionally, you should pump your breasts in advance if you know you'll be drinking and won't be able to breastfeed for a little while. | ||
| − | #Avoid smoking. Smoking can not only change the amount of your breast milk supply, but it can change the taste of your breast milk, and can make it much less appealing to your baby. This is the last thing you want. If you're breastfeeding, ditch the cigarettes.<ref | + | #Avoid smoking. Smoking can not only change the amount of your breast milk supply, but it can change the taste of your breast milk, and can make it much less appealing to your baby. This is the last thing you want. If you're breastfeeding, ditch the cigarettes.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Be careful with the medication you take. Though you'll be just fine breastfeeding your baby while taking a number of medications, you should always check with your doctor to make sure it's okay to take any of your medications, or a new medication, while you're breastfeeding.<ref | + | #Be careful with the medication you take. Though you'll be just fine breastfeeding your baby while taking a number of medications, you should always check with your doctor to make sure it's okay to take any of your medications, or a new medication, while you're breastfeeding.<ref name="rf3" /> |
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
