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Breastfeeding Success Essentials.

1. Commit to breastfeeding for 4 weeks. Why 4 weeks?
• Nipple soreness declines by 10 days post-partum,
• engorgement susbsides by the end of first week,
• it takes a few weeks for mother and baby to learn how to breastfeed.
Give it some time to overcome the early challenges. Most women find that the hardest time is the first month. After the first month things get much easier, by the second month breastfeeding has become very convenient and enjoyable.
2. Remember P.A.T.S. and use it to evaluate your nursing style if pain or other problems occur.
• Positioning: baby faces breast squarely, mother's arm is supported
• Attachment: baby's lips are soft and flanged out over areola, tongue sticks out
• Tugging: baby makes a slight chewing motion, like sipping a thick shake through a straw
• Swallowing: baby is heard or seen to swallow after several tugs
Noticeable swallowing is a sure sign that baby is removing milk effectively.
3. Feed Early, Feed Often: Offer the breast at the first sign of hunger.
• If the baby is not fed when hungry it will either cry and refuse to nurse until soothed or it will give up and sleep. Either way, it is still a hungry baby.
• There is always milk in your breasts for your baby, even if you have "just fed her." If she acts hungry, go ahead and feed her again.
• Breastfeeding is an ask and receive system. Your body produces the amount of milk the baby asks for, with a 1-2 day delay.
• During growth spurts, baby will nurse very frequently, asking for increased milk production. One or two days later, your supply will catch up and the time between feedings will lengthen again. The growth spurt will end.
4. Plan your support system. What kind of help do you need? Housework? Emotional support? Breastfeeding assistance? List one or two people for each type of help, and use them! You are not the only mother who has had overload, doubt or difficulties.
5. Generally, avoid pacifiers and bottles for 3-4 weeks to avoid confusing the baby.
• Newborns do not need water, cereal or any other supplements.
• Breastmilk meets all of baby's nutritional needs for 6 months.
• Being soothed at the breast is very comforting for baby and ensures human attention.
6. If you need breastfeeding assistance go to a breastfeeding professional, someone who is an advocate for breastfeeding. Many healthcare professionals are unknowledgeable about breastfeeding; many lay persons are advocates but have outdated information. A Certified Breastfeeding Educator or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is your best help.
7. Practice techniques for discrete breastfeeding in public.
• Use a mirror to show yourself that others really can't see anything.
• Unbutton shirts from the bottom, not the top.
• Feed baby at the first signs of hunger, before he starts screaming.
• Others will look to where you are looking, so make eye contact and don't stare at the baby.
• Rest your hand on the fold of fabric near the baby's face so you can tell without looking that you are still covered.
• Ask for nursing clothing as one of your shower gifts. One source is Mother Wear.
8. Savor these very special times with your baby, she'll be a toddler before you know it.

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