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 Breastfeeding
Basics
Breastfeeding is a very natural thing. You would think one hungry baby and two
specially
 designed, milk production
units would just naturally get along. Well, they might, or they
might need a bit of support. If breastfeeding is a bit of a
challenge for you don't despair and don’t ever hesitate to contact your
pediatrician or a lactation expert if you have any questions or
concerns about the breast feeding process. Many issues can be
resolved easier if they are addressed sooner rather than later.
Some babies manage to latch on immediately after birth; others can
take more time to get the hang of it. Sometimes you find that nurses
try to get you to nurse right away when baby just isn't hungry yet.
So give it a try for a day or two and then contact that lactation
consultant.
If hungry, having the newborn nurse right after birth is ideal.
The sucking action triggers the release of hormones that help the
uterus contract and expel the placenta. Feeling cramps or “after
pains” during the first few days or weeks after delivery is normal
and helps the uterus return to its normal size. If you are not able
to nurse in the first few hours, or even the first day or two, there
should be no physical difficulties with establishing nursing.
Improper positioning and latching on are the most
common culprits of nursing problems and the easiest resolved, often
causing pain while nursing. Sore nipples are common in the early
stages of nursing, but should resolve fairly quickly. If it is
severe, or you see fissures, cracks, swelling, contact your
lactation specialist who can help you make the
 necessary
adjustments.
Engorgement is another common issue to be dealt with by nursing
mothers. The breasts become swollen with milk, creating a “full”
feeling for mom (and sometimes pain) and difficultly for baby to
latch on. The easiest treatment is nursing on demand or
pumping/expressing the milk (save and freeze for later use).
Breast fed babies tend to eat more frequently than their formula-fed
counterparts. Newborns will nurse eight to twelve or more times
during a twenty-four hour period. That’s a lot of time at the
breast. Nursing baby in a sling or using a
nursing privacy cover
(available for purchase) will help protect mom’s privacy while out and about in
public places.
If you bottle feed check out
natural glass bottles!
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