Nursing

From LoveToKnow Pregnancy

Nursing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. Not only are you providing the best nutrition for your baby, but breastfed babies may have higher IQs and fewer illnesses.

Nursing

The First Nursing

After birth, babies are born in the quiet/alert state. This is the perfect state to attempt the first breastfeeding session.

After your baby is delivered, take a moment to hold him/her. Cry, laugh, take pictures, and thank your partner. If there is only a small bit of repair work to be done on your perineum due to tearing or an episiotomy, you can wait until it is complete before breastfeeding your baby. However, if there is a great deal of repair work to be done, ask your doctor and nurse if you can breastfeed during the repair work.

Tips for the First Feeding

There are a few simple tips you can follow to have a successful first nursing session:

  • Attempt to breastfeed within an hour (preferably less) after birth.
  • Get comfortable.
  • Have a nurse, your midwife, doula or partner help you position your body and baby with pillows.
  • Tickle your baby’s lower lip with your nipple until your baby opens his/her mouth very wide.
  • Do not let your baby chew or suck on the nipple, but on the whole areola.
  • Remember that nursing may be uncomfortable in the beginning, but it should not be painful.
  • Be patient—-the first breastfeeding is not for feeding, but for learning.
  • Attempt to breastfeed on both breasts if possible.
  • If possible, nurse skin-to-skin and throw a blanket over the two of you.
  • If you are having difficulty getting your baby to latch on, try to express a drop of milk for him/her to lick off.

Nursing Positions

There are a variety of nursing positions that can help with breastfeeding. You may find that you or baby prefers one position over another. You may also find that a certain position is better for nighttime feedings.

Cradle Hold

In the cradle hold, you start by raising your baby to your breast using pillows and your lap. Rest your baby in your arm so his/her neck rests at or near the bend of your elbows, his/her back along your forearm and his/her bottom in your hand. Be sure your baby’s head is higher than his/her tummy and let the pillow support your arm and your baby’s weight. Wrap your baby’s body around you. Doing this will relax your baby and his/her sucking muscles.

This position is the easiest position to learn and the best position to start with.

Cross Cradle Hold

In the cross cradle hold, you are doing the opposite of the cradle hold. The hand nearest the breast supports and shapes your breast. Your other hand supports the nape of the baby’s neck with fingers below the baby’s ears. Your forearm and pillow supports your baby’s body.

This position is helpful if you are feeding a premature baby or with a baby having difficulty latching-on.

Football Hold

In the football hold, your baby breastfeeds against your side, not your stomach. The hand nearest your breast cradles the nape of your baby’s neck. Your baby’s bottom should be against the back of the chair you are sitting in. Your other hand supports and shapes your breast.

This position is helpful for mothers who have had a cesarean, mothers with large breasts, or mothers with breasts that are very full.

Achieving Proper Latch-on

The key to successful nursing is getting your baby to latch on successfully. The following tips will help, but if breastfeeding is painful or your nipples are cracked and bleeding you should contact your local La Leche League or a lactation consultant.

  • Get your baby to open his/her mouth wide.
  • Always bring your baby to your breast. Don't bring your breast to the baby.
  • Aim your nipple into the center of your baby’s mouth and draw him/her onto your breast quickly and closely.
  • Your baby should be feeding on the areola (the darker portion of your breast), not the nipple.
  • Your baby’s lips should not be tucked inward. They should be fishlike around your areola.

You know your baby is latched-on properly if:

  • It does not hurt. Nursing should never hurt, though it may be uncomfortable in the beginning
  • Your baby’s nose touches your breast.
  • Your see the pink of your baby’s lips.
  • There is no leaking of milk from the corners of your baby’s mouth.
  • Most or all of the areola is inside your baby’s mouth.
  • Your baby’s jaw moves rhythmically.
  • You hear a swallow. However, the first few days there may be 5-10 sucks before you hear a swallow.

 


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