prenatal education - fairvie · 2015-11-23 · if you give your baby formula, your body may not...

Prenatal EducationGetting Started with Infant Care and Breastfeeding

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521516 – 01/13.

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Photo credits: page 2: Courtesy of The Joint Commission; pages 3, 4, 5 and 6: Courtesy of United States Breastfeeding Committee; page 5: © Petrina Calabalic | Dreamstime.com; page 7: © Trevor Allen | Dreamstime.com; page 8: © Sergeytoronto | Dreamstime.com; page 9: © Raycan | Dreamstime.com; page 10: © Fernandes Borges Michel | Dreamstime.com; page 11: © Emin Ozkan | Dreamstime.com

Breastfeeding is good for babies

• Breastmilkistheperfectfoodforyourbaby.Itprovideseverythingyourbabyneedstogrowanddevelop.

• Breastfeedingkeepsbabyhealthy.

• Breastfeedingiscomfortingforbaby.

• Breastmilkcontainsantibodiesandenzymesthatformuladoesnothave.

– Breastmilkhelpsfightofflungandearinfections.

– Breastmilkprotectsbabyagainstfuturediseasessuchasobesityordiabetes.

– Breastmilksupportsinfantgrowth,includingthebrain.

– BreastfedbabieshavelowerratesofSIDS(SuddenInfantDeathSyndrome).

Breastfeeding is good for moms

• Womenwhobreastfeedhavelesscancerofthebreastandovaries,diabetes,arthritis,andheartdiseaselaterinlife.

• Womenwhobreastfeedhavelesspost-partumdepression.Breastfeedinghelpswomenbondwiththeirbabies.

• Womenwhobreastfeedoftenlosetheirpregnancyweightfaster.

Breastfeeding is good for families

• Breastmilkisalwaysreadyandwarm.Thereisnothingtobuy,mixorprepare.

• Breastmilkisfree.Formulacostsmorethan$1700ayear.

• Breastfedbabiestendtobelessfussy:

– Breastmilkiseasiertodigestthanformula.

– Babiesarerarelyconstipated(havehardstools).

WhyBreastfeedingIsImportant

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo: Courtesy of The Joint Commission, “Speak Up: What You Need to Know About Breastfeeding.” Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521561 – 01/13.

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What is skin-to-skin?

Skin-to-skin means your naked baby is placed onto your bare chest. Baby is under a blanket or your clothing (baby may wear a diaper if you prefer).

This happens right after birth, as soon as you are ready. The sooner, the better for you both. All babies love to snuggle skin-to-skin. So do this often, especially while breastfeeding.

What does skin-to-skin do?

• Helpskeepbabywarm.

• Helpsbabyfeelcalm,sobabycriesless.

• Improvesbaby’soxygenandblood sugar levels.

• Helpsyouruteruscontractand bleed less.

• Makesyoufeelclosetoandwanttoprotect your baby.

• Providesthebestwaytostartbreastfeeding.

How does skin-to-skin help breastfeeding?

• Babyisalreadynearthebreastwhenaninterest in feeding begins. This makes latching on easier.

• Babycansmellcolostrum(thefirstmilk)at birth. Colostrum and amniotic fluid have a similar smell. The familiar smell draws baby to the breast.

• Whilelyingonyourchest,babymaynuzzle down to the nipple and latch on without help.

• Babybreastfeedsbetterandlonger.

Early Skin-to-Skin Contact

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo courtesy of United States Breastfeeding Committee. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521562 – 01/13.

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The best time to start is soon after birth

Babies are usually wide awake after birth. This is the best time to start breastfeeding.After the first few hours, babies often sleep for the rest of the day.

As soon after birth as possible, place your baby skin-to-skin on your chest. This helps calm your baby while getting used to life outside of the womb. Holding baby on your chest can help baby latch on after birth.

Baby can latch in this position, not only at birth, but any time.

During the next two days, babies tend to feed every one to three hours. These frequent feeds help you make more milk.

Laid back position

Your nurses in the hospital can help you and your baby learn to latch.

The laid back position, shown on this page, is a perfect choice for baby’s first feeding.

Lie back, but not flat and place baby’s head between your breasts, belly touching your skin. Circle baby loosely with your arms, hands at the bottom of baby’s feet.

After resting skin-to-skin with you, your baby may start moving toward the breast and latch on with only your gentle support.

Baby’s First Feeding


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The laid back position will help you rest while your baby feeds.

