Breastfeeding Support Q & A

The importance of SKIN-TO-SKIN contact with your infant  of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, rooming-in (or sleeping safely in complience with WHO guidlines) with your newborn and frequent breastfeeding are the most important steps in breastfeeding sucess. These steps will start you off to a succesful breastfeeding experience. 
WHY IS BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT NEEDED?? 
Doctors are busy people and they do not have time to counsel every mother that has a breastfeeding question, so they are likely to reccomend formula supplementation when a mother asks for advice. 
SO?? 
When a newborn receives formula the composition of her stomach begins to change, the mother breastfeeds less, therefore produces less milk; this leads to a mother feeling as if she does not have "enough milk" to feed her baby. 
SO ARE YOU SAYING IT'S SUPPLY=DEMAND???
YES!! The more you feed your baby the more milk you will make! When supplements are introduced it will begin to slow your milk supply. 
SO THE BEST THING TO DO IS BREASTFEED ALOT?? 
YES!! It may feel like "all the baby does is nurse" during the first few weeks, but this only means that the baby is doing what she is suposed to be doing! The more you feed her now, the more milk you will produce in the future. It will not always be like this, babies set up the milk supply for the future.
WHAT IS SKIN-TO-SKIN?  
SKin-to-skin contact is literally that. Your naked or diapered baby against your bare chest. This is the best way to hold a newborn. Will he freeze? No!! Your body has kept him safe for the past 9 months, and will continue to nourish him! He will regulate his temperature to meet yours, if you are worroed than put a blanket over you both! This position is good for warming up a baby that is "too cold" as well, if they want to take him to the nursery, try this first!!  
WHY BREASTFEED IN THE FIRST HOUR OF LIFE?? 
Studies have proved that babies that breastfeed immediately after birth or within the first hour are healthier babies and have a more sucessful breastfeeding rate! This will also help you to deliver your placenta and help your uterus to contract to normal size.  Don't worry if you miss this hour, you can still do it!! But TRY HARD TO BREASTFEED AS SOON AFTER BIRTH AS POSSIBLE!!

Written by Ruby Toledo

 Ruby Toledo is a certified Lactation Counselor and a WIC breastfeeding Peer Counselor. She has personally breastfed for a total of five years and counting.. She is available as a lactation counselor by phone, email as well as in person.