Advice for Successful Breastfeeding
Nearly every mother who wishes to breastfeed can do so, and most babies can be nursed. Breastfeeding is a learned process that necessitates adaptation and development by both the mother and the baby. It is a skill that can be cultivated through patience and nurturing alongside your baby. You can find information about the breastfeeding process here, including tips and practical recommendations that will help breastfeeding be successful and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding can be a positive and successful experience
- If possible, it is advised to undergo breastfeeding preparation before giving birth. While this will not replace the necessity of learning alongside your baby, it will introduce you to essential concepts, potential challenges, and fundamental principles
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after delivery, lasting for at least an hour, significantly enhances the likelihood of successful breastfeeding later on. Even if breastfeeding is not fully active in those moments, the act of touching and connecting with the mother increases the chances of success in breastfeeding.
- Even after childbirth and at home, skin-to-skin contact can often help you and the baby calm down. Touching releases the hormone oxytocin, which is involved with both the development of breastfeeding and the feelings of bonding and love for the baby. Additionally, oxytocin helps with the release of other hormones that stabilize the baby and boost their immune system.
- A correct attachment of the baby’s mouth to the breast and positioning of breastfeeding
- The baby can stay by your side day and night after the birth. Typically, the recommendation is that babies sleep in their parents’ bedroom in the first year of life, and particularly during the first six months
- Breastfeeding in response to hunger cues
- Support from your surroundings can be instrumental in facilitating successful breastfeeding and its establishment.
To find information about the role of family support in breastfeeding
Factors that can hinder breastfeeding success
- Breastfeeding that adheres to a strict schedule.
- Separation between you and your baby.
- Feeding with another type of food, such as baby formula or water.
- Using a bottle for feeding: some infants become accustomed to the faster flow of milk from a bottle and may face challenges when transitioning back to breastfeeding.
- Using pacifiers and silicon nipples, particularly during the initial breastfeeding establishment period (the first three weeks after birth).
Tips for successful breastfeeding
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1Breastfeeding immediately after delivery
Studies have shown that breastfeeding immediately after childbirth is essential to establishing the process of breastfeeding in the long run.
- Try to breastfeed during the initial hour after delivery in the delivery room. At this stage, touching and attempting to breastfeed are more important than feeding or the technique itself.
- Even if you have had a cesarean section, you may request to have your baby placed on your chest right after delivery for a minimum of one hour. This direct skin-to-skin contact can significantly assist in initiating breastfeeding, especially following a surgical birth.
- Staying in the maternity ward or a motel under full-time rooming-in conditions, where you share the same room with your baby the entire time, is recommended. Research has shown that this arrangement promotes restful sleep for both you and your baby.
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2A good attachment is the first step
- Wait until the baby opens their mouth wide (like a yawn), and then gently and quickly attach them to the breast. Begin by attaching the chin and the lower lip, and then the upper lip. Be aware that you are bringing the baby to the breast and not the other way around.
- The ideal latch occurs when the baby is connected to your body: their belly against yours, their chin tucked in the breast, most of the areola in their mouth, and you can hear them swallowing. If you experience pain or discomfort, pause breastfeeding. Rest for several minutes and try to connect the baby once more
- To release the suction without hurting the nipple, gently put your finger between the baby’s mouth and the breast. The vacuum will be released, and the mouth will be distanced from the breast. If you have difficulty releasing, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the maternity ward staff.
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3Correct and convenient breastfeeding position
- Choose a convenient location, whether sitting or lying down.
- Try to choose a position that allows the best attachment to the breast.
- Bring your baby's body closer to you without bending (to prevent backaches).
- Turn the baby’s whole body toward you so that their face is against the nipple.
- You can use pillows under the opposite breast to support your arm or to lean on.
Supporting the baby’s body: ensure that your baby's buttocks, back, and nape (not the head) receive adequate support, aligning the ear, shoulder, and buttocks in a straight line. If you need to support your breast while breastfeeding, do so from underneath to avoid touching the nipple's areola with your fingers. You may find it comfortable to lean on a pillow.
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4Switching breasts during breastfeeding
- It is important to breastfeed from both breasts throughout the day to ensure equal milk production from each.
- Start each nursing session with one breast, and after the baby disconnects from the breast, hold them upright on your shoulder to let them release some trapped air. Many babies will burp when transitioning from one side to the other.
- After nursing on one side, you can offer the other breast. If the baby shows no interest, start the next nursing session with the breast you have not used in the previous feeding.
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5Breastfeeding according to demand
- To establish breastfeeding successfully, it is essential to breastfeed the baby according to their demand, even if it does not follow a regular schedule.
- In the baby’s first month of life, the average nursing frequency is from 8 to 12 times a day, at irregular intervals.
- Breastfeeding according to signs of hunger and satiety will help tailor milk production to the baby's needs.
- It is essential to identify the cues of hunger: signs of seeking (alertness, moving the head from side to side, hand-to-mouth gestures, and indications of sucking). Over time, you will get to know your baby and identify when hunger is approaching. Keep in mind that crying is a late hunger cue, so it is advisable to start nursing before your baby reaches this point.
- It is advised to let the baby nurse until they disconnect from the breast on their own or until they fall asleep.
- It is recommended to avoid the use of artificial nipples (such as pacifiers, bottles, or silicone nipples) until breastfeeding is well established, typically around 3 to 4 weeks after birth. The introduction of artificial nipples can potentially interfere with proper attachment and diminish the breast's essential stimulation, which plays a vital role in milk production.
- Breastfeeding the baby on demand teaches them about their hunger-eating-satiety mechanism, which is an essential mechanism in reducing the risk of overweight.
- As the baby grows up, the frequency of nursing will naturally decrease, and their mealtimes will be more regular and predictable.
The signs of successful breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should not hurt
In the first few days, your breasts may be sore and tender, and you will feel a mild pain. This is normal. However, as breastfeeding becomes established, you are not supposed to feel pain. If you experience pain and your nipple is painful or cracked, it is a sign that your baby is not latching properly, and you should seek help.
The baby’s reactions
You can actually see sucking movements and hear swallowing sounds. At the end of breastfeeding the baby shows signs of contentment and calmness.
The color of stool
During the first week, the color of a newborn's stool gradually changes from black to brown, then to green, ultimately reaching a yellowish color by the end of the week.
The frequency of bowel movements
- On the first day, expect at least one instance of both urine and stool.
- In the first few weeks, your baby may have 3 to 6 wet diapers with urine and approximately 3 bowel movements daily.
- After the first month, you might notice a reduction in the number of bowel movements.
Weight
It is normal for a baby's weight to decrease during the first few days after birth. However, an increase in weight is typically expected between the 5th and 7th days following delivery.