Breastfeeding your baby

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk is considered the gold standard in infant nutrition as breast milk provides immunity factors and the proper balance of nutrients. It also helps create that special bond between you and your baby. The first few days will be a time of learning; both for you and for your baby! Be patient as you both become comfortable with breastfeeding, before you know it, breastfeeding will become second nature.

In the beginning, your breasts will produce colostrum which is a clear or yellowish fluid. This fluid is extra rich in essential nutrients. It may seem like a small amount but it is close to what your baby’s stomach can hold. Your baby will receive colostrum until your milk “comes in”. Your milk will change from colostrum to what looks more like skim milk by the third or fourth day of breastfeeding.

You may recognize your breasts have gone to being soft to feeling firm. Your breast milk will adjust to the needs of your baby for as long as you breastfeed. Breast milk changes its nutritional qualities to match the changing needs as your baby grows.

Your newborn baby may probably need to nurse every two to three hours. It is important that he feeds 8 to 12 times per day. You will need to wake up your newborn to feed him if he sleeps longer than 4 hours. As he gets older however, he will be able to go longer between feedings as his stomach can hold more and you’re producing more milk.

Feed your baby on demand, that is, whenever he’s hungry. Instead of watching the clock, you should look for signs that he is ready to eat, like nuzzling against your breast, rooting, sucking or putting his hand to his mouth, or crying.

You should let your baby nurse on the first breast for as long as he wants. If he stops for a while or falls off the breast, you should trying burping him. If your baby seems to be sleepy after nursing on the first breast, try playing with him or change his diapers then switch him to the next breast.

As your baby tend to suck more efficiently on the first breast he uses, it is advised that you alternate from feeding to feeding the one he uses first. A trick some mothers use to remember the side of the breast last used is pinning a safety pin to their bra on the side last used so they know where to start for the next feeding.

 If you are taking medication and breastfeeding, you need to consult with your pediatrician. While most medications pass into breast milk in concentrations that are not a threat to your baby's health, there may be some exceptions. Of course, recreational drugs are not safe for you or for your baby as they pass into breast milk.