World Breastfeeding Week 2011 (Day 4)

Today is the last day of World Breastfeeding Week 2011! I thought I would leave you with some great {general} breastfeeding techniques from WebMD!

Proper techniques are crucial for successful breastfeeding. Although some aspects of breastfeeding come naturally, learning new skills is important. Before your baby is born, take classes, read books, and watch videos that demonstrate breastfeeding techniques. If you have concerns about your ability to breastfeed, talk to a lactation consultant while you are pregnant. After your baby is born, it is helpful to have one-on-one instruction with a lactation specialist or other knowledgeable health professional.

Basic Techniques

• Get Comfortable. Find a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. For all positions, make sure the baby's head and chest are lined up straight and facing your breast. Have 2 or 3 pillow and a glass of water or juice nearby.
• Decide which breast to start with. Although it is best to offer your baby both breasts at each feeding, alternate which breast you start with. If the baby takes only one breast at a feeding, which is common in the first day or two, start the next feeding with the other breast. Try to offer both breasts at each feeding.
• Get the baby latched on properly. An improper latch is painful and frustrating. A proper latch helps prevent problems such as sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, breast infections, and poor infant weight gain. Position your baby's chest against your chest with his or her head and body aligned straight. Skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding, especially during the first few days, helps promote bonding with your baby.
• Start by lightly touching the middle of your baby's lower lip with your nipple until the baby opens his or her mouth. The baby's mouth needs to be wide open, like a yawn, before attempting to latch.
• With your fingers under your breast and your thumb resting on top of your breast {the "C hold"}, bring the baby quickly onto the nipple and the areola, so it goes deep into your baby's mouth. You may feel pain briefly, but the pain should go away in less than a minute. If the pain does not go away, remove the baby from the breast and re-latch the baby. If that fails, try a different position. 
• As you are getting started, if the baby does not immediately get the idea to such, squeeze a little milk into his or her mouth.
• Look for signs that your baby is getting enough milk. Listen for a regular sucking and swallowing pattern. If you cannot see or hear a swallowing pattern, watch the baby's ears, which will wiggle slightly when the baby swallows.
• If the baby's nose appears to be blocked by your breast, reposition him or her by raising the baby's hips or relaxing the baby's head back slightly, so just the edge of one nostril is clear for breathing. Do not press on your breast to clear baby's nose, because this pulls on your nipple and may cause nipple soreness. 
• Remove your baby from the breast. Anytime you need to remove your baby from the breast, put one finger into the corner of his or her mouth and push your finger between your baby's gums to gently break the seal. 
• Switch to the other breast. Offer the other breast when the first feels empty and the infant sucks more slowly, pulls off, or loses interest. Usually the baby will continue breastfeeding, though perhaps for less time than on the first breast. Let your baby feed until he or she is satisfied.
• Burp your baby. When your baby is satisfied, gently pat his or her back to help him or her let down any swallowed air. After the baby burps, offer the breast again. 

Keeping it Calm and Relaxed

Breastfeeding may go more smoothly in the first days and weeks if you and your baby are relaxed.

• Keep the room darkened. Bright light makes it difficult for newborns to open their eyes.
• Make sure the room is quiet and warm and that you are able to relax. Eliminate or ignore distractions, such as the phone.
• Keep something to drink nearby. Most women get thirsty as they breastfeed. Drink enough to satisfy your thirst.
• After your baby latches onto your breast and is feeding well, try using a pillow or receiving blanket to maintain a comfortable position for both of you. Many women get sleepy while breastfeeding: having your baby fully supported while you doze allows you to get some needed rest.

Other Important Tips

• In the first few days, you may need to wake the baby to breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours.
• If your baby falls asleep before finishing breastfeeding, you may need to stimulate him or her to finish the feeding. {Newborns and babies with jaundice may be hard to keep awake.} After a while, you will learn your baby's patterns and will know whether he or she needs rousing or has fed long enough.
• Avoid using artificial nipples such as bottles or pacifiers, at least until breastfeeding is well established {usually about 4 to 6 weeks}. This also means other caregivers should wait to give a bottle to the baby. Feedings should be given only by the mother at the breast. The caregivers can bond by holding, cuddling, changing clothes and diapers, and generally spending time with the baby.

Breastfeeding in Public

To feed your baby on demand, it is inevitable that you will need to breastfeed in public on occasion. It may help to think ahead about strategies that would help make these feedings comfortable for you.

• In many states and on federal property, your right to breastfeed in public is protected by law.
• Look for a private or semiprivate area, such as a fitting room or a quiet corner in a lobby.
• Ware a loose-fitting blouse or a shirt that can be raised easily {a loose t-shirt or sweater works fine}. If you are wearing a top with buttons, unbutton it from the bottom up and leave the top buttons closed. You can wear a top that is specially designed for breastfeeding, but it is not necessary.
• For added privacy, lay a lightweight blanket over your shoulder and chest to cover your breasts and the baby.