Breastfeeding Your Baby
Most parents know that breastfeeding has health benefits for both the breastfeeding baby and mother. So get help breastfeeding from a lactation consultant, nurse, or doctor, while you are in the hospital so that you can get off to a good start.Other tips to help you breastfeed can include:
- Planning to breastfeed your newborn baby 8 to 12 times a day during her first few weeks. Remember that the more you breastfeed your baby, the sooner your breastmilk will usually come in.
- Setting breastfeeding goals for yourself. Having a goal for how long you want to breastfeed can help ensure that you won't stop early if you begin to have problems, as you get help and advice to keep going until you meet your goal.
- Getting help if you begin to have problems, including a poor latch, engorgement, sore nipples, or to improve your breast milk supply. This help might come from other moms who have breastfed their children, a pediatrician who is supportive of breastfeeding, and/or a lactation consultant.
- Avoiding formula supplements unless your pediatrician thinks that they are medically necessary.
- Avoiding bottles or a pacifier until your baby is breastfeeding well.
Baby Formula
If not breastfeeding, your baby will likely be drinking a milk-based, iron-fortified baby formula. She will probably only be drinking about one to two ounces at a time, every two to three hours, during her first days. This amount will slowly increase to two to four ounces by the end of the first week.
On Demand or On a Schedule
Especially during the first few weeks, it is usually best to feed your baby on demand every 1 1/2 to 3 hours and not on a strict schedule.Links:
Sources:
CDC. Breastfeeding Report Card, United States - 2007: Outcome Indicators.
