BREASTFEEDING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHEN WILL MY MILK
COME IN?
Usually within 2 to 5
days. Until then your baby will receive colostrum, a rich, high-protein
pre-milk that is just right for your baby during those first few days. |
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HOW SOON AFTER BIRTH
SHOULD I START TO BREASTFEED?
Most babies have a strong
desire to suck when they are first born, so this is an excellent time to
introduce the breast. Many mothers offer the breast while still on the
delivery table. The baby should go to breast within 30 minutes of
delivery or as soon as possible. |
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I
BREASTFEED AT FIRST?
Frequency:
Most babies need to
breastfeed at least 8 to 12 times every 24 hours for the first few
weeks. This can be every hour to 2 hours. Watch for your baby's hunger
cues. Rooting, turning head side to side, licking, bringing hands to
face/mouth, or making little sucking motions are all indications that it
is time to breastfeed. Respond to cues early. Don't wait till the baby
is crying. A crying baby is more difficult to latch.
Duration:
Let the baby stay on the
first breast as long as he wants. He'll let you know when he's finished
by either coming off by himself or by changing his suck to
non-nutritive. You can burp the baby and offer the other breast. He may
or may not take it. Again, let him decide the duration. It might be for
just a few sucks or for much longer. Start the next feeding with the
breast that received the least attention (second breast) at the last
feed. |
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HOW DO I KNOW IF MY
BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH?
What is
enough?
Babies need to nurse 8 or
more times in 24 hours to get enough milk. Nursing this often will also
help bring in your milk. Your milk will probably come in about 2 -
5 days after your baby is born.
For the first few days you should count wet
diapers. There should be one wet diaper for each day of your baby's
life. For example: 1 day old - 1 wet diaper, 2 days old - 2 wet diapers,
etc., up to the 5th
or 6th day.
After your milk comes in
and your baby has been getting your milk for 24 hours, watch for these signs...
Your baby
is probably getting enough if... |
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Your baby nurses 8 or more
times in 24 hours. It is normal for very young babies to wake up often
to nurse. Your baby has 2 or more
bowel movements every 24 hours.
The bowel movements are
changing from black and sticky to a yellow liquid.
You can hear your baby
swallow while nursing.
Your baby is usually
active when awake. |
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Get help if you see any of
these signs...
Your baby has a very dry mouth.
Your baby's skin or eyes have a
yellow color.
Your baby doesn't wake up to be
fed.
Your baby does not nurse well.
You feel your baby does not look
well. |
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To get help with breastfeeding...
Call LMHS Lactation Services: (239) 432-3186 |
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IF I GET SICK, SHOULD I STOP NURSING?
With very few exceptions, continuing to nurse protects the baby. Your breastmilk is full of antibodies that are passed on to your baby. On the
occasions when your baby does become ill, he will be less sick and
recover faster because of the antibodies in your milk. |
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IF I MUST TAKE A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, SHOULD I STOP
NURSING?
There are very few drugs that would prevent you from nursing your
baby. Call your lactation consultant for information on acceptable or
alternative medications. LMHS Lactation Services: 239-432-3186. |
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SHOULD BREASTFEEDING HURT?
Beyond some initial tenderness, breastfeeding should not hurt. If
breastfeeding is painful, take the baby off the breast and begin again.
If breastfeeding continues to hurt or bruises, blisters, or scabs
develop on or around your nipples, contact a lactation consultant. LMHS
Lactation Services: 239-432-3186. |
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If you did not find your breastfeeding issue
addressed here, please do not hesitate to call. Office hours are, Monday
- Friday, 8AM - 4PM (excluding holidays). After hours and weekends you
may leave a voice message. Messages are returned no later than next day,
seven days a week.
LMHS Lactation Services:
(239) 432-3186.
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