Joy in Birthing

” Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou has sucked.” -Luke 11:27

Nature’s design for breastfeeding is incredible for every species. Breast milk contains everything needed for our babies. It is even different for the premature baby, to meets its specific needs. It changes to meet the needs of the growing infant. Breast milk is a living substance, gives immunity protection, and supports optimal growth and development. The colostrum (the first milk) lines the gut of the baby to create a seal against pathogens and provides many other important functions. An infant learns trust through nursing and having his needs met consistently and promptly.

The time a mother spends breastfeeding her baby can be one of the most fulfilling and often frustrating times for a new mother. Having lots of support and resources has become increasingly important for many women.
The environment and position in which you nurse the baby are important influencing factors. So is your state of mind. Find a position in which you are comfortable and take your time.

Presented here are general principles and ideas, if you have any concerns about breastfeeding hire a lactation consultant, contact your local la leche league www.llli.org visit www.kellymom.com which is a great source of info on breastfeeding. Also your postpartum doula can help you with breastfeeding if you are not having a serious problem and simply need information and/or encouragement.

Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for nursing at least 10 – 12 times per day (24 hours). Do not put your baby on a schedule; skin-to-skin contact is very important in the first weeks for milk production and bonding. Be patient milk will come and you have enough. Trust that your body knows what to do. Your milk should start to “come in” (increase in quantity and change from colostrum to mature milk) between days 2 and 5. This is probably the area that causes most distress in breastfeeding mothers. Best is to look at the baby not the clock or the scale. If your baby is happy, responsive, loud, pees and poops enough, you have enough milk.

Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)—don’t wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, and then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy—wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or a one 4 hours sleep time (at night) have passed without nursing. Once baby has established a good weight gain pattern, and you do not swaddle the baby, you can stop waking baby and nurse on baby’s cues alone. If you opt to swaddle during the night (because your baby is particularly fussy) do wake your newborn every 3 hours to feed, even at night.

Many babies will initially be slow, sleepy, and sometimes seemingly disinterested in breastfeeding. Do not worry. Spend 10-15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours practicing and encouraging your baby. BE PATIENT.

Babies do not require extra water or nutrients when breastfeeding, you are enough and produce enough. Call your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of very pronounced jaundice, is acting very fussy immediately following a feeding, or is urinating infrequently but do not offer anything other than your breast till you have spoken to a lactation consultant or a pediatrician with a lot of experience in breastfeeding, as not all pediatrician have.

Not all women get sore nipples while breastfeeding, some of the most common culprits for sore nipples are the position in which you feed your baby and how wide the baby opens her mouth to receive your nipple. Babies prefer to face the mother you should be able to see her eyes. Good placement is when you are tummy to tummy and baby’s neck does not have to turn to reach your nipple. At the beginning you may also help baby’s jaw gently open by placing your thumb on baby’s lower chin and open her mouth wide while at the breast. Nipples come in all different sizes and shapes. Keep in mind; baby should latch on to the areola tissue, not just the nipple, his lips should flare out not roll in. Even if latch and positioning look perfect pain and baby’s discontent often indicate there is a problem, and the first suspect is the latch on. Bring baby onto the breast rather than the nipple. Baby should have mouth wide against the breast, not pursed lips.