The First 24 hours
- Nurse as soon after birth as possible. Babies tend to be alert the first two hours then drowsy for a day; a successful first feeding is more likely when the baby is alert.
- Don't be afraid to awaken your baby for feedings. Watch for your baby's cues to nurse, but attempt to awaken baby to nurse if it's been three to four hours since the last feeding.
- Breast on request. Respond to your baby's rooting and sucking cues; breastfeeding works best when unrestricted. General guidelines for the first 24 hours: offer both breasts every one to three hours. Nurse until baby falls asleep or lets go (average 8-12 minutes). Don't be too concerned in the first 24 hours if your baby is reluctant to nurse for a six to eight hour period. It may be normal.
- Your milk supply is encouraged by how quickly you begin nursing and how often you nurse.
- Avoid artificial nipples until after nursing is well established. Artificial nipples may interfere with learning proper suck for breastfeeding.
- Make sure you and your baby are positioned for comfort. If in doubt, always ask for assistance while support is available. Proper positioning and attachment at breast are two of the most important factors in problem prevention.
- Keep in mind that breastfeeding is a learned skill that requires practice (both for mother and baby). Nursing is a source of comfort as well as nutrition for the baby.
After the First 1 - 2 Days
- General guidelines for how often and how long to nurse: nurse until baby lets go or falls asleep (average 8 to 12 minutes) on both breasts at each feeding every one to three hours. Newborns need at least eight feedings in 24 hours for a healthy weight gain. Don't be afraid to awaken your baby to feed during the day.
- How much milk your body makes is determined by how often you nurse. Although your breasts are never totally empty, skipping or delaying feedings gives your body the message to make less milk.
- It is best to delay giving a bottle until after the two to three week learning period. If necessary, offer about one ounce of breast milk in a bottle twice a week to accustom the baby to a rubber nipple. This will help prepare for returning to work or time away and will not interfere with breastfeeding.
- All babies have fussy times and days when they want to eat more often. This is normal and may indicate a growth spurt. The first growth spurt is usually at 8 to 14 days. More frequent nursing will adjust your supply to baby's demand.
- Remember, breastfeeding is a learned skill. It may take tow to three weeks to feel confident with attachment and positioning. The resulting health benefits and special relationship are worth the time!
Early Problem Prevention
- Proper infant positioning and attachment to the breast is a must for preventing sore nipples:
- Baby's face, tummy and knees should all be facing you; support your breast by cupping it with thumb on top, fingers under and away from the areola.
- Make sure baby's mouth is open wide and covers more than just the nipple.
- Lips need to be completely showing on top and bottom; not tucked in.
- Dimpled cheeks and smacking noises are signs that the baby is not latched well.
- Nursing about every two hours for the first several days is the best prevention of engorgement, jaundice, plugged ducts or delayed milk supply.
- Avoid rubber nipples until breastfeeding is well established to prevent interfering with proper suck at the breast (two to three weeks).
Know Your Resources
Help is available. Ask for assistance while in the hospital. When at home, refer to your Basic Feeding Instruction Book, or call Seton Breastfeeding Support Services at (512) 324-1000 ext. 17036.
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