How soon after childbirth can I begin to breastfeed?
In most cases, breastfeeding can begin soon after birth. Newborns are often ready to nurse right away and may naturally move toward the breast, open their mouth, and start sucking. The first couple of weeks can take patience. For many families, breastfeeding becomes easier as both mother and baby learn the rhythm together.
How do I breastfeed my child?
When youu2019re ready to feed, try to get into a comfortable position. Hold your breast with one hand and gently touch your babyu2019s lower lip with your nipple. When your baby opens wide, bring the baby close to your breast and guide the nipple into the mouth. It often helps to remember this simple tip: bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby.
You may need a few tries to find the right latch. But thatu2019s common, especially early on.
How long should a breastfeeding session last?
Itu2019s usually best to let your baby set the pace. Many newborns nurse for about 10 to 15 minutes on each breast, though some feed more quickly and others take longer. Very long sessions, such as 30 minutes per side, can sometimes suggest that your baby is not getting milk efficiently. If youu2019re concerned, a hands-on evaluation can help.
How will I know when it is time to feed my baby?
Hunger cues often show up before crying starts. Your baby may nuzzle the breast, make sucking motions, or bring hands to the mouth. Crying is usually a later sign of hunger. In the first week of life, many babies feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, so frequent nursing is often normal.
How will I know if my breastfeeding is nourishing my baby properly and whether or not supplemental nutrition is needed?
For most healthy, full-term breastfed babies, breast milk provides all the nutrition needed for the first six months of life. In general, extra water, juice, formula, iron, fluoride, or solid foods are not needed during that time and may not be helpful. In some situations, a baby may need a supplement, but that is the exception and should only be done under a physicianu2019s guidance.
If youu2019re unsure whether your baby is feeding well, talk with your pediatrician or our team at Mesbah OB/GYN.
Will I need to change my diet when it is time to feed my baby?
Yes, breastfeeding usually increases your nutritional needs. Your body is making milk, so you need enough calories, fluids, and key nutrients to support that process. A balanced diet matters, and many mothers need a little more food than before pregnancy.
General guidelines often include:
- Eating about 500 extra calories a day, or roughly 2,500 calories daily for many women
- Getting about 1,000 mg of calcium per day
- Asking your physician whether a daily vitamin is right for you
- Watching for foods that may seem to upset your baby
- Drinking at least eight glasses of liquid each day
If your baby becomes fussy, develops a rash, has diarrhea, or seems congested after nursing, let your doctor know. Sometimes food sensitivities may be involved.
How do I continue breastfeeding after I return to work?
If you plan to keep breastfeeding after returning to work, a breast pump can be very helpful. Some mothers also express milk by hand. Itu2019s a good idea to talk with your employer ahead of time about pumping breaks, storage space, and a private place to pump.
Practice using the pump a few weeks before your first day back. You should also store milk safely and introduce your baby to bottle or cup feeding in advance if needed. Talk with your doctor or your babyu2019s doctor about the right time to begin that transition.
How much milk can I pump in advance and how should I store it?
Babies do not always take the same amount at every feeding, so it often makes sense to store breast milk in small amounts at first. One- or two-ounce portions are usually a good starting point. Smaller containers are easier to thaw, warm, and use without wasting milk.
As your baby grows and becomes more used to stored milk, you may notice that feeding amounts become more predictable. At that point, you can adjust storage amounts as needed and still keep some smaller portions available for times when your baby wants a little more.
For mothers who rely entirely on pumped milk, direct breastfeeding when possible can still provide some benefits that are unique to nursing at the breast.
Breast milk can be stored in glass or hard plastic bottles with tight lids, or in bags made specifically for breast milk. Avoid containers made with BPA. Breast milk storage bags are designed to help protect nutrients and protective qualities. They are thicker than standard bottle liners, which may split when frozen. Since freezing can destroy some white blood cells, refrigerating milk is a smart choice when you plan to use it within several days.
Should I continue breastfeeding if my baby is sick?
Yes, in most cases breastfeeding should continue if your baby is sick and able to feed by mouth. Breast milk contains antibodies that are tailored to help fight illness, and it is easy to digest. Nursing can also be very comforting for a baby who feels unwell.
Even when a baby has a cold or congestion, breastfeeding is often easier than bottle-feeding. If youu2019re worried about your babyu2019s symptoms, contact your pediatrician.
Are there any OTC drugs or supplements that I should avoid while breastfeeding?
Usually, the answer is yes, you should check first before taking anything new. Nearly all medications taken by a mother pass into human milk, but typically in very small amounts. In most cases, breastfeeding does not need to stop when a mother takes prescription or over-the-counter medicine.
There are a few helpful rules of thumb:
- If a drug is commonly prescribed for infants, it is usually considered safe during breastfeeding because the baby would receive a smaller amount through milk than from a direct dose.
- Drugs that are safe during pregnancy are, with few exceptions, also safe while nursing.
- When in doubt, ask your pediatrician, obstetrician, or pharmacist before taking a medication or supplement.
If you need help reviewing a medication while breastfeeding, Mesbah OB/GYN can help guide you toward the safest choice.