After Pregnancy

How to Begin Breast Feeding

Just because breastfeeding is natural does not make it any easier and it certainly is not instinctive. Preparing for breastfeeding begins while you are still pregnant and includes such things as using a cream on your breasts and nipples. You can learn the different techniques to prepare your breasts if you enroll in a childbirth class.

Once the baby is born, you will have to make sure that the staff at the hospital understands that you only want your baby to be breastfeed. You do not want anyone giving your new baby a bottle of water, bottle of formula, or even a pacifier. If you can keep the baby in the room with you to avoid the chances of your baby receiving a pacifier or bottle, by a nurse that forgets to read the chart.

Begin breastfeeding as soon as you can after delivery. The very first few days your baby should nurse around every two or three hours or at least 8 to 12 times per day.

When you are ready to breastfeed, find a comfortable chair or position for nursing. Lean back just a bit with your feet on a low stool with your knees raised a little. Place your baby next to your breast, if you think the room is a bit chilly; cover up with a receiving blanket. It may take a bit of persuading at first to get your baby to latch onto your breast. If you have to, you can gently place your nipple into the baby's mouth and kind of hold it there until the baby begins to suck.

You may also wish to try holding your baby in different positions until you find the most comfortable for you and baby. The cradle position is when you lie with your baby up to your tummy with tummies touching. Your baby will by lying on his side up against you, if you need pillows to help support him that is fine. Hold your breast in a cupped manner with a thumb above the breast, gently rub your baby's lip with your nipple until he opens his mouth wide, and then place your nipple in his mouth. You must do this quickly as he will close his mouth again.

If he does not have the areola in his mouth, you may have to have place your finger in his mouth so the suction will be released and try again. He should have the entire brown part of your nipple in his mouth. Sometimes, he will not get a good hold and it may be a bit painful or uncomfortable, if this happens you will once again have to break suction and begin again.