Getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
If in doubt: Go Body to Body/Funk to Funky (keep reading!)
Here are some key things to focus on:
1. Early Skin-to-Skin Contact:
* Immediately after birth: If possible, have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after delivery, even after a C-section.
This helps to calm both of you, regulate your baby's temperature and breathing, and encourage their natural feeding instincts.
* Continued contact: Keep up with skin-to-skin contact in the days and weeks after birth. It's great for bonding, soothing, and continuing to stimulate milk production.
2. First Feed & Frequent Feeding:
* Within the first hour: Aim to have your baby's first breastfeed within the first hour of life if possible. If you and your baby are separated, colostrum harvesting (hand expressing) is really beneficial to assist your milk production. Ask your midwife or nurse for help.
* On demand feeding: In the early days, feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. This is often called "responsive feeding" and it helps to establish your milk supply. Don't worry about strict schedules, just feed your baby when they are hungry.
* Feeding cues: Look for early hunger cues like fluttering eyes, moving hands to mouth, mouth movements, turning their head when you touch their cheek (rooting), or moving towards your breast. Crying is a late sign of hunger and makes it very difficult to latch your baby on. If they are crying, calm them first and try again.
3. Positioning and Latch:
* Comfort is key: Get yourself comfortable and well-supported with pillows behind you.
Lead with the chin, when your baby's chin is touching the breast, this will help them to naturally open their mouth wide.
* Noses and nipples: Align your baby so their nose is in line with your nipple or ABOVE their nose so that they have to open up really wide and get a good big wide latch.
* Wide mouth: Wait for your baby to open their mouth very wide before bringing them to the breast. Even hold them back until they open up wide and swiftly move them in when they open their mouth really wide.
* Deep latch: Ensure your baby takes a good portion of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) into their mouth, not just the nipple, ideally more of the lower part of the breast than above the nipple. Don't worry too much what it looks like and focus more on how it FEELS. A good latch prevents sore nipples and ensures your baby gets enough milk.
* Experiment with positions: Try different positions like the cradle hold, cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying to find what works best for you and your baby. My personal favourite is the laid back position where you lie back, pop your baby on your chest and they usually self attach as this body to body (funk to funky) contact helps their feeding reflexes kick in.
4. Understanding Colostrum:
* "Liquid gold": In the first few days, you'll produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish milk that is highly concentrated with nutrients and antibodies. It's all your baby needs in these early days.
* Small amounts are normal: Don't worry if it seems like a small amount; it's perfectly suited for your newborn's tiny stomach.
5. Avoid bottles and soothers initially:
* Prevent nipple confusion: In the early weeks, it's generally recommended to avoid bottles, teats, or dummies if possible, as the sucking action is different from breastfeeding and can confuse your baby. This helps them to establish a strong breastfeeding technique.
If you do use a bottle, ensure the feeds are paced. (We will look at this on the blog later on).
6. Recognize When Your Baby is Getting Enough:
* Wet and dirty nappies: Your midwife or healthcare provider will guide you on how many wet and dirty nappies to expect. Check out your HSE breastfeeding booklet for an infographic.
* Audible swallowing: You should hear your baby swallowing milk during feeds at least a swallow every 2-3sucks.
* Satisfied baby: Your baby should appear content and sleepy after feeds.
* Weight gain: Your baby's weight gain will be monitored to ensure they are getting enough milk.
7. Seek Support early:
* Don't hesitate to ask your midwife, neonatal nurse, public health nurse, or a lactation consultant for help and support. They are a valuable resource. Ask for the lactation consultant in the hospital if you are still having issues.
*Source your local lactation consultant so that you can contact them if you need to.
* Breastfeeding groups: Joining local breastfeeding groups can provide a supportive community and a chance to share experiences and get tips from other mothers.
Remember: Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. It takes time, patience, and practice. You are learning together.
Don't be afraid to ask for help and if in doubt, try a laid back feed .. Body to Body (Funk to Funky) 😉
Nuala
