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The Basics of Breastfeeding
At Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals, we do all we can to support breastfeeding.
The following information may be helpful to you as you decide whether breastfeeding is right for you and your baby. More detailed information from our Breastfeeding Resource Guide can be accessed by clicking on "more" at the end of each section.
Why should I breastfeed?
Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby. Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both the newborn and the new mother.
For the newborn:
- Antibodies passed from the mother through breast milk provide protection from some childhood illnesses.
- Breast milk is easier to digest than formula.
- Breast milk is the best food for your baby, providing the perfect balance of nutrients for growth and development.
- Breastfed babies have higher IQs and better motor development.
For the mother:
- Breastfeeding offers mothers a unique opportunity for closeness with their babies.
- Breastfeeding helps mothers lose the majority of their pre-pregnancy weight.
- Breastfeeding is convenient and less expensive than formula feeding. Formula costs $1700 to $2200 a year depending on the type of preparation.
- Breastfeeding helps with child-spacing in families practicing natural family planning.
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How long should I breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed (or provide
their breast milk) for the first six months of life and breast milk remain the primary source of nutrition throughout
the first year of life while other foods are introduced. After the first year, mother and baby can continue to have
a healthy breastfeeding relationship as long as they want. Breast milk at any stage of a baby's life continues to
provide protection against illnesses and give baby vitamins and minerals.
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Is it hard to learn how to breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is a learned art. It takes time and is not always easy in the beginning. Patience and a positive
attitude will help you relax as you and your baby learn this new task. The nurses at Bethesda North and Good Samaritan
hospitals are trained to help you get started with breastfeeding. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
are also available to see breastfeeding mothers at least once - more if needed - during their stay in the hospital.
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How do my breasts make milk?
Your breasts begin making milk during your second trimester. After your baby is born, the hormones in your body
rapidly change. These changes help your brain respond to the delivery by producing prolactin, a hormone that signals
your breasts to make more milk. The more milk your baby or pump removes from your breast, the more milk you will
produce. It is a process of supply and demand.
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What is colostrum, and why is it good for my baby?
In the first few days of breastfeeding, your body will produce the early milk, or colostrum. Colostrum is thick and
yellow or golden in color. Though it comes out in small amounts, colostrum is super-concentrated with nutrients and
is ALL your baby needs when he is healthy and nursing well. Colostrum also contains special germ-fighters, or
antibodies.
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How does my baby get the milk out of my breasts?
The end of your nipple has 15 to 20 openings for milk. Milk ducts are located under the dark skin of the breast, the
areola, and are connected to the openings in the nipple. When your baby latches to the breast, he brings your nipple
to the back of his mouth and uses suction to keep it there. He keeps his tongue out over his gum line and uses rhythmic
jaw movements to massage the milk out of the breast. He pushes the milk to the back of his throat and swallows. A
good latch is key to your baby getting the most out of breastfeeding.
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What is the letdown reflex?
When you breastfeed or remove milk from your breasts by hand or with a pump, your body produces a hormone called
oxytocin, which helps squeeze the milk out of the milk sacs and out of your nipple. This is called the letdown reflex.
The letdown helps the hindmilk, thicker milk that contains more protein and fat, to flow more easily. It is important
that your baby nurses until he is finished and obtains the hindmilk, which satisfies your baby and makes him grow.
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How should I hold my baby when breastfeeding?
There are several ways to hold and support your baby when you breastfeed, including the football, cross-cradle,
cradle and side-lying holds. Try each of them while you have help in the hospital so that you can find out which one
works best for you and your baby. Remember that what works today may not work tomorrow, so be creative.
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How will I know when my baby is hungry?
Watch baby's cues that he is ready to eat: bringing his hands to his face and/or mouth, and rooting (turning his head
and opening his mouth. Crying is a late cue that baby is hungry and may mean that it will take some time to calm him
down before he is ready to go to the breast.
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How often should I breastfeed?
Breastfed babies need to eat every two to three hours around the clock (eight to 12 feedings per day) for an average
of 20 to 30 minutes, but all babies are different and you need to watch your baby. If your baby never seems satisfied
and nursing sessions are longer than 30 to 45 minutes, your baby is not sucking effectively.
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What is the difference betwen nutritive and non-nutritive sucking?
It is important for you to recognize the difference between non-nutritive and nutritive sucking so that you know
if your baby is able to remove milk from your breast.
Non-nutritive sucking:
- Helps babies calm themselves.
- Does not remove milk from the breast or bottle.
- Is characterized by movements with the front of the mouth and slight jaw movements.
Nutritive sucking:
- Enables baby to remove milk from the breast or bottle when eating.
- Is characterized by suck-swallow-breathe pattern, during which you can see baby's jaw dropping and hear soft
swallows and sometimes gulps.
You will know your baby is breastfeeding well using nutritive sucking if:
- He is spending at least 15 to 20 minutes of active sucking and swallowing at the breast.
- His jaw is dropping with each suck and you can see and hear swallows.
- He stays latched on without coming on and off the breast.
- You do not have nipple pain.
- You do not hear any sucking sounds such as clicking.
- His cheeks are full and not dimpled.
- His diaper output is increasing each day up to six urines and six stools by day six.
If your baby shows signs of not feeding well, contact his doctor and, if needed, speak with a lactation
consultant.
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Who can I speak with if I need help breastfeeding?
Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals offer International Board Certified Lactation Consultants to assist you
with your breastfeeding needs. If you have problems, we offer telephone support at (513) 862-PUMP (7867). If your
problem requires more than a simple solution over the phone, lactation consultations are available at affordable rates
and may be covered by your insurance.
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