How to Breastfeed

Now that you have decided to breastfeed our baby, here are some guidelines:

Right after giving birth

• breastfeed within the first hour
• have the baby room in

How to feed the baby

• watch out for feeding cues every 1-3 hours(sucking movements, sucking sounds, hand-to-mouth movements, soft cooing or sighing sounds, restlessness)
• crying is a late feeding cue
• breastfeed first on one breast until baby drops off before offering the second breast
• practice the right latch

Other tips

• be with baby 24/7 to establish milk supply
• don't pump at the beginning
• don't feed through the bottle; don't use pacifiers
• do not give formula or water because this will lessen the demand for your milk   

Signs of effective breastfeeding

• baby has at least 3 bowel movements in each 24 hours after day 1
• seedy, yellow bowel movements by day 5
• 6 wet diapers by day 4 with urine that is clear or light yellow
• satisfied and content after feedings
• audible swallowing during feedings
• back to birth weight by day 7 to 10
• mom has noticeable increase in breastsize and weight by day 5

Source: Clinical Guidelines for the Establishment of Exclusive Breastfeeding June 2005 by ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association)