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Steps to helping baby latch

1. Hold your baby close to you, tummy to tummy. Baby’s chest is touching the base of the breast.

2. Start with baby’s nose level with the nipple. Tickle and stroke baby’s top lip with the nipple. Or gently touch baby’s chin to the breast under the nipple.

3. Be patient. Wait until your baby opens really wide, with the tongue down.

4. If you are sitting up or lying on your side, hug baby toward the breast to help get a deep latch.

5. Watch as baby takes a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. This helps baby get more milk and the feeding will be more comfortable for mom.

6. If it feels painful for more than a few seconds, break the suction. Do this by putting your finger into baby’s mouth. Remove baby and re-latch. Baby may then open his or her mouth wider and get a better latch.

You can breastfeed with baby held across your chest, tucked under your arm, or lying on or beside you.

Helping Baby Latch

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo of baby: © Petrina Calabalic | Dreamstime.com; Photo of mom: Courtesy of United States Breastfeeding Committee. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521564 – 01/13.

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Plan to keep your baby with you

At the hospital, you and your baby will stay in a family room. This is called rooming in. Dad, your partner or support person may spend the night in the family room.

Staff will care for you and your baby in the room. This includes weighing, baths and medical checks. Staff will help you learn about infant care and feeding.

Your baby goes to the nursery only for medical reasons, such as a hearing test or if we must monitor baby.

What are the benefits of the family room?

• Babysleepsbetterandcriesless.Whenmother is near, it is less stressful for the newborn.

• Yourroomisquieterthanthenursery.

• Babyfeedsmoreoftenandbetter.

• Babygainsweightsoonerandhaslessjaundice (yellow skin color).

• Ifyoubreastfeedoften,youwillhavemilkmorequickly.Breastsarelesslikelytobeengorged (too firm and painful).

• Yougettoknowandbondwithyourbabymorequickly.

• Parentsfeelmoreconfidentaboutcaringfor baby before they go home.

What about sleep?

Many mothers sleep better with their baby nearby.

Planahead:Mostnewbornsfeedfrequentlyintheeveningandearlynight.Babiessleepmore in the morning and early afternoon.

Takeshortfrequentnaps.Sleepwhenyourbabysleeps,evenduringtheday.Todothis,limitvisitorsandtakeyourselfoff-line.

Learn to breastfeed while lying down so you can rest while baby feeds. The family room helps you learn skills for caring for yourself while caring for your baby.

TheFamilyRoom:KeepingBabyNear


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What is feeding on cue?

“Feeding on cue” means feeding whenever your baby shows signs of hunger. The signs of hunger in babies are called “feeding cues.”

Crying is a late hunger sign. Plan to start feedings before baby cries with hunger.

What are the benefits of feeding on cue?

• Babiesneedtobreastfeedoftentobuildtheir mother’s milk supply.

• Babiessettleintoarelaxingfeedfaster.Babiesenjoyfeedingsmorewhentheydon’t have to cry to be fed.

• Feedingiscomfortaswellasnutrition.

• Newbornsthriveonconstantclosenessand feeding. You cannot hold your baby too much or “spoil” your baby.

Feeding on cue and your milk supply

Newborninfantsneedsmall,frequentfeedings in the first days. One teaspoon fills a newborn’sstomachatbirth.Bythreedaysthestomach holds 3 teaspoons.

Feedbabywheneverbabywants.Frequentbreastfeeding in the weeks after birth assures a good milk supply for months to come.

Wait until 3 to 4 weeks of age before giving a bottle or pacifier. If you use a pacifier too soon,youmaymakelessmilk.

Your baby prefers you. Avoid giving pacifiers and bottles too early. This will help your baby breastfeed better and sooner.

Feeding on Cue

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo © Trevor Allen | Dreamstime.com. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521566 – 01/13.

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Feeding cues: • Mouthing

• Stickingthetongueout

• Rooting(babyturnstowardbreast and may open mouth)

• Hand-to-mouthmovements

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For the first six months, babies need only breast milk to get all the nutrients they need. Breastfed babies need no other food or fluid, including water.

First milk is called colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk that baby gets at birth. This milk is rich in protein, calories and antibodies.

The first day of life, baby’s stomach is the size of a marble. A feeding is about a teaspoon.

Milk increases slowly at first. This allows time for baby’s stomach to expand.

All babies lose weight in the first days

All babies lose weight in the first 4 to 5 days. The body uses up the extra water while baby’s stomach is still very small. This gives baby time to learn how to breastfeed.

