Getting Started: FAQs on Breastfeeding Basics
Posted October 16, 2023 by Regina Ravine, RN, IBCLC and Susan Warner, RN, IBCLC
You’ve probably heard the term time and time again: “breast is best.” That’s because it’s true. Scientific research proves the benefits to both newborns and mothers are too numerous to count. That’s why physicians and experts encourage all mothers to breastfeed, if possible.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns. It has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein and minerals needed for baby’s development. Then, as babies grow, breast milk adapts to meet their changing nutritional needs.
Additional benefits of breastfeeding for babies include:
- Breast milk contains antibodies that lower a baby’s risk of certain illnesses and diseases, such as ear infections and gastrointestinal infections, obesity, type 1 diabetes and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Allergies and asthma occur less often in breastfed babies.
- Most babies find breast milk easier to digest than formula.
- Breast milk is always sterile.
Benefits of breastfeeding for moms include:
- Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of certain diseases, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
- The uterus returns to its original size sooner, and bleeding after birth may be reduced.
- Pregnancy weight is lost more quickly.
- The skin-to-skin contact helps moms bond with their baby.
- Breast milk is free and always available.
Summa Health answers your top questions about breastfeeding and what you need to know to get started. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding things you do as a new mom.
When should I begin breastfeeding?
Colostrum begins to be produced early in the second trimester. This nutrient-rich “pre-milk” will boost your baby’s immune system and provide them with all they need in the first few days. In about 48-72 hours, colostrum will transition into mature milk.
If possible, start breastfeeding within an hour of your baby’s birth. Babies naturally are awake and alert in the first few hours of life, so it’s a good time to start teaching babies to breastfeed. Plus, you want your baby to get as much of that nutrient-rich colostrum as possible.
How often should I feed my baby?
During their first weeks, most babies feed at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours or every two to three hours. Frequent feedings help to stimulate milk production during the first few weeks. Newborns should not go more than four hours without feeding, even overnight.
When your baby is one to two months old, the number of feedings will most likely decrease to seven to nine times in 24 hours. As newborns age, they’ll nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule.
How do I know if my baby is ready to eat?
Crying is a late sign of hunger. To tell if your baby is hungry and ready to eat, babies may:- Open their mouths and stick out their tongues.
- Suck on their hands and fists./li>
- Nuzzle against mom’s breasts.
- Show their rooting reflex, where babies move their heads toward something, stroking their cheeks or mouths.
How can I get my baby to latch properly?
Cup your breast in your hand and compress it to make a “breast sandwich.” This helps your baby get a deep latch. Then, tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple. Once your baby opens their mouth wide, quickly pull your baby to your breast and aim your nipple toward the roof of the mouth.
A shallow latch can cause pain, discomfort and poor milk transfer. If your baby’s mouth is not covering your areola and is just sucking the nipple, gently break the suction by inserting a clean finger between your breast and baby’s gums to try again. When latched correctly, it should only feel like a slight tug when your baby is sucking.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?
Surprisingly, your baby’s diaper can tell you if they are eating enough. The more your baby nurses, the more dirty diapers you’ll have. Typically, your newborn should wet six or more diapers and have four or more poopy diapers each day by the time they are one week old.Other signs your baby is getting enough to eat include:
- They are feeding regularly and are satisfied and content after eating.
- They are gaining weight as expected.
- They are alert when awake.
- Breasts feel softer after each feeding.
How long should I breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively (without formula, water or food) for the first six months of life. Then, continued breastfeeding is recommended as solids are introduced for up to two years or longer. However, any amount of breastfeeding has many benefits.
How can a lactation consultant help me?
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can take a lot of time and practice for you and your baby to learn. If you’re struggling, certified lactation consultants can help. They can help you and your baby get started and answer your questions about breastfeeding issues, everything from milk supply and latching concerns to milk storage to sore nipples to breastfeeding positions. The goal of a lactation consultant is to help you gain confidence in feeding your baby through education and assistance with breastfeeding.Many lactation consultants work in hospitals and birthing centers to help you get started during your stay. Once you are discharged, lactation consultants and other breastfeeding support are available on an outpatient basis.
The lactation specialists will give you more information during your stay.
At Summa Health, we have lactation consultants within our birthing center who can help any new mother with breastfeeding. Additionally, all of the nurses on our maternity units are trained to help with breastfeeding.
To learn more about breastfeeding or to find support, check out Summa Health’s breastfeeding support resources or register for our basic skills class in Akron.
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