First Feedings
- Breastfeed your baby the first hour after birth. Keep your baby with you at all times so you can feed him often.
- The first milk is called Colostrum, which protects your baby from germs and sickness. Formula cannot do this.
- Feed your baby often during the first week. This demand for food will tell the breasts to make breastmilk. Feeding every one to three hours is best. Do not let more than three hours pass during the day between feedings.
Positioning
Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet elevated on a stool. Or, lay a pillow on your lap to bring the baby closer to your breast and avoid straining your back. Another position is to lie down on the side you begin to reastfeed from. Vary the position as you both learn to breastfeed. Use extra pillows to help support your back and arms.
Support your breast with your four fingers underneath and your thumb on top. For privacy, use a baby blanket or towel over your shoulder. Wear shirts that open in the front or you can easily pull up from the waist.
NEXT WEEK: Getting Baby to Latch On and Increasing Breast Milk!
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Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant
