Getting Started With Breast Feeding

July 29, 2008

photo by happy-mami

With the new-born in hand, it’s no doubt that we mummies are eager to breastfeed them.  I do alot of read up on breast feeding and was aware that the best time to start breastfeeding is during the first our hour after giving birth and so I breastfeed that Ashton and Ashlyn soon after they arrive into the world.  However, I do face some hiccups when I started on my breastfeeding. Here’s some facts on breastfeeding which I hope will be helpful to expectant mothers and mummies who have just started breastfeeding.

Here are some problems that mummies are likely to face when you just started out on breastfeeding

1. Baby having the problem latching on.
2. Is the baby latch on correctly?  Is he just sucking or is he really drinking?
3. Have a hard time getting the hang of breastfeeding?
4. Worried that baby is not drinking enough?
5. Breast engorgement pain.
6. Getting sore nipples after baby feed.
7. Baby refusing to breastfeed.

Why is it important to breastfeed the baby during the first hour of birth?

• Colostrum known as the pre-milk that contains lots of beneficial substances, such as antibacterial and immune system booster for the babies which are not found on the formula.
• The baby is most alert during the first hour after they come to the world so its a good time to get them to latch on.
• It’s the baby’s natural instinct to suckle.

When does the milk flow starts to kicks in?

• The milk flow start of with the colostrum during the initial few days.  After 3 - 4 days, the milk flow will start to kick in.  After 10-14 days, the milk flow matures.  However, to regulates your milk flow, you need to breastfeed your baby frequently.  The supply of milk flow is dependent on the demand of the baby.  The more you breastfeed, more milk will be produced.

What are the signs to show that baby is hungry?

• Crying
• Nuzzle against mummy’s breast
• moving his lips as if he is sucking
• put his hands in his mouth

How do I know that baby is latch wrongly?

• He only sucks the tip of the nipple and his mouth did not cover the areola.

How do I prevent sore nipple?

• Latch and position the baby correctly

Ways to relieve engorgement?

• Having an engorgement is very uncomfortable.  I had swells all the way to my armpit and even had a fever when I breastfed Ashlyn.  Here are a few ways to relieve it.
• Breastfeed more frequently even if it means waking up in the middle of the night.
• If areola is hard and stiff, pump the milk out instead as latching the baby on might cause sore nipple
• Warm water helps to soften the areola.  Run under a warm showers or put a warm towel over your breast.
• Massage your breast gently while trying to nurse your baby as it will helps in your milk flow.
• Having an engorgement means you have the milk supply for your baby.

How to make sure that your baby is drinking enough?

• Track the number of wet diapers.  By the 4th day, baby should have minimum 5 - 6 wet diapers
• Urine is light yellow and not dark yellowish.
• Baby is sleeping well and looks healthy
• Baby gain weight steadily

Baby refuses to breastfeed

• When Ashlyn refuses breastfeeding, I pump the milk out and then slowly get her to try to latch on. Have lots of patience.
• The baby might not be latching correctly and the position you breastfeed is not to his liking
• The baby might be unwell.  Baby breath through their nose so stuffy nose might affect breastfeeding.

The kick start to breastfeeding is always the toughest.  It is normal that the baby is not latching on correctly.  That’s the common problem many mummies face. Speak to the breastfeeding consultant if need be,  It does not means that you are not doing a good job.  Give yourself and your baby ample of time to learn the technique well together.

These are the problems that I face while I breastfeed.  I welcome any mummies who are breastfeeding to share their experiences here.

Posted in Breast Feeding