How to Breastfeed

How to Breastfeed

Now that you have decided to breastfeed our baby, here are some guidelines:

  • Right after giving birth

    - Breastfeed within the first hour

    - Have the baby room in

  • How to feed the baby

    - Watch out for feeding cues every 1-3 hours(sucking movements, sucking sounds, hand-to-mouth movements, soft cooing or sighing sounds, restlessness)

    - Crying is a late feeding cue

    - Breastfeed first on one breast until baby drops off before offering the second breast

    - Practice the right latch

  • Other tips

    - Be with baby 24/7 to establish milk supply

    - Don’t pump at the beginning

    - Don’t feed through the bottle; don’t use pacifiers

    - Do not give formula or water because this will lessen the demand for your milk

  • Signs of effective breastfeeding

    - Baby has at least 3 bowel movements in each 24 hours after day 1.

    - Seedy, yellow bowel movements by day 5

    - 6 wet diapers by day 4 with urine that is clear or light yellow

    - Satisfied and content after feedings

    - Audible swallowing during feedings

    - Back to birth weight by day 7 to 10

    - Mom has noticeable increase in breastsize and weight by day 5