Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your newborn. That’s because breast milk is the perfect food for babies. Unlike formula, breast milk has hormones and the right amount of protein, sugar, fat and vitamins to help your baby grow healthy and strong and protects them from infections and illness.
Breastfeeding
Give your baby the perfect gift.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) for the first six months.
Common breastfeeding concerns
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Benefits of Breastfeeding—for Baby and Mom
FOR YOUR BABY
Breast milk is Super Food for Your Baby. Your body naturally produces perfect, custom-made food for your baby. Breast milk reduces the risk that your baby will have:
FOR YOU
Breastfeeding is Good for Moms, too. Not only does breastfeeding arm your baby with the nutrients that are best for brain growth and nervous system development, but it also offers added benefits for you:
Breastfeeding Basics
How is milk made?
During pregnancy, your breasts start getting ready to make milk. As milk-making tissues rapidly grow, you may notice your breasts become fuller and more tender. After you have your baby, pregnancy hormones decrease, which helps the lactation hormone prolactin release. Prolactin sends a message that tells your breasts to make milk. Your hormones and your baby’s suckling cause your breasts to produce milk. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you make.
When your baby suckles, another hormone, oxytocin, sends a message that tells the small muscles in your breast to contract. This muscle contraction moves the milk through the milk ducts. This is called the let-down reflex. It releases the milk into your milk ducts so you can breastfeed your baby.
What is the difference between colostrum and breast milk?
There are three phases of breast milk. Each one is vital to nourishing your baby.
What to Expect
The first few hours.
After giving birth, you’ll likely feel tired and excited. As soon as you can, aim for skin-to-skin contact with your baby. During this time, your baby will probably find their way to your nipple and your hormones will kick in to start producing milk. This together time helps your baby feel secure and prepares you for breastfeeding success. Be ready to feed your baby about every two hours at first.
In the beginning, it’s normal to feel cramping during breastfeeding. This is because your uterus is returning to its pre-pregnancy size. These cramps will lessen over time.
What happens during the first few feedings?
You should feed your baby between 8-12 times within 24 hours. There is no set time for feedings. They may be 15-20 minutes per breast. They may be shorter or longer. Your baby will let you know when they are finished feeding. Your baby’s eating patterns may change from day to day. Just follow your baby’s lead, and that will help you build your milk supply.
Try feeding your baby on the fuller breast first until your baby releases the nipple or falls asleep. Then burp your baby and offer the other breast. Some babies feed from both breasts at each feeding, while others are satisfied after one breast. When your breasts feel full, it is essential to nurse your baby. That will keep your breasts from becoming overfull or engorged.
How much milk does my baby need?
Babies tummies are tiny. It doesn’t take much to fill your baby up, but you’ll need to feed your newborn baby a lot: 8-12 times in 24 hours. Feeding your baby that often will be good for your baby. It will also tell your body to keep making milk.
How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk?
One of the easiest signs is to pay attention to what’s coming out the other end. The color, texture and frequency of poops and wet diapers will tell you a lot. Other signs that your baby is getting enough milk may include the following:
How much milk your baby needs will change as the baby grows, and your body will adjust to those changes. For example, if your baby has a growth spurt, your baby might want to nurse more often or for extended periods. Your body will adjust to that, too. The important thing is to nurse as long and as often as your baby wants and to let your baby eat until full.
Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding can delay the return of your period. However, you shouldn’t count on it to prevent pregnancy.
5 Breastfeeding Positions To Try
The ideal breastfeeding position is different from mom to mom and baby to baby. The most important thing is to find the most comfortable position for you and your baby. Being comfortable will make you both feel more relaxed, which makes breastfeeding more accessible and more productive. Here are a few positions lactation specialists suggest:
What to eat and drink while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding moms might need to eat a little more — about an additional 330 to 400 calories a day — to give you energy and nutrition to produce milk.
While breastfeeding, focus on making healthy choices to help fuel your milk production. Choose protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils and seafood low in mercury. Include a variety of whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables.
Eating various foods while breastfeeding will change the flavor of your breast milk. This will expose your baby to different tastes, which might help them more easily accept solid foods.
To ensure you and your baby are getting all the necessary vitamins, talk to your healthcare provider about taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement until you wean your baby.
It’s essential to stay hydrated, so drink when you are thirsty—and even more if your urine appears dark yellow. Get into the habit of drinking a glass of water or another beverage every time you breastfeed. But avoid juices and sugary drinks: Too much sugar can contribute to weight gain. And too much caffeine in your breast milk might agitate your baby or interfere with sleep. Try to limit yourself to no more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally to moms or babies—there’s often a learning curve. To help prepare for successful breastfeeding, consider taking a class to learn the basics or find other sources of support to help you and your baby.
If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, the hospital’s lactation consultant can look at your baby’s positioning and latch and set you up for breastfeeding success at home.
If your baby needs to be checked further or needs special care away from you, you can express milk. Breast milk will provide essential nutrients to help your baby grow and fight infections. Talk to your lactation consultant or nurse about using a hospital pump or visiting your baby for feedings if the baby is receiving special care away from you.
Source: WIC Breastfeeding Support, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/
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WIC is here with the help you need to breastfeed your baby. Whether you’re pregnant and preparing to breastfeed or are already breastfeeding and facing some bumps in the road, NW Pennsylvania WIC is here to help you on your journey.