All you've ever wanted to know about breastfeeding.

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Although most healthy women are able to produce enough milk for their baby, one of a new mother's main concerns is whether the baby is getting enough food.

1. When should I first nurse the baby?
It is best to first feed the baby immediately after birth, if possible. It is normal for a newborn to be nursed a second time 6 hours after birth. Each time you nurse the baby during your stay at the hospital, you should be able to spend as much time with him as you need. With the exception of a caesarian section, you will normally be the one picking up and returning the baby to and from the nursery.

2. When should I feed the baby?
It is recommended to first nurse the baby while still in the labor room, after which you should respond to the baby's individual needs. It is best to feed the newborn each time he shows signs of hunger such as: increased activity, wakefulness, or when it seems that he is searching for a breast. It is recommended to breastfeed a newborn between 8 and 12 times a day. At the hospital, you should request to be able to take your baby from the nursery for breastfeeding, with the exception of night time, at which the nurses feed the newborns. If you wish to breastfeed at any hour, you can request for your child to be rooming in with you.

3. What are the benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby?
Breast milk is a complete food source. It contains all the nutrients your baby needs, including hormones and disease-fighting compounds absent in formula. These compounds can prevent many common ailments such as ear infections and diarrhea. Breast-fed babies are less likely to suffer from stomach aches, allergic reactions and childhood cancer and diabetes. Studies also show that breastfed babies are less likely to be victims of crib death. Apart from the brain-building, infection-fighting benefits of mother's milk, which no formula can duplicate, nursing helps build a special bond between you and your baby, helping the baby adjust to his new environment. When you nurse, your child thrives on the skin-to-skin contact, the cuddling, and the holding.
Breastfeeding is also healthy for the mother. Breastfeeding may reduce your risk to develop breast cancer and reproductive organs cancer. It also reduces the risk for osteoporosis.
During the pregnancy your body prepares for breastfeeding by accumulating and storing excess fat. When you breastfeed this fat is burned off, and so you are more likely to regain your pre-pregnancy figure.
Although initially you may experience some stomach cramps while breastfeeding, these cramps, while unpleasant are a sure sign that your uterus is shrinking back to its natural size.

How is milk formed?
Milk is produced by glands that are located in your breasts.
After it is formed, the milk passes through the milk ducts to the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and reaches the baby's mouth through openings in the nipple. Milk is produced while you nurse, therefore, the more the baby eats, the more milk will be produced.

Should I wear a bra while breastfeeding?
It is recommended for your comfort, that you wear a nursing bra with wide adjustable straps, preferably of cotton (non-synthetic) material. It is not recommended to sleep with a bra.

When does milk first start appearing?
Colostrum, the first milk, a yellowish fluid rich in proteins, nutrients, and disease-fighting compounds is first formed during the pregnancy when the placenta is detached this is the ideal food for your baby in his first few days. Beginning on the fourth day the colostrum starts blending with mature milk. With the appearance of this mature milk your breast may feel tender and swollen. This uncomfortable feeling should steadily decrease within the first week after giving birth.

Which breast should I give my baby?
The baby should be allowed to suck from one breast until he seems satiated. The baby's diaper should then be changed, after which your other breast should be offered to the baby.
It is recommended you alternate breasts at each feeding.

How should I prepare myself for a feeding?
It is important to find the coziest, most comfortable position for you and your baby. The breast should be massaged before and while you are nursing in order to urge the flow of milk. Prepare a cloth nearby in case the baby spits up. Also have a drink handy to satisfy your own thirst.

Do I need to give the baby water in addition to breast milk?
Breast milk is composed of 90% water. Therefore there is no need to give the baby additional water in his first few months. If the weather is particularly hot, it is recommended for the mother to drink more than usual and nurse more often.

How can I tell if my baby is eating enough?
There are five sure ways to know that your baby is satisfied:

1. I n the first four days of his life, the baby should wet about 3 diapers a day with light colored urine, after which he should wet about 5-6 diapers a day.
2. Stool should be runny and yellowish and is passed about 4 times a day in the first 5 weeks of the baby's life.
3. The baby should make gulping noises while nursing
4. The baby should gradually loosen his fists
5. The baby's body should be relaxed after he is finished nursing.

