Welcome to the world of parenting. Here you can learn about your newborn’s development week by week and get ideas about toys and activities to share with your new baby. We have advice on the best way to keep your baby safe , as well as tried and tested tips for soothing a fussy baby
Establishing breastfeeding
Babies are born wanting to suck, but feeling hungry and learning to eat are new for them.
By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of The Triumphant Child-Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.
Many babies breastfeed easily - other babies need help to get started.
Planning to breastfeed - arrival at the hospital and delivery
- Inform your admission nurse of your decision to exclusively breastfeed.
- During labor, ask your nurse to help your baby latch onto the breast as soon as possible. The nurses can show you special ways to help with positioning. Something that seems so natural is really learned. Babies come out and desire to suckle, but they truly learn the steps of nursing during the first breastfeeding.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends delaying routine interventions such as weighing until after your baby has had her first breastfeed.
- The first feeding helps baby recover from the work of delivery. The labor and delivery process are a marathon and breastfeeding provides a wonderful boost to your baby’s blood sugar.
After delivery - learning about your new baby
- Most women are very excited to begin a new journey with their baby. I would encourage you to let the rapid pace of this world slow down and create some protected quiet time over the first few days and weeks, especially during the initial recovery time. Breastfeeding is the most important thing for you and your baby to learn before you go home from the hospital. So accept help from your nurse and lactation consultant. They want to help you create a feeding plan that works for you and your baby.
- Turn your cell phone to vibrate, switch off the TV, turn on quiet music, and lower the overhead lights because your baby will open her eyes more in dim rooms. Babies love voices and gentle touch. Make this your special time of introduction with your baby. If you are uncomfortable nursing in front of visitors, have them wait outside when you are nursing. Some hospitals have signs that can be posted on your door.
Parent Tip
"Something I did with my last baby (I got smart by then!), I made up a little caddy (basket) that had essential items in it to have handy while breastfeeding. Initially, feeding can be a lengthy process and I didn’t like being caught short hungry, thirsty, or needing other things. Sometimes when the baby is settled, you don’t want to have to get up to get something. I put the box next to where I breastfed my baby and in it were tissues, wipes, a book/magazine to read, a water bottle, phone, remote, spare breast pads, and healthy snacks that could be eaten with one hand, like an apple. Also, I always had a footrest, pillow, and light blanket in this area." JennyBy Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of The Triumphant Child-Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.
Related Tips
- Breastfeeding – breast milk basics (newborn)
- Your milk contains everything your baby needs to grow strong and healthy.
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- Breastfeeding - Sore nipples (newborn)
- Many mother's nipples get a little sore at first.
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- Breastfeeding positions (newborn)
- There are different ways you can hold your baby when breastfeeding.
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