First Day of Breastfeeding - All About Breastfeeding - Parent Education Resources - Women’s Services - Medical Services and Programs - Seton

What Every New Parent Needs to Know

• It is okay to put the baby to the breast as often as the baby wants and as long as he/she wants.
• It is not necessary to limit frequency or length of feedings. Frequent feedings help keep the baby's blood sugar stable, lessen weight loss, and help the baby have less jaundice.
• Let baby finish the first breast first. When baby is done you may offer the other breast. Allow your baby to come off the breast by himself when he is ready. Baby should be sleepy and content.
• Your early milk, called colostrum, is very good for your baby. It is produced by the 16th week of the pregnancy. You will not feel it, but your baby will get it by suckling.
• New babies usually have their nights and days mixed up, and may be very fussy at night. This does not mean you do not have enough milk. Feel free to nurse your baby often at night and to put the baby in skin-to-skin contact on your chest.
• Most newborns nurse well during the first hour or two after the birth and then sleep for many hours. Attempt to awaken your baby by undressing partially, talking to him/her, sitting the baby up and gently moving the arms and legs, or massaging the head.
• A baby shows early hunger cues by turning the head and searching with an open mouth or putting the fist in the mouth. Crying is a late sign. It is best to respond to early hunger cues.
• If baby routinely shows hunger cues after feedings, get help with the feedings to make sure the baby is latching and suckling well. Instead of asking for a pacifier or bottle, ask for help.
• If baby routinely falls asleep within the first few minutes of feeding, or comes on and off the breast often during a feeding, or never really latches, ask your nurse for help.
• Babies often cluster feed, which means they may have two or three feedings close together and then a long rest. This is normal.
• A woman's body is designed to make milk. You can make enough milk for a big baby or twins!