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Bab's first breastfeed. |
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Anonymous Author (October 2007) |
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Breastfeeding is an enjoyable amd rewarding means of feeding baby. How ever, being a first time mum it can be difficult and both Mother and baby will need to learn the art of breastfeeding. The midwife at your chosen birth hospital can be very helpful. Always remember to be paitent.
Remembering that all mothers and babies are unique and individual.
Breast milk is a high quality food which, nutritionally, is the most suitable for your baby. It has the benifits of being easily digested, always fresh and always avalible at the right tempreture for baby.
I have heard that breastfeeding also reduces the risk of many illnesses in your baby, including respiritory illness and ear infections, gastrointestinal disease, urinary tract infection, some cancers, inflammatory bowel disease and more.
Breastfeeding can help you return to normal weight and it also helps the uterus return to normal size more quickly.
I have heard that as early as six weeks into preganancy your breasts may begin to feel full and heavy and senitivity may start.
Babys first feed.
After birth, your baby will be placed in skin contact with you. Staying skin to skin with you will help your baby to stay warm and encourge him to seek the breast. Once he shows signs of wanting to feed, the midwife should assist you both to achieve good attachment.
Positioning & Attachment
Why is it important?
If your baby is well attached:
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He will feed and settle better
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He will drain the breast better and get more milk.
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Your milk supply will be enough for your baby ( Even if you have twins)
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Youe nipples will not be sore.
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Breastfeeding will be painless.
Sit upright in a comfortable chair, with good back and elbow support. Holding bub for an hour after birth can be quiet draining as you are usually exausted.
Unwrap the baby to allow easy handling and better positioning. If your baby's hand are in the way, wrap him in a loose sheet untill your confidence builds.
If you need to support your breast, use a "C" ( Thumb and for finger grip) with thumb opposite babys nose and fingers underneath breast. Keep your fingers well awy from your nipple and areola. Take care not to move the breast toward the baby. You may need to shape the breast a little to help attachment.
Support the baby behind his shoulders, at the base of the neck and with baby's body facing towards you and curved around your body. Babys lower arm may be by his side or around your waist.
The baby should be positioned with his top lip opposite your nipple. Encourage a wide gape in babys mouth by teasing babys mouth with the breast. When baby has a wide mouth ( Like a yawn) Bring him quickly onto the breast.
Bay to breast NOT breast to baby.
