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| NURSING NEWBORNS |
| The long awaited day is here and you finally meet your bundle of joy. If your baby is healthy even after a c-section you can begin to nuse as soon as the baby is born. ( Some hospitals still have a policy of taking the baby straight to the nursery. In that case pester to have the baby brought to you as soon as possible,) Nursing at this time comforts the baby, helps establish bonding, gives the newborn colustrum and begins the process of developing the milk supply. These first few days will likely be a series of ups and downs. A helpful nurse, supportive husband and patience will get you through. If you find you do not have the support you need, call a lactation consultant or the Le Leche League.. Many babies need help' latching on' properly. Make sure the babys' mouth is open then guide the baby to the breast making sure to get both the nipple and the areola into the babys' mouth.It will take a few sucks before the milk starts flowing.Do not time baby or try to acheive a schedule as this will interfere with successfully establishing the milk supply. You may be surprised at how frequently your baby will want to nurse. However, over the next few days and weeks as your milk supply adjusts you will notice baby settle in to a natural routine. Remember that it took nine months for your child to grow to this point and s/he is still growing. Right now you and your baby are most important. Get lots of sleep and rest, pamper yourself, accept all offers of help with housework and cooking! There will be days that baby will seem fussy and want to nurse more than usual, this often gets moms thinking they don't have enough milk. However, this is perfectly normal behaviour. As baby goes through growth spurts, s/he will suckle more to increase milk production. Don't feel pressured to resume 'normal' activities too soon. Wearing yourself out will decrease your ability to deal with things calmly and may cause milk production to decrease. Sexual relations may be resumed after go ahead from the doctor or midwife. Hormones present in your body as well as your tired state may make you feel disinterested in intercourse. Taking things slow and using a lubricant will make the first time after birth more comfortable. You may find milk squirting from your breasts during sex. If this is an issue for either you or your partner wear a bra. Remember too that there is a likelyhood of the baby interrupting your couple time. This will continue to happen until they leave for college. So try to see it humourously. Although constant nursing does provide protection against pregnancy it is preferrable to use birth control if you want to prevent another pregnancy. Enjoy this special time and remember to pamper yourself. Even ten minutes in a fragrant bath can do wonders to pick up your spirits and top up your energy. Click on the topics below for help on problems you may encounter and for support and advice. STARTING OUT RIGHT SORE NIPPLES IS MY BABY GETTING ENOUGH MILK? BREASTFEEDING AND JAUNDICE HOW BREASTMILK PROTECTS NEWBORNS |
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