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The First
Days of Breastfeeding
This page of
advice is for the breastfeeding mom during her hospital stay
from moments after delivery to the seventh day.
OFFER
THE BREAST WITHIN THE
FIRST HOUR OF BIRTH
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Babies are
often sleepy the first 24 hours. Offer your breast
every 2 - 3 hours but do not be concerned if your baby seems
uninterested.
-
After
the first 24 hours it is normal for babies to nurse
frequently. Let the baby feed as often as he likes day
and night.
-
Feed the
baby as soon as shows signs of hunger. Head turning
from side to side, fist to mouth, and lip licking are all
signs of hunger. Don't wait until the baby is crying!
-
Don't
let more than three hours pass between
feedings/attempts.
-
The
more often you feed the more milk you will have.
-
Breast
milk takes up to 5 days to "come in." Until then your
breasts produce small amounts of colostrum which fits
perfectly in your baby's small tummy. Colostrum is all
your baby needs the first few days.
-
Allow the
baby to finish the first breast before offering the second.
Don't rush! Depending on appetite, he may or may not
feed on the second breast.
-
For
greatest breastfeeding success, avoid the use of
bottles, pacifiers, and formula.
-
Expect 1
wet diaper on day 1 (one day - 24 hours), 2 wet diapers on
day 2, 3 on day 3, and so on up to day 7.
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Ask for
help. The first few days of breastfeeding can be a
challenge. Call your nurse for assistance or request a
Lactation Consultant, 239-432-3186, if a problem
persists.
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