Breastfeeding Tips
New breastfeeding benefits for mother and baby are being recognized everyday. Some are:
|
For the Mother |
For the Baby |
|
May promote weight loss |
May reduce risk of allergies and asthma |
|
May reduce risk for osteoporosis |
May reduce risk of anemia |
|
May reduce risk of ovarian, thyroid and endometrial cancer |
May reduce risk for certain communicable diseases |
|
May reduce or postpone the risk of developing diabetes subsequent to gestational diabetes |
May reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome |
The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that human milk is the ideal nutrition for optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of a baby’s life. The
following are a few tips to get breastfeeding off to a good start and achieve success:
- It is helpful to begin nursing within the first hour of a baby’s life.
- Proper positioning and latch on is very important for nursing to be comfortable and successful.
- Position baby at breast level
- Wait for baby’s mouth to open wide and bring baby toward you
- Baby’s ears, shoulders and hips are in a straight line
- When baby is positioned properly, the baby’s chin is pressed into the breast and lips are flanged out.
- Mother needs only to drink for thirst. She does not need to drink milk to produce milk.
- During the early days of life, frequent and unrestricted breastfeeding is most beneficial for mother and baby. 8 – 12 feedings in a 24-hour period (usually every 2 – 3 hours).
- Baby should be allowed to nurse as baby wants finishing first breast before moving to the next. At least 10 minutes per feeding.
- You can tell if baby is getting enough milk by monitoring the following:
- At least 5 – 6 disposable diapers (6 – 8 cloth diapers) every 24 hours.
- 2 –4 bowel movements per day.
- Birth to 3 months typical weight gain is 4 – 8 ounces per week.
Keep in mind that the above are just guidelines. Every nursing couple is unique. Support from family, friends, physicians and local support groups is very important. The Nursing Mothers Advisory Council’s number is 215-572-8044; they
welcome your calls.