How-To Breastfeeding

Knowing what to expect and how to deal with setbacks in breastfeeding can help ease the adjustment that you and your newborn will go through as you take on breastfeeding. Nursing comes naturally, but it does take a while for the mom and baby to get in synch with one another.

Basics

*Start as soon as possible after birth

*Be patient and calm

*Don't try to feed a screaming baby

*Ask for help when you need it

Breast-feeding is a learned skill that becomes easier over time. You are more likely to succeed with long-term breast-feeding by having a plan, becoming familiar with basic techniques, learning how to handle minor physical problems, and getting help quickly when you need it.

HOW TO BREASTFEED:

Get into a comfortable position. Whatever position is comfortable for you and for the baby is a good position to use.

Position your baby facing your nipple.

Support your breast with your free hand. Keep your fingers off your areola, which the baby needs to grasp.

Gently tickle the baby's lips with your nipple until the mouth is opened wide. Then, move your breast closer.

Don't stuff the nipple into an unwilling mouth. Let the baby take the initiative.

Make sure the baby latches on to the nipple and areola. Sucking on just the nipple will not compress the milk glands. It will also cause soreness and cracking.

If your breast is blocking your baby's nose, lightly depress the breast with your finger. Be careful not to loosen your baby's grasp of the areola.

If the baby has a strong steady rhythmic motion that is visible in the cheek, then most likelu baby is suckling well.

Don't yank your breast out of the baby's mouth. This will cause injury to the nipple.

Don't be tempted to skip or skimp on feedings because of pain. The less the baby eats, the worse the pain will be.

TIPS:

Breast-feed your baby on demand rather than setting a strict schedule.

Taking care of yourself will also help you to establish your milk supply. Eat right and get rest when you are able.

Avoid bottle-feeding your baby breast milk until breast-feeding and milk supply are well-established, which is usually about 4 to 6 weeks. This helps build your milk supply. Not using bottles also helps prevent your baby from developing nipple confusion, which is a preference for an artificial nipple over the breast.

Look for signsthat your baby is getting enough milk, such as eagerness to eat and feeding sessions that last at least 15 to 25 minutes. By 6 days of age, your baby should need about 6 to 8 diaper changes, settle well after feeding, and usually awaken on his or her own to feed every 1 to 3 hours. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Help clear blocked ducts by using warm compresses, and massaging your breasts before and during feedings. Also, breast-feed more frequently and in different positions. Offer your baby the affected breast first at each feeding.

You can help relieve the pain from sore or cracked nipples with drops of expressed breast milk or lanolin.