Nursing, in a Nutshell
by Diane
Wiessinger, IBCLC
1.
The more often you remove milk, the more milk you will have. The
more milk your baby takes from you, the more milk your body will make. It's
a very simple system!
2.
Enough milk? Most women are capable of nursing twins! In the early
weeks, several poopy diapers and 6 to 8 heavy/wet diapers a day usually mean
there's plenty of milk "going in". And your milk is the normal food
for your baby, always changing to meet his changing needs.
3.
Some babies are sleepy at first and need encouragement to nurse
frequently, but many newborns like to nurse a lot. Many newborns
like a long nursing every hour or so through much of the day (especially in
the evening!). But as they grow, their "nursing marathon" tapers off.
Really!
4.
Nursing provides warmth, security, body contact, reassurance, and
relaxation, as well as food. Don't try to put your baby's favorite activity
on a schedule. Forget the clock and enjoy each other, the way nursing was
meant to be.
5.
Big or small, fat or thin, thriving babies do best with only mother's
milk for the first half year or so. Even water is unnecessary. And don't
worry about overfeeding. There is no evidence that breastfed babies gain
any more than their "programmed" amount, however often they nurse. You
cannot nurse a growing baby too often; you can nurse too little.
6.
Sometimes sore nipples are a concern. They are most often helped
just by improving your nursing position. Hug your baby's shoulders close so
that his tummy is snug against you. Hold him so that his nose, not
his chin, is near your nipple, so that he tips his head back slightly to
reach it. If you hold your breast, be sure to keep all your fingers well
out of his way. When he opens wide, let his lower jaw land first, so that
your nipple goes in last and his lower lip is as far as possible from your
nipple. Pull him in so that his cheeks touch your breast. Since his head
was slightly back, his nose shouldn't be blocked. If you feel you need
help, call La Leche League (1-800-LA LECHE) or a Board Certified Lactation
Consultant. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, and it makes sense to learn
from successful nursing mothers.
7.
Returning to work? You can still nurse your baby! It is the only
thing you can do for your baby that no one else can. Check with a La Leche
League Leader or Lactation Consultant on how to manage the details. Nursing
for even a few weeks gives your baby a great start.
8.
Do your breasts feel "empty"? Don't be fooled! As long as you are a
nursing mother, they will never be empty. And waiting for your breasts to
"fill up" before feeding your little one can actually reduce your
milk supply. After a month or so, your production will match your
nursling's demand and you won't feel full. But the milk will still be
there.
9.
You and your baby are unique. Listen, learn, and sift out the ideas
that feel best for the two of you. Your nursing relationship will
not be exactly like any other.
10. It's
worth repeating: Nursing frequently is the best way to ensure a good
milk supply and a healthy and happy baby. It's a system as old as
humankind, and it works just fine.
©2003 Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC 136 Ellis
Hollow Creek Road Ithaca, NY 14850
www.wiessinger.baka.com
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