The first day – getting breastfeeding established

The First Day – Getting Breastfeeding Established

A mother’s experience can be dramatically affected by what happens during the first 24 hours after her baby is born. There are several steps to pay close attention to which help both mother and baby get off to a good start. In discussing the steps, it is important to note the assumption is that your baby is born full term and without any health issues for the mother or baby. While health issues can be overcome, they may make the information given here unattainable, at least temporarily.

Babies typically experience a time of quiet alertness within the first 2 hours after birth. Keeping your baby skin to skin keeps your baby warm while having access to nuzzle or lick the nipple. In a short period of time, your baby will begin to root, lick, open his mouth and you can gentle guide your baby to the breast and allow him to begin suckling. If your baby does not go to the breast right away, don’t worry. Some babies need more than 2 hours to recover from the birth process.

As long as there is no medical reason to be separated, it is best for you both to room together while you become accustomed to the baby’s gentle breathing and little noises they tend to make. Babies should have easy access to their mothers and fed as frequently as they are showing feeding cues. It will help get breastfeeding off to a good start if you avoid bottles and nipples and pacifiers. This allows breastfeeding to happen easier, as baby adjusts to the suckling activity needed at the breast to remove milk as well as the texture and smell of his mother. This familiarity helps get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Take advantage of a prenatal SKYPE consult and have all your questions answered before your baby is born.