Nov 01 2007
Successful Breastfeeding Tips (part 2)
Continue from part 1…
When Baby Is Born, in Hospital
Begin Breastfeeding ASAP
It is crucial to start breastfeeding early, preferably in the first hour. This is to give the signal to your body to start making milk. During this period, don’t expect there will be milk flowing like you see in other moms who brags about how many ounces they get (myself included :P). What the breasts can produce during this period (some started even before baby is born) is called the colostrum. This yellowish, oil rich liquid is the most precious ‘gold liquid’ for the newborn.
Compared to matured milk, the colostrum has 3 times the antibody, 2 times protein, and higher vitamins A, E and growing factors (hormones).
Don’t worry about the volume. Newborn’s stomach is very small, only can accommodate around 20ml (4 teaspoon) of liquid. Newborn can only drink little but colostrum is thick enough to keep him satisfied for hours!
Feed On Demand
Whenever the baby has signs of hunger, breastfeed him. Allow baby to suckle as many times as he likes and as long as he likes until he is satisfied. This is what we call feeding on demand. Some doctors who are not breastfeeding supporters would ask you to fix a schedule of 2 or 3 hours, which can turn out to be a nightmare. Don’t listen to them, coz that’s the mistake I made with Ian - we had to suffer listening to Ian cried for 2-3 hours, after listening to that paediatrician.
Feed Until Baby Satisfied
Breastmilk comes in 2 parts: foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk has higher water content, aims to quench baby’s thirst. It also has higher antibody (if I recall correctly). Hindmilk comes after foremilk, richer and has more fat. It is important to empty one breast before offering the second. It takes about 15 mins to empty one breast - but every baby is different, you’ll have to observe.
Ensure Paediatrician Supports Breastfeeding
As I used the ‘wrong’ paed, it turned out to be disasterous. It is recommended that you check for reputable paed that supports breastfeeding (or at least not against it), before baby is born. Request for that doctor before delivery, so you get the right support the moment baby is born.
Room-In With Baby
It is easier to have your infant stays and sleeps in the same room with you. This will not only help in breastfeeding, it helps bonding as well. If you are staying in NON baby friendly hospital, room-in will help to monitor what midwives give to your baby. But most of the NON baby friendly hospital do not allow room-in though.
No Dummies
Do not offer any pacifiers (artificial nipples) to baby. He should spend his time suckling on your breasts. Using dummies can cause nipple confusion, and baby will not want to suckle.
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