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Breastfeeding Basics Breastfeeding
Is Not Supposed To Hurt! For some, this is a revelation. Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt. Please don't let anyone tell you that traumatized nipples are something that you just have to endure until your nipples "toughen up". Here is what is normal. There is often some initial tenderness, especially as your baby first attaches to the breast. If this tenderness does occur, it tends to peak between three to five days postpartum, and is gone completely between days seven and ten. Cracks, bleeding and bruising are NOT normal. If you do have nipple pain, the first thing to do is check the baby's latch on and positioning as you breastfeed. What is proper latch on and positioning? Your baby's mouth should be open wide before you attempt latching on. Look for a yawn or try lightly tickling the baby's bottom lip with your nipple. When the baby's mouth is wide open bring the baby to the breast. Attempt to get as much of the breast into the baby's mouth. Look at the baby. Are the baby's lips turned out? Are the baby's ear, shoulder and hip all in line? Listen to the baby's sucking noises. Usually you will hear quick sucking at first and when the milk lets down the baby's sucking will become slower and steady. You should be able to hear swallowing after every one or two sucks. If you are feeling any discomfort or if the baby doesn't seem to be sucking well, release the suction. Insert your finger into the corner of the baby's mouth and then try to latch on again. In the early days the baby may fall off the breast during feeding. If this happens just release the suction and start again. How often should I be nursing? Or is my baby getting enough? You should be breastfeeding on demand at least 8-12 times per 24 hour period. During the first 3 days your baby may only wet 1-3 diapers and have 1 bowel movement per day. But after day 4 your baby should wet 5-6 disposable diapers and have 2-5 bowel movements every 24 hours. To keep better track of this over the course of the early days, try following the following guidelines:
Keeping track
of the input and output will help provide you with a way to know
whether your baby is getting enought breastmilk. If you baby is
not nursing 8-12 times every 24 hours and your baby's output is
less than what is mentioned above, call your pediatrician and a
breastfeeding counselor. |
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