C O F F E E BO U R N E U T S N

BREASTFEEDING 101

WHY BREASTFEED? • Benefits to Baby

Breast milk is like medicine for baby. It decreases risk of infections, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, asthma, SIDS, diabetes, and even cancer. Formula does not contain these protective ingredients.

Your milk changes to meet your baby’s needs as he grows. Breast milk promotes normal brain and facial growth. Human milk is made for human babies. Formula is made from cow’s

milk or soybeans so it isn’t specially designed for a human baby.

• Benefits to Mom Reduces your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It can help you lose weight faster. Releases hormones that make you feel relaxed and calm. You don’t have to buy baby bottles or formula. Fewer medical bills because baby is likely to be healthier.

• Benefits to Society Breast milk is a natural resource. It doesn’t require water, energy,

wasteful packaging, shipping, or storing.

BREASTFEEDING HOLDS

• Different holds can make breastfeeding easier

• Baby should always face mother, belly to belly

• Never push on the back of baby’s head

• Support your breast and bring baby to you for maximum comfort

• Football hold can be most helpful for mothers with a cesarean

THE FIRST LATCH

• Use one hand to hold baby’s neck and shoulders. Your other hand should be on your breast controlling how the nipple enters baby’s mouth. Fingers on bottom thumb on top making a “C” shape.

• Support your arms with pillows and set up in the hold that suits your needs.

• Bring baby to you- NOT you to baby.• Tickle baby’s lips to encourage him to open wide• Pull baby close so the chin and lower jaw moves into your breast

first• Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from the nipple as possible so

the baby takes a large mouthful of breast• Top of head and nose should be titled back as if slightly hanging off

the breast. This gives baby room to breathe and ensures a proper latch.

HOW OFTEN TO FEED

• Newborn babies should breastfeed roughly every 2-3 hours during the day and least every 4 hours at night.

• Watch baby’s hunger signs such as:o Rooting (moving his mouth towards your finger when you touch

his cheek)o Making sucking motionso Bringing his hands to his mouth

• After day 4, when your milk comes in, baby should have six to eight wet diapers every 24 hours. Fewer than this can signal inadequate feeding.

• The fontanels on your baby’s head should not be sunken in, this can signal dehydration.

• When baby seems full, try offering the other breast.

TIPS FOR EASIER BREASTFEEDING

BREASTFEEDING ISLAND

• Sometimes mothers go from the hospital to home and breastfeeding becomes much more challenging.

• Creating a space that resembles the hospital in terms of convenience can make breastfeeding easier.

• Gather everything you need for the day and keep it within an arm’s reach in a place you would be comfortable all day (couch, bed, reclining chair).

• Make sure you have diapers, wipes, remotes, cell phone, water and snacks for mom, blankets, baby seat, breastfeeding log, breastfeeding support book from hospital

• Feed on demand and at least every two hours• Breastfeeding is your job right now, be proud of the progress

you make throughout the day and don’t be afraid to call a lactation consultant for help when it just isn’t coming together

AVOIDING NIPPLE CONFUSION

• Nipple confusion is a result of using a bottle to supplement feeding before baby has mastered a latch with the breast (usually 3-4 weeks from birth).

• The flow rate is faster on a bottle and baby gets used to not having to suck to get milk.

• Bottle nipples require a different mouth movement than the breast. The baby becomes confused about how to feed at the breast.

• Confusion from the use of a pacifier is not technically a form of nipple confusion but it can change how baby latches and should be avoided.

PROMOTING COMFORT• To relieve and avoid engorgement:

o Try to feed baby every two hourso Massage your breasts while baby is feedingo You may pump after baby feeds but realize that they more

you demand of your body, the more it will make.o Increase your fluid intake, dehydration can irritate swollen

breast tissue.

• For cracked nippleso Mother’s milk is best- express a small amount and leave it

on your nipple only. Allow to air dry.o Lanolin cream may be applied sparingly. It does not need

to be removed before baby feeds.o It is okay to keep breastfeeding if your nipples are bleeding.o Make sure your latch is correct. An incorrect latch can

cause cracking and bleeding.

PUMPING

• Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby even when you have to be away from him.

• Breast pumps come in many forms depending on your needs.

• If you only plan to be away from baby for hours at a time every now and then, a hand pump will be sufficient.

• If you plan on going to work or school, an electric pump will be more beneficial because it provides more power and is more time efficient.

• Store your milk in bags or bottles for later use.

MILK STORAGE

VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION

• Human milk contains only small amounts of vitamin D.• Baby needs to be supplemented with vitamin D

for the first two months of life.• Vitamin D comes from sunlight. Exposing baby to

sunlight without sunscreen for ten minutes every morning is a good source of vitamin D.• Vitamin D for breastfeeding infants can also be

purchased in drops at pharmacies and grocery stores.

SUPPORT

• Mother’s Milk Bank 512.494.0800 (Austin)• Mom’s Place 512.719.3010 (Austin)• La Leche League 1.800.525.3243• WIC 512.260.4241 www.wcchd.org

REFERENCESThe American academy of pediatrics section on breastfeeding: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. (2005). Pediatrics, 496-506.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Committees on Health Care for underserved women and obstetric practice (Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects No. Clinical review). (2007). Retrieved from http://www.acog.org/ departments/ underserved/ clinicalRe viewv12ils.pdfBreastfeeding. (2006). World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/ publications/ 2006/ 924159084X_ eng.pdfHHS blueprint for action on breastfeeding. (2000). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1-31.Lowdermilk, D. L., Perry, S. E., & Cashion, K. (2009). Maternity Nursing (8th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO : Mosby.