How long should I wait after nursing before I burp my baby?
You should wait a few minutes. It is important to lay the baby on his back after the meal.

How do I care for my nipples while nursing?
1. A correct position while nursing is operative: the baby should be snuggled close to your body (stomach to stomach).
2. Your nipple and areola should both be in the baby's mouth. This is more effective and less painful.
3. The baby's lips should be wide open while he is nursing.
4. If the baby is nursing correctly, you should feel some pull on your nipple
5. The nipple should air dried after you are finished nursing.
6. You may want to rub some breast milk around and on your nipple
7. Do not wash nipples with soap. Only with water.
8. If you are using silicone nipple ask a nurse for guidance.
9. If nipple irritation occurs as a result of breastfeeding try using a cream such as Pur-Lan or consult with a pharmacist as to which ointment to use.

Engorged breasts
Within two to five days after you give birth, you may find that your breasts feel swollen, tender, throbbing, lumpy, and uncomfortably full. The reason for this is an imbalance between the amount of milk the breast produces and the amount of milk the baby needs. Although there is no way to avoid this, there are a few things you can do in order to keep the soreness to a minimum:

Preventive treatment
1. While your baby's nursing, gently massage the breast he's on. This encourages milk to flow and will help relieve some of the tightness and discomfort.
2. Nurse frequently — every two to three hours — even if it means waking your baby.
3. To soothe the pain and help relieve swelling, apply cold packs to your breasts for a short period after nursing. Crushed ice in a plastic bag also works well.

Fortunately, engorgement passes pretty quickly. You can expect it to diminish within 3 to 5 days, and nursing your baby will ease the problem. When your breasts balance the amount of milk they produce with your baby's milk, the engorgement will pass.

How do I care for a sore nipple?
1. Expose it to air at every possible occasion
2. Consult with a nurse or physician as to which cream to use.
3. Change nursing position often. This way, the pressure from the baby's gums is spread to different areas of the nipple.

What is considered fit nutrition for a nursing mother?
1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.
3. Continue taking Iron supplements at the same dosage as during pregnancy
4. Keep your diet rich in calcium

Are there any foods I should avoid while breastfeeding?

There is no specific food you should avoid, yet you should monitor your baby's reaction to food you eat. If you feel that certain foods you eat result in the baby having more gas, simply avoid it for the duration of the nursing period
Article taken from "Lis Maternity Hospital" Monthly

Test your breastfeeding knowledge

· Do you feed your baby anytime he or she wants to be fed?

· At least 8-12 times every 24 hours?
· The baby should not sleep more than 3-4 hours at a time during the day
· Do you let your baby nurse from the same breast until he seems finished?

· Allowed to suck on the other breast
· The baby's diaper should then be changed and allowed to nurse on the other breast
· Alternate breasts between feedings

· Do you feel a strong but painless pull on your nipple while the baby is sucking?
· Yes
· No

· Does your baby wet enough diapers in a day?
· 3 wet diapers a day for the first 4 days after birth.
· 5-6 wet diapers a day as of the fifth day after birth.

· Has your baby gained weight?
· The baby has returned to his or her birth weight within two weeks
· The baby has gained at least 15-40 gr. a day?

· Does your baby demonstrate all signs that he is eating enough?
· Gulping sound while nursing
· Loosens his fists gradually
· His body is relaxed after a feeding

· While nursing, do you place your baby in a comfortable position that allows him to have a hold on the nipple and areola with his mouth?
· Yes
· No

· Is your baby's stool runny and mustard colored- and at least twice a day?
· Yes
· No

If you answered no to one of the questions above or you have any more questions feel free to contact the Lis Maternity Hospital.

Article taken from "To be a family" monthly, October 2000.
"Some men are delighted to watch their partner while she is nursing. Each time the woman nurses, they are filled with pride, and she receives encouragement and support from the happy man. One of the reasons for this support is that breastfeeding allows you to better connect with your feminine side."