Are you pregnant and looking for ways to be more prepared for breastfeeding? Read on for my best tips for breastfeeding right after delivery.
Pregnancy can be a daunting and overwhelming time. But the labor and delivery process can be even more so. I remember taking a childbirth class years ago when I was pregnant with my first daughter. The class was helpful and I learned what to expect. But I could never anticipate exactly how things would play out during delivery. I’m sure many moms can relate. Although you may come up with the perfect birthing plan, things may move faster or slower than you expected. Things rarely go as planned.
But it’s still helpful to know what to expect during delivery, and the same goes with breastfeeding. Having a plan for breastfeeding right after delivery can help you and your baby get off to the right start.
Tips for breastfeeding right after delivery:
Have your baby skin-to-skin ASAP
If you both are well enough, have your baby placed skin-to-skin with you right after birth. Avoid having clothing or blankets between you. Lay your baby directly on your skin. Your baby may need procedures done right after birth. But many of the procedures can be done while he is laying on you, skin-to-skin. Keeping your baby close helps to keep him calm and warm. It also helps him to learn how to start breathing on his own.
Place your baby on your belly
Have your baby placed on your belly with his head facing you. He will naturally move towards your breast and start his first feeding in most cases.
Feed within the first hour
Once your baby is on your belly, give him time to find his way to your breast. If he needs a little help, gently re-position him so that he finds your breast within the first hour. Babies are generally the most awake in this first hour after delivery. So it’s a great time to start getting breastfeeding established.
Feed the colostrum
Many moms worry that they aren’t producing enough milk in the first few days after delivery. But the reality is that your body only produces a small amount of colostrum (early milk) each day. Literally an ounce or 2 for the day. It is just what your baby needs for the first few days. It has lots of nutrients and antibodies to get your baby off to a great start. So don’t doubt yourself. Just feed every drop you get.
Massage your breasts
Massaging your breasts during feedings can help to increase the flow of colostrum and eventually breast milk to your baby. Using your hand, start from the outer edges of your breast and massage to press the colostrum towards your nipple. Having some expressed colostrum on your nipple can also entice your baby to latch on and feed at the breast. Massage is helpful to empty the breast during feedings and while pumping as well.
Let your baby get used to your scent
Keeping your baby skin-to-skin helps him to memorize your scent and to feel comfortable with you. Avoid having visitors hold your baby within the first few hours. That way, he can get used to your scent (and your partner’s).
Supplement only when necessary
Some situations might require your baby to be supplemented with formula after delivery. This could be for a low blood sugar, too much weight loss, poor output or other medical reasons. If you do have to supplement with formula, it helps to breastfeed first. That way, you and your baby can practice at the breast each time. Then follow with the formula supplementation. Of course, once you’re able, pump and provide breast milk since this is a better alternative to supplement with.
Just like pregnancy and delivery, it’s important to be prepared for breastfeeding so that you and your baby can have the best start and outcome possible. Have a plan and share it with those who will be with you during delivery so that your desires can be met. Especially since it can be such a busy and overwhelming time. Things may not turn out perfect but keep these tips for breastfeeding right after delivery in mind to get you started.
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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 75+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and the tools you need to learn the basics and adapt to life while breastfeeding, troubleshoot breastfeeding problems, go back to work while breastfeeding, wean – and so much more!
