|
Health Canada, the Dietitians of Canada, and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend breastfeeding as the best way to nourish your baby during the first 6 months of life. Learn more about breastfeeding and how to manage common concerns.
What is breastfeeding and how do I learn to Breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding your baby with milk from your breasts. You hold the baby in your arms, and help it latch on to your breast. The baby then sucks milk from your breast. You may also pump the milk from your breasts and use the pumped milk to feed your baby. For more information on storage of pumped breast milk, please see Baby's Best Chance. There are a variety of different breastfeeding techniques and positions. Speak to your doctor, nurse, or midwife about developing a breastfeeding plan or taking a breastfeeding class while you are pregnant. You may also wish to join a breastfeeding support group . Find more information on breastfeeding, including learning how to Breastfeed and breastfeeding techniques.
How often should I Breastfeed my baby and how long should each feeding last?
Let your baby be your guide. Shortly after birth, your baby will probably want to feed every 2 to 3 hours. Allow your baby to keep feeding from each breast for as long as she wants. Remember, your newborn baby's stomach is tiny. Although your baby may cry frequently, this does not always mean that she needs to be fed, so it is important to consider other causes for her discomfort such as pain, fear, or frustration. To ensure both breasts are making a good milk supply, start each feeding with a different breast. It will take some time for your milk supply to build up.
How can I tell if my baby gets enough to eat?
A baby who gets enough to eat should have 6 to 8 wet diapers every 24 hours. During the first month, she should have 2 to 3 stools every day. Stools will often be yellowish in colour and have a grainy or "seedy" appearance. After this, stools may come every 2 to 7 days. Your baby will start to develop her own pattern of bowel movements at the age of 3 to 4 weeks. Your doctor will check regularly to see if your baby is gaining weight normally. If you have any concerns about whether your baby is feeding well, speak to your doctor.
Is my baby sleeping too much?
Babies under 6 months of age usually sleep about 16 to 20 hours a day. Each baby's sleep pattern is different. Babies need frequent feedings, at least 8 to 12 feedings per day and one every 2 to 3 hours, during their early weeks in order to get enough nourishment. This means they may not get the nutrition they need if they sleep throughout the night. Speak to your doctor or nurse about how long your baby should sleep. You may need to wake a sleepy baby or newborn for feeding. Read How to Arouse Your Newborn for Feeding for more information.
Is it safe to smoke, drink alcohol, or take medications while breastfeeding?
Many foods, drinks, or other substances end up in your breast milk and may harm your baby. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs if you are breastfeeding your baby. For more information, read Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drug Use While breastfeeding.
Many medications are safe to take during breastfeeding. However, some medications could affect your baby. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications, including non-prescription and herbal remedies.
What are some common breastfeeding concerns?
Common breastfeeding problems include breast engorgement, sore or cracked nipples, and mastitis.
Breast engorgement occurs when your breasts become full of milk and uncomfortable. It usually happens in the first 2 to 5 days after the birth of your baby, when your milk "comes in"; this is called postpartum breast engorgement, and it usually goes away within 12 to 48 hours. You may also get breast engorgement if you are making too much milk or if there is a delay in pumping or feeding. To help cope, you can try the following:
- Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after the birth of your baby.
- Breastfeed often - at least every 2 to 3 hours during the day and at least every 4 hours at night.
- Allow your baby to finish the first breast before switching to the other breast. This means waiting until your baby falls asleep or comes off the breast on her own.
- Before feedings, briefly apply a warm compress, and then express some milk. Use cold compresses between feedings.
- Gently massage your breasts. With the palm of your hand, move downward from the top to the nipple using a circular motion.
- Do not miss feedings. Use a breast pump if you are unable to Breastfeed. If these tips do not help, speak to your doctor, public health nurse, or midwife.
Sore or cracked nipples have many possible causes. These include improper use of a breast pump, nipple infections, breast engorgement, allergic reactions to personal care products, an improper latch, or nipple confusion (a pacifier or bottle requires a different sucking technique than breastfeeding, and if the baby uses this technique while breastfeeding, it may cause nipple pain). Treatment depends on the cause. Speak to your doctor or nurse about how to manage these concerns. You can also try rubbing some breast milk on the sore areas.
If you are having a difficult night due to breastfeeding concerns, these tips can help you get through the night so you can call your doctor or public health nurse in the morning. However, if you are concerned about your baby or your health, contact your doctor or seek medical attention.
Mastitis is a breast infection that can occur if a milk duct, a channel that milk flows through in the breast, becomes blocked and infected. Mastitis can cause breast pain, fever, and fatigue. Switching feeding positions can help drain all areas of the breast and help prevent blocked ducts and mastitis. You can also try the following:
- Breastfeed frequently to help relieve the blockage.
- Get some rest.
- Apply a heating pad to the affected area.
- Soak the breast in warm water for 10 minutes 3 times a day.
- Gently massage the breast.
- Do not worry about your baby catching the infection if you Breastfeed - your milk has antibacterial substances that protect the baby.
If you do not feel better in one day, contact your doctor.
|
Print this page