When and how to start breastfeeding
The first time a new mom is faced with the task of breastfeeding her baby, a lot of doubts arise. In the classes of preparation to the childbirth they will have oriented you on how it has to be the initiation to the breastfeeding, but it is now when you really have to face the calm and trusting mome
The first time a new mom is faced with the task of breastfeeding her baby, a lot of doubts arise. In the classes of preparation to the childbirth they will have oriented you on how it has to be the initiation to the breastfeeding, but it is now when you really have to face the calm and trusting moment, and to generate that so special intimacy between the baby and the mother.
When to start breastfeeding
It is best to put the baby to the breast in half an hour after delivery. You should offer her the nipple and let her take it if she feels like it at that moment. You may be a bit sleepy, but the skin-to-skin contact will stimulate you and help you to have milk rise.
During the first hours you should offer your breast if you cry, and in case you spend a long time sleeping, you will wake up to breastfeed and avoid dehydration. Today it is recommended to breastfeed on demand, but during the first weeks of the baby you should try to make 8 daily doses.
When you start breastfeeding you probably do not have a large milk production. The first milk that the baby will get is called colostrum and it is a yellowish liquid. Its quantity is not abundant but it is very rich in nutrients.
In most women who are breastfeeding, the milk rise occurs between 48 and 72 hours after delivery, but during that time do not stop putting the baby to the breast constantly to continue taking Colostrum and help with its suction to stimulate milk production. If you have had a cesarean section, the rise of the milk may take a little longer, but still lets you hold on to your chest.
Do not worry if your breast is too big or too small, the size of the breasts does not influence the amount of milk they produce.
How to start breastfeeding: the position of the baby
The baby will make a suction effect sobre on the breast and use the tongue from front to back so that the milk can come out. For the start of breastfeeding to be effective and the baby to suckle well, it must be properly attached to the breast. There are several possible positions: sitting, lying on the bed or with the baby facing your side. You have to find the position that you like, but the most important thing is that
you are both comfortable and calm . Being nervous, agitated or stressed will not help and the baby will perceive this feeling by rejecting the chest.The most recommended position is one in which
the navel of the mother hits against the navel of the baby, so the baby will hold onto the breast from below. It will be easier if your head and body are in a straight line. You can brush your lip with your nipple to stimulate it to suck. The newborn has to introduce as much breast as possible in his mouth and should be more areola above his upper lip than below the lower lip. The baby's mouth has to be wide open and his cheeks have to be rounded while he sucks, never sunken to avoid hurting and cracking the nipple.If you have had a cesarean section, you will be more comfortable if you breast-feed in the bed on your side.
It is not convenient during the shots that you use the en fingers in the shape of a pincer
on the nipple, pressing so that more milk comes out. This act causes the baby can not get close to the chest and have all the nipple inside his mouth.
