Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

You're home with your new baby ... now what do you do? It's normal to feel overwhelmed by this awesome responsibility, but sit down and relax.

The authors of "Nursing Your Baby," Karen Pryor and Gale Pryor, advocate a "40-day rule" of taking it easy and adjusting to your new role. "Perhaps 40 days of 'doing nothing' seems a ridiculously long time to you, or an unattainable luxury. But there are many generations of experience behind that widespread tradition." The authors also point out that this period of rest is especially important for moms who will soon be returning to the work force. "If you overdo now, you may find yourself paying for it later, with weeks, even months of fatigue that could have been mitigated by a little more early rest."

10 Tips to Ease Your First Weeks Breastfeeding

1. Enjoy the "honeymoon" with your baby. These early weeks are for getting to know each other. You'll definitely be tired, so rest! Cut back on all outside activities, and get the help you need around the house. Breastfeeding is nature's way of making sure you get the rest you need. Take care of yourself by eating well, drinking enough water, and getting some sleep while your baby naps. The more rested you are, the more you'll be able to enjoy your new little one.
2. Create a "nursing nest." Choose a comfortable, supportive chair surrounded by some of your favorite things, such as pillows, a footstool, a book or magazine, water and a healthy snack, your iPod, and the TV remote. In the first weeks you'll be nursing a lot, so make yourself as comfortable as you can. Nursing in the same place, with the same routine, also benefits breastfeeding. Milk let-down is a conditioned response and your body will better respond in the early weeks if you maintain a routine.
3. Allow lots of practice time. In the early weeks, frequent feeds -- around 12 times a day -- are common and recommended. Allowing your little one to satisfy both nutritional and sucking needs at your breast in the early weeks helps keep your supply abundant and finely tuned to your baby's needs. Your breasts will also be less engorged, encouraging easy latch-on.
4. Calm your baby before putting her to your breast. Feedings are much easier if you catch your baby showing early signs of hunger such as sucking sounds and/or lip movements, rapid eye movement, and changes in facial expression. A hungry, crying baby can be difficult to settle at the breast.
5. Proper positioning and attachment make all the difference. The positioning mantra is "chest to chest, chin to breast." As you bring your baby to your breast, her nose should be level with your nipple. Tickle baby's lips with your nipple to get her to open wide and take in a good mouthful of your breast -- at least one-half to one inch of your areola. When properly positioned, breastfeeding should be comfortable. Your baby's nose should rest very close to your breast, her chin should press into your breast, her lips should flange out, not fold in ("fish lips"), and more of your areola should show above your baby's upper lip than below the lower lip.
6. Let your baby finish the first breast first. Forget timed feeds and switching breasts; that's old school. If your baby is relaxed and satisfied after one breast, you can stop right there and offer the unused breast at the next feed. This lets your baby access more of your rich hindmilk, which helps keep her satisfied for a longer period of time (and some say reduces colic). Research shows that babies nursed from one breast per feed get just as much milk in a 24-hour period as babies nursed from both breasts. If your unused breast feels uncomfortable, express just enough milk for comfort.
7. Sometimes you need to wake a sleepy baby. This can be hard for tired, new parents. If your baby isn't nursing every two to three hours during the day, with one longer five-hour stretch at night, it's important to rouse her. Watch for hunger cues during sleep. If your little one tends to fall asleep early in a feed, try skin-to-skin contact and a little breast massage (massaging toward the nipple), which helps your milk begin to flow.
8. Help your baby adjust to your schedule. Nighttime feeds are par for the course in the early weeks, but your daytime routine can encourage nighttime sleep. Nurse your baby frequently, at least every two to three hours during the day, even if you need to wake her. This should give you one longer stretch at night to sleep. For naps, put your baby down in a well-lit room where she can hear normal household sounds.
9. Get the support you need. If you have problems breastfeeding, see a lactation consultant (IBCLC) who will observe a complete feed and offer recommendations. Choose a pediatrician who is breastfeeding friendly. Get referrals from friends who have successfully nursed their babies. Surround yourself with other women who breastfeed. If you don't know any, visit a local La Leche League group. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals can make all the difference in your breastfeeding relationship.
10. Practice makes perfect. Some babies (and moms) just take longer to get the hang of breastfeeding than others -- and that's okay!

Safety Notes

• You can be sure your baby is getting enough milk with diaper and weight checks. By day three your baby should wet at least five to six disposable diapers and have at least three to four (quarter-size) bowel movements each day. If baby's output isn't in this range, it's wise to get a weight check to be sure she is gaining weight normally. Babies typically regain their birth weight within 10 days to two weeks after birth and then gain an average of four to six ounces per week during the first three months.
• If you have problems breastfeeding, while you are getting hands-on help, it's important to regularly express your milk with an automatic electric double breast pump.