Just after your labour and delivery you will meet your new born baby for the first time. This is a magical time that you will remember forever. It is also the ideal time to start breastfeeding your new born baby.
The midwife will normally place your infant directly on your chest after delivery. This is something you can discuss with your midwife in the early stages of labour or through your birth plan, to ensure you do skin-to-skin contact with your baby directly after delivery.
Your little one has a natural ability to self-latch onto your breast and will use their reflexes to move themselves gradually towards your breast and latching on. This will normally happen within the first hour or so of birth. However, if you have had an epidural or other pain relief during your labour or delivery, your baby’s exposure to these drugs may affect the instincts she needs to seek your breast and breastfeed. Therefore, your youngster may need a little more help from yourself and the midwife to latch onto the breast. Breastfeeding your new born baby within the first hour of life can help you to continue breastfeeding successfully.
Where to start?
- As a mother, you can help your baby to breastfeed by positioning your baby close to the breast and responding to your baby’s needs. Skin-to-skin contact is an ideal way to comfort your baby and respond to their needs.
- When your baby shows early signs of hunger, this is the ideal time to prepare to feed by getting comfortable. Have a glass of water by your side, as you can get very thirsty. Use pillows, cushions and a footstool to ensure you are comfortable whilst.
- Make sure you are in a well-supported, relaxed, position before you begin breastfeeding. If you are not lying down while feeding, allow your body to be in a semi-reclined comfortable position. Try to relax your body by using some deep breathing exercises. Relax your shoulders, neck and back.
- Respond to early signs that your baby is hungry. These include: baby moving their tongue/licking lips, their eyes fluttering before they open, moving their hands up to their mouth, moving their mouth or lips, moving towards the breast, or turning their head when you touch their cheek (rooting reflex). Crying is a late sign of hunger.
- Hold your baby close– baby should be able to reach your breast easily.
- Hold your tummy to baby’s tummy if in a cradle hold or a lying position. Support baby’s neck, shoulders and back. Allow your baby’s head to tilt back easily (do not restrict your baby’s head).
- Aim your nipple to baby’s nose or top lip. Touch the nipple to your baby’s top lip, then move your baby’s mouth back slightly to encourage baby to open her mouth wide. Her tongue needs to be forward, and bottom lip needs to be out. Her chin will touch your breast first and continue to touch your breast throughout feed.
- During the first few days your baby may need to be gently woken to begin breastfeeding.
- Your baby will breastfeed at least 8-12 times per 24 hours.
- Your baby will normally have at least one wet nappy on day one, at least two wet nappies on day two, at least three wet nappies on day three, at least four wet nappies on day four, and from day five until six months your baby should have at least six heavy wet nappies per day.
- Your baby will normally have at least one to two black or dark green nappies on day 1-2, at least three brown, green or yellow nappies on day 3-4, at least three soft and seed yellow nappies per day from day 5 until six weeks. From six weeks until six months, at least one or more dirty nappy every 1-7 days.
- Your baby’s stomach is only about the size of a small marble when she is born. It has the capacity to hold around 5-7mls of breast milk on day one. Therefore, your colostrum is just the right amount of milk for your baby’s tummy.
- Most babies loose about five to seven percent of their birth weight in the first three to five days, and your baby should regain this weight by day ten to 14.
- Your milk supply is determined by the stimulation your body receives. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.
- Try to rest and sleep when your baby is sleeping.
- Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced nutritious diet.
- If you deliver your baby in hospital, try to get as much help as possible from midwives and lactation consultants while you are in hospital.
- On discharge home, try to start attending a breastfeeding support group as soon as you feel able.
- Continue to surround yourself with positive, supportive people, who will support and aid your breastfeeding journey.
- Remember: breastfeeding is not meant to be PAINFUL. If you are experiencing pain or difficulties breastfeeding, seek help from a breastfeeding specialist, such as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a breastfeeding support group.
