Charleen Kahapea

March 1, 2015

BREASTFEEDING
A quick look into breastfeeding
What is so good about
human milk?
Breast milk is specific to the
needs of each newborn. The
mothers milk of a preterm baby
is different from a term baby.
(Lowdermilk, p537)
Breast first make colostrum and
then milk comes in about the 3rd
day. Fullness (engorgement)
should go away in 12-48hrs.
Cold compress and cabbage
leaves can help with the discomfort. Before nursing put a warm
compress on breast to help with
nursing.

Signs baby is hungry

opening mouth
putting hands in mouth
sucking motions
rooting reflex (baby moves toward something that touches
area around the mouth and attempts to suck)
crying is a late sign

Benefits
to mom
& baby
Some of the
benefits to baby
are listed in the
picture to the
right. As for
mom, some
benefits are early
return to pre
pregnancy
weight, decreased afterbirth bleeding, reduced risk of breast and ovarian
cancer, and a special bonding experience. Other benefits to think
of include less expensive than formula, there is no bottles, baby
can feed at anytime, and less doctor visits. In the long run, the
picture below is the benefits of a breastfed toddler.

Frequency of feeding
Newborns need to feed 8-12
times in 24 hours. Some breastfeed every 2-3 hours. Newborns
should be awaken to feed at least
every 3 hours. Later when baby is
feeding well and gaining adequate weight, demand feeding,
where baby determines frequency of feedings is alright.
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Charleen Kahapea

Duration of feeding
Average time is 30-40 minutes or
15-20 minutes for each breast.
Signs baby may be finished is
when sucking and swallowing
pattern has slowed, the breast is
softened, and the baby appears
content and may fall asleep or
release the nipple. (Lowdermilk
p. 542)

Signs of good feedings

March 1, 2015

Latching on

1. Tickle babys lower lip

with your nipple until he or
she opens wide.
2. Quickly pull baby onto
breast.
3. Baby should have as
much areolar in their mouth
as possible, not just the
nipple. (Lowdermilk p.541)

Positioning

At least 3 bowel movements

and 6-8 wet diapers every24
hours after day 4.
Swallowing noises heard
latches on without difficulty
Easy release of breast after
feeding
Infant shows content after feedings.

Just a friendly reminder

SUPPLY AND DEMAND!
Continued milk production depends not only on how much
your baby suckles but also on
how much baby feeds.

A good resource book by La

Leche League International.
Website www.llli.org

Small early feedings are important to stimulate the greater

milk production your baby will
require in a few days time.
During periods when she feeds
more frequently-usually in response to growth spurtsyour
milk production will increase.
(Growth spurts most commonly
occur at approximately three
weeks, six weeks, three months,
and six months of age, but this
varies from baby to baby.)
www.healthychildren.org

References
A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding/What is the best way to breastfeed my baby? (n.d.).
Retrieved January 27, 2015, from http://wikieducator.org/A_New_Mother's_Guide_to_Breastfeeding/What_is_the_best_way_to_breastfeed_my_baby?
Lowdermilk, D. (2010). Maternity nursing (8th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby/Elsevier.
(N.A.). (N.D.). Breastfeeding guide: Tips and Products 2012. In Resources. Retrieved from
http://viewer.zmags.com/publications/5c632362#/5c632362/1
Supply and Demand. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2015, from
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Supplyand-Demand.aspx