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Breast milk

  • Contains all the nutrients your baby will need for the first 12 months of life.
  • Contains antibodies to help protect your baby from infection.
  • Tends to lessen your baby's episodes of colic and constipation.

Mother's Diet: Your milk production depends on an adequate amount of calories and rest

  • Eat a well-balanced diet emphasizing protein and calcium
  • Continue prenatal vitamins as long as you are nursing.
  • Include several glasses of fluid daily.
  • Avoid tension, anxiety and fatigue.

Signals your baby is hungry: You may notice signs your baby is hungry:

  • Sucking on fists or clothing.
  • Mouth moving in a sucking fashion.
  • Do not wait until your baby becomes frantic, as at this point your baby may fall asleep.

Positioning: There are several positions you may use to nurse. In general it is best to hold your baby in a chest to chest position so that your baby does not have to bend uncomfortably to reach the breast. Undressing your baby and nursing "skin to skin" will promote bonding. Nursing positions include:

  • Reclining. Lay on your side, placing your baby on his or her side facing you. Your baby's head should rest on the upper arm of the arm closest to the bed with the forearm supporting your baby's back and legs. Curl up, bringing your baby's face to your breast closest to the bed.
  • Football Hold. Sit upright in a bed or comfortable chair. Cradle your baby with your baby’s head in your hand. Your forearm should support your baby's back and your baby’s legs should be tucked under your upper arm. Bring your baby's mouth up to the breast on the same side as the arm you are using

Timing: There is not a set schedule for infant nursing. Although most babies will nurse 8 to 12 times a day, the timing will be irregular. Most babies will lose a little weight during the first few days of life as they wait for your breast milk to come in. During this time they will be getting valuable colostrum. Most babies regain their birth weight by 7 to 10 days of age. In general:

  • Be flexible; don't maintain a rigid schedule.
  • Watch your baby, not the clock.
  • Remember each baby is different.

 


Starting breast feeding: Nurse in a position that is comfortable for you and your baby. Begin nursing each time on the side you finished nursing on the last time. Start out nursing your baby for a few minutes on each side and gradually work up to 5 to 15 minutes on each side. When you first start nursing, feed your baby every two to three hours. This will help build up your milk supply. Using a bottle is not recommended until two or three weeks of age to avoid nipple confusion.

  • Use your cupped palm and thumb to hold your breast and offer it to your baby.
  • Gently stroking your baby's lips downward with your nipple should cause your baby's mouth to open.
  • Do not force your nipple into the mouth.
  • Your baby's mouth should cover your nipple
    and most of the areola (the ring around the
    nipple).
  • If your baby's cheeks are dimpled or your baby is making clicking sounds, your baby may not be latched on properly.
  • If it is painful to nurse, your baby may not be latched on properly or may not be sucking correctly; please give us a call.
  • Suction can be broken by slipping your clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth.

Signs your baby is feeding well

  • Your baby is gaining weight.
  • Your baby is alert and active.
  • Your breasts feel less firm after feeding.
  • Your baby makes sucking and swallowing sounds throughout the feeding.
  • After the first few days of life, your baby will have at least five wet diapers and three to six loose, seedy stools a day.

Storage of breast milk: If for any reason, you are unable to breast feed your baby, it is possible to pump and store your milk. There are several different types of breast pumps including the hand-held pump and electric pump. We may be able to help you decide which pump best fits you and your baby's needs. We recommend the following guidelines:

  • Breast milk may be stored in the refrigerator up to five days.
  • Breast milk may be stored in a freezer for three to four month or in a deep freezer for six months.
  • Frozen breast milk that has been thawed should not be frozen again.
  • Thawed breast milk will separate; shake well before using.

Vitamins

If your baby is being breast fed, there is a concern that your baby is not getting enough vitamin D. This is especially concerning in Minnesota during the winter months where sunlight is needed to activate vitamin D. Partners in Pediatrics recommends a supplemental vitamin containing vitamin A and D for your baby if you are nursing. This is available without a prescription. Fluoride and iron supplementation is recommended in babies who are strictly breast fed after six months of age. If you have any concerns, please discuss this with your provider.
 
 
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