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Feeding FundamentalsTake your time getting latch-on right; it will help prevent many breastfeeding problems (see “Common Breastfeeding Concerns”). To help your baby latch on, hold your breast with one hand while gently positioning her so that it is facing her mouth. Let her “root” towards your breast; sometimes a drop of breast milk on her lips will help her find it more easily. When she begins to feed, she should take most of your areola (the dark part of your breast), not just your nipple, in her mouth. Make sure her tongue is not blocking your nipple, and, the first few times your feed her, have your partner check to be sure that her lower lip is flared out on your breast. Babies usually breastfeed every 11⁄2 to 2 hours during the first week or two of life. Once your milk supply is established, however, that time span will lengthen, and by the end of the first month, you two will find a mutually satisfying schedule. It may change during periods when your baby is growing quickly, but this usually lasts just a few days. Many breastfeeding mothers worry about whether or not their baby is getting enough milk. The best way to judge this for yourself is by watching her. During the first few weeks of life, you’ll learn to recognize her signs of fullness, like less vigorous sucking. If she seems satisfied after feeding, sleeps between feedings when she’s a newborn and has between six and eight wet diapers and one or more bowel movements each day, then generally you can assume that she is getting enough milk. Your baby’s steady growth is also a good indicator: She’ll be weighed and measured at each well-child visit, but you can always schedule an in-between check up if you’re worried. Even Dad can take part in breastfeeding. Once you get the hang of it, he (or other family members or caregivers) can give the baby an occasional bottle of pumped breast milk or formula. He can also help set the stage by bringing you a nursing pillow or some water as well as burp and hold the baby after a feeding. Breastfeeding moms need plenty of support, and Dad can be right there to lend a hand. Next page: Bottlefeeding Basics
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