Friday, May 25, 2007

Breastfeeding - Avoiding Artificial Nipple Preference/Confusion

Your baby begins to learn and practice the correct breastfeeding suck with the very first nursing experience. When both breast and bottle are offered in the early days, your baby may become "nipple confused" or may simply prefer the bottle nipple. Breastfeeding is an active process for the baby; bottlefeeding, however, is passive and requires a different type of suck. A baby who is bottle-fed early can have difficulty transferring learning to the breast. Avoid using any rubber teats (nipples) or pacifiers (soothers, dummies) during the first weeks. If your baby needs supplementation for a medical reason, use a cup. Even a tiny baby can drink from a small medicine or paper cup!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Breastfeeding Immediately

Successful breastfeeding is the combined result of practice, patience, and proper positioning. Breastfeeding as soon as possible -- preferably within an hour after birth -- will get you and your baby off to a good start. Prompt breastfeeding can also help prevent engorgement -- an uncomfortable, "full" feeling in the breasts caused by swollen lymph nodes, extra blood and excess milk. Keeping your infant with you during your hospital stay will help you get to know and immediately respond to baby's cues. In addition to beginning the important cycle of milk supply and demand, early breastfeeding allows your baby to receive the benefits of colostrum. Rich in nutrients and antibodies, colostrum is the first milk you produce and is your baby's perfect starter food.

Immediately after birth, your baby will be in a quiet alert state and generally receptive to breastfeeding. (If your baby isn't ready the very first time you try to breastfeed, try again within the next half hour or so.) Within a couple of hours, your baby will become quite sleepy; drowsiness may last for several days.