Breastfeeding: A Great Start for Baby
Here at EIRMC, exclusive breastfeeding is our goal for healthy babies. However, we support your personal decision and will help you be comfortable with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a combination of the two. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, please contact our Certified Lactation Consultant at 529-7171. Click here for additional helpful information about breastfeeding while at EIRMC.
Breast milk production starts out regulated by two hormones: prolactin, the fuel that forms the colostrums and then breast milk; and oxytocin, which releases milk from storage and sends it down to baby. Oxytocin makes your uterus contract to help slow down bleeding, and can make you very sleepy.
Sometimes infants lose weight in the first few days after birth during the colostrum stage, but they will be closely monitored by our nurses. Your mature milk comes in 3-5 days after the delivery. Mature milk has more fluids and fats and will help your baby regain any lost weight.
Here are tips to make breastfeeding your newborn more successful for you and your little one:
- Feed your newborn every 2-3 hours for 10-15 minutes per breast or 20-30 minutes total time. Your baby will need to feed 8-10 times a day.
- Since breast time helps increase milk production, always put baby to breast first before using other supplemental forms of feeding. Use only ¼ - ½ ounce of supplemental formula so your baby will still want to breastfeed at least every 2-3 hours.
- Watch your infant for signs of readiness to feed: rapid eye movement, mouth movement, slight body movement. Don’t wait for infant to wake up on their own; they may be so hungry that they cry, which can make it harder to latch.
- Wake up your baby prior to feeding. Hold their head up with your hands supporting head and neck and gently rub their back until eyes and mouth are open.
- Rub your nipple along baby’s lips until their mouth opens. Next, center baby’s mouth at your nipple. Gently push your baby to your breast, allowing for your baby to breath. The key to a good latch is getting the nipple and areola in baby’s mouth. Your baby’s gums will massage the areola and help facilitate milk release.
- Move your breast slightly or stroke your baby’s cheek when nipple is in their mouth. If your baby is not latched, this will help them feel the nipple.
- Gently touch your baby’s face, neck, underarms, stomach, back, knees, and feet randomly or move your breast intermittently while your baby is latched helps keep them awake and sucking.
- With a proper latch, there should be very little areola visible, and baby’s lips should not be touching. Baby’s mouth should stay in an open position.
- Repositioning often helps when infant is not latching. You may prefer the modified football hold when sitting up or the side position when lying down. Just ask your nurse or our Lactation Consultant to demonstrate, if needed.
- If your baby is not able to wake up for feeds with gentle stimulation or burping, watch for signs of waking. Infants go in and out of deep sleep every 30 minutes, so watch for rapid eye movement, mouth feeding cues or movement with body.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and take your prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. Certain foods may flavor your milk (garlic, spices) but no restrictions are given.
- Caffeinated beverages act as a diuretic and waste fluids need for breastmilk production, so increase water or hydrating fluids.
- The recommendation for pacifier use is to wait until breastfeeding is well established before starting.
