Routine Breastfeeding

Often with our babies, just simply holding them and offering gentle touch will be more than enough to sooth them. As you get to know your babies mannerism you will start recognizing sleep patterns and hunger queues. When your baby latches on to the breast and begins to suckle they should be getting a good mouthful of the nipple. If this feels comfortable , then continue to allow your baby to lead feeds. If you are finding it a little more difficult to get started with latching there are plenty of tips and tricks coming your way.

If you feel in clamping or pinching sensation when baby latches, place your pinky or ring finger in their mouth to break the latch or suction and try again.

All babies latch differently even if this isn’t your first time nursing each baby is unique in how they eat. Some babies will suck for quite some time others in 5 minute intervals. This is totally normal. If your baby drops a bit below their birth weight do not be alarmed. At infancy, please be mindful that everything baby does is considered exercise. They are going to burn calories by simply wiggling around or lifting their heads during tummy time or diaper changes. Never give up but it is ok to take a step back. Baby can feel if you’re getting frustrated as they are very much empathic. Ideally newborns eat 8-10 times a day in early stages but because they are sleepy they may need encouragement.

The Breast is 18 inches away from your face so as babies eyes are developing get up close and personal with them. They will start to mimic what you do facially. This includes smiling , and yawning which is perfect when trying to get a deep latch.

THE ART OF BREAST FEEDING

Baby’s feet and shoulders should be aligned. Their head should also be aligned with their entire bodies.

Bring baby to the breast instead of slouching over . Hold baby close to you even if its not a skin to skin interaction.

To stimulate , touch baby’s mouth, lips and with your nipple. I would suggest un wrapping or un swaddling baby to let their hands get family as well. They will learn to place the nipple in a position of their liking as well as seeing and becoming familiar with the color and shape of the breast. The tip of babies nose should be opposite the nipple.

Your baby’s head will naturally tilt back and their mouth should open big and wide. Aim the nipple at the top of their mouth. Lower the lip away from the base of the nipple. Bring your baby to the breast not the opposite. This is a perfect time to use that boppy or Z pillow you were gifted or simple your favorite pillow folded.

Your baby will suck quickly to stimulate the let-down reflex then slow down as the milk begins to flow. The anatomy of the breast is quite unique there are anywhere between and 15-20 ducts. The baby is getting plenty of milk. The cells on your baby’s mouth communicates with the breast cells to let your body know how much milk and what kind of milk it needs to produce. We will learn more about the kind of milk the body produces in another post. Stay tuned!

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