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probably the most important part of
caring for your baby is breastfeeding
everyone knows how important it is and
yet every new bomb has questions about
it that's why we included breastfeeding
in our video series to help with at-home
newborn care a first step in
breastfeeding is setting the stage
create an atmosphere where you can relax
so you're not interrupted take the phone
off the hook and turn your cell or
smartphone to stand by gather the things
you will need including pillows a
burping cloth and a glass of water to
drink keep them all nearby while washing
your hands is important it is not
necessary to wash your breasts or
nipples before breastfeeding try to be
ready before the baby wakes up so that
the baby is not crying when you start to
feed to start position the baby so that
the baby is lying on the side facing
your breast bring the baby to the breast
not the breast to the baby make sure the
baby is positioned tummy to tummy with
you and to the level of your breasts
line up the baby's nose with a nipple
bring your baby onto the breast by
supporting the shoulders neck and head
make sure your hand is not at the back
of the baby's head the baby needs to be
free to self attach if the baby is
hesitating or not opening the mouth wide
enough try to elicit the rooting reflex
by tickling the baby's top lip and nose
with a nipple when the infant's mouth is
open wide bring the baby in quickly the
baby's nose chin and cheek should be
touching your breast your baby can
breathe through their mouth and nose
while breastfeeding your baby should not
cause pain or discomfort you should hear
or feel the baby suck and swallow
without any clicking sounds if you hear
clicking sounds this means that there
may be an improper latch on and the baby
is not feeding properly break the seal
between the baby's mouth and your breast
by inserting a clean finger into the
baby's mouth
then reposition the baby onto the breast
with a tighter seal also the baby's
cheeks should not be sucked in or appear
hollow the initial latch on may be
uncomfortable for the first minute but
then should ease up and feel like gentle
tugging if breastfeeding continues to be
uncomfortable the latch on may be the
problem
retry the latch on it's not unusual to
have to do this as much as 10 to 20
times to gain a proper latch on be
patient and keep trying remember that
when it comes to breast feeding some
feedings may take longer than others
breastfeed as long as the baby wants to
nurse on a breast when your baby stops
sucking on the breast or takes long
breaks try burping and then offer the
other breast when possible try and use
both breasts during feedings this allows
for softening of both breasts prevents
engorgement and improves milk supply
however it is alright if your baby falls
asleep after breastfeeding well on one
side remember that breastfeeding works
on supply and demand so don't limit
feeding times babies know how much milk
they need on their own watch the baby
not the clock if the baby falls asleep
after feeding on one side offer the
other breast when you start the next
feeding nurse your baby every hour and a
half to three hours during the day
measure the time from the beginning of a
feeding to the next feeding expect to
nurse your baby 8 to 12 times in 24
hours with a minimum of 8 feedings some
babies will cluster feed this is when
the baby will feed several times in a
row such as every hour for 4 to 5 hours
in a row offer your baby the breast
whenever you see signs of hunger these
include smacking lips sucking motions
sucking their hands or moving toward the
breast when holding as far as night
feedings it is normal for babies to wake
throughout the night for breast feeding
when your baby no longer needs to
breastfeed during the night your baby
will naturally stop waking you don't
need to teach your baby to sleep during
the night feeding frequently during the
daytime may help your baby sleep longer
during the night I know from talk
with many new moms that successful
breastfeeding requires patience devotion
and a loving approach we hope this
at-home newborn care video has helped if
you liked this how-to video on
breastfeeding look for the breastfeeding
basics video for more information
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