10 Steps to start Breastfeeding

In many ways you can breastfeeding to your baby.

All you need is breast milk!

• Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeed for the first six months of your baby’s life.
• Breast milk is a wonderful gift to your baby that only you can provide.

Frequent breastfeeds — not formula.

• It is important to remember that babies do not eat on a schedule, and breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis.
• The more often you breastfeed, the more breast milk you make. If you give formula, your baby will feel too full to nurse frequently.

Feed early and often.

• Feed early and often — at least 8 to 12 times per 24 hours.
• Feed your baby on demand at the earliest signs of hunger.
• Remember that crying is a late sign of hunger.

The early days.

•  Long-term success with breastfeeding greatly depends on what is done the first few weeks after you deliver.
• A newborn needs very little breast milk for the first 3 to 4 days of life.
• Your baby will get colostrum from your breast to meet this need.
• Colostrum is the thick, golden “pre-milk” that offers many immunity benefits for your baby.
• On average, you can expect your milk to transition from colostrum (thick, golden “early milk”) to mature milk by the third day after delivery.
• Weight loss in your baby of up to 7% from birth weight is normal.
• Your baby should regain his birth weight by 10 to 14 days of life.

Latching on “Chin-to-breast, chest-to-chest”

Remember, if your baby is latched on and sucking correctly, it is normal to feel a tugging sensation without painful pressure on your nipple.

Look and/or listen for swallows.

To help you know if your baby is getting breast milk, look for signs and/or listen for sounds of frequent swallowing or gulping while breastfeeding.

Watch your baby, not the clock.

Allow your baby to set the feeding pace and breastfeed until he is finished.

Just say ‘no” to pacifiers and bottles

• Unless you plan to pump and bottle feed only, you should avoid pacifiers and other artificial nipples for the first 4 to 8 weeks.
• Giving bottles or pacifiers before this time can lead to “nipple preference” or “nipple/suck confusion.”
• If pacifiers and/or bottles are used when your baby is hungry, it may be difficult for you to hear or see your baby’s feeding cues. As a result, you may not be nursing often enough to make enough milk to meet your baby’s needs.

Just say “no’ to the supplemental formula unless…

• Do not give formula or other supplements unless there is a medical reason (such as your baby having low blood sugar or if your breast milk has not yet transitioned from colostrum to mature milk by days five to seven after delivery).
• Before supplementing your breast milk without a medical reason, discuss your decision with your baby’s doctor, lactation consultant and/or hospital nursing staff.

Ask for help — it’s worth it!

To give you and your baby the best chance at successful breastfeeding:

• Ask your nurse for help while in the hospital.
• Follow-up with your baby’s doctor as directed and/or with any concerns after you go home.
• Call our Warmline at 225-924-8239 or refer to your Woman’s Breastfeeding Guide for further guidance as needed.
• Don’t wait too long to get the help you need to make breastfeeding easier.

Buy baby care product