Things to Remember
- You are NOT hostess
- Limit visitors or have a support person greet visitors so you can rest
- Accept help that is offered to you
- Make a list of things that others could do for you (some people truly don’t know how to help)
- Focus on resting with and learning about your baby*
Have Confidence! If you and baby are healthy, you have every reason to believe you will nurse to your goals.
Some helpful tips:
- Satisfaction cues include relaxation of fists, sleepiness, disappearing cues, coming off breast
- Watch baby more than the clock
- Variables effecting length of feed include gestational age, neurological immaturity, supply
- You will be tracking feedings and diapers – hospital handout
- Baby will feed at least every 2-3 hours (watch for feeding cues) in the beginning.
- Feeding cues include rooting, sucking on fist, turn to momma’s voice. Crying is LAST cue
- Schedule a pediatrician or family doctor appointment while still in the hospital for the 2nd or 3rd day after you will be home
More help on establishing your baby’s milk supply:
- Drain breast frequently
- Latch – baby to breast, deep latch. Overheard: “It’s breastfeeding not nipple-feeding”
- Do not limit time at breast
- No Supplements unless medically indicated at any stage
- Continue to keep baby skin to skin (dad can do this, too!)
- Call your Lactation Consultant/Doula with questions