Also, healthy, full-term infants are born with extra fat. If they are sleepy or have trouble latching, the fat will cover their needs.

Around 2 to 5 days your breasts will begin to feel fuller as the volume of milk increases.

Your body knows how much milk to make by how often your baby feeds. If you give your baby formula, your body may not know how much milk to make.

Babies return to birth weight by 2 weeks.

Give first solids at six months

Wait until 6 months to start solids or baby foods. Usually, there is no medical reason to feed anything but breast milk for the first 6 months.

Giving foods or fluids too early can affect breastfeeding and your baby’s health.

Feeding only breast milk:

• Protectsagainstdiseaseandinfections.

• Reducesfoodallergies.

• Keepsupyourmilksupply.

Plantocontinuebreastfeedingthroughthefirst year. Breast milk offers benefits beyond the first year as well.

Feed Only Breast Milk the First Six Months

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo copyright © Sergeytoronto | Dreamstime.com. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521567 – 01/13.

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Feed early and often

• Feedyourbabyinthefirsthourafterbirthifyoucan.

• Onthesecondandthirddays,babiestendtofeedevery1to3hours.Or,about8to12timesin24hours.

• Babiessometimesclusterfeed—feedingeveryhourforafewhoursinarow—andthensleepforseveralhours.

• Youwillhavemoremilkbydays3to5.Breastswillquicklyincreaseinsizeandbecomeheavierandfirmer.Thesearesignsthatyourmilksupplyisgrowing.

• Plantofeedyourbabyfrequently.Thiswillhelpyourbreastsmaketherightamountofmilkforyourbaby.

The first few weeks

• Feedingyourbabyoftenwillpreventthebreastsfromgettingtoofirmandpainful(engorged).

• Themoreyoubreastfeednow,thegreateryourmilksupplylater.

• Yourbodyknowshowmuchmilktomakebyhowoftenyourbabyfeeds.Ifyougiveyourbabyformula,yourbodymaynotknowhowmuchmilktomake.

• Letthebabyfinishfeedingonthefirstbreastbeforeyouofferthesecondone.

• Waittostartbottlesandpacifiersuntilbabyis3to4weeksofage.Useofbottlesorpacifiersinthefirstdayscanreduceyourmilksupplyandmakeitharderforbabytolearnhowtolatch.

The first month and beyond

• Tobuildyourmilksupply,breastfeedofteninthedayandatnight.Soonthebreastswillfeelsofterbetweenfeedings,yetmakemoremilkthaninthefirstweekortwo.

• Babiesmaynursemoreonsomedaysthanothers.Somebabies(notall)maylaterreducefeedingsto6to8timesperdayandstillgainweight.

MakingMilk

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo copyright © Raycan | Dreamstime.com. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521568 – 01/13.

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Use a breastfeeding log

You will receive a breastfeeding log before you leave the hospital. The log tracks the number of wet or soiled diapers. Tracking diapers will tell you if baby is getting enough milk.

By day 5, your baby should pass 3 to 4 yellow stools a day and wet at least 5 diapers.

Your baby should start gaining weight after the first week and be back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age.

Number of wet diapers

Number of soiled diapers

Color of stool

Day 1 1 1 Black

Day 2 2 2 Black

Day 3 3 3 Green–Black

Day 4 4 3 Green–Yellow

Day 5 5 3 or more Yellow

Day 6 6 3 or more Yellow

Day 7 6 to 8 3 or more Yellow

Signs that baby is feeding well

Your baby may appear content and satisfied after most feedings. When a baby seems fussy and cries a lot there may be many reasons, not just hunger.

When baby is feeding well:

• Babyhasalargemouthfulofbreast.

• Baby’schinistouchingthebreast.

• Youcanhearbabyswallowing.

• Babytakeslong,rhythmicsucksandswallows. It is normal for your baby to pause sometimes.

• Yourbabyfinishesfeedingandcomesoffthe breast on his or her own.

* Your breasts and nipples are comfortable during a feeding.

You cannot tell how much breast milk baby is getting by:

• Howfussybabyis.

• Howmuchbabysleeps.

• Howmuchmilkyoupump.

• Howlongandoftenyourbabynurses.

• Howmuchbabytakesfromabottle.

HowtoKnowYourBabyIsGettingEnoughMilk

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo copyright © Fernandes Borges Michel | Dreamstime.com. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521569 – 01/13.

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Preparing for labor

Learning what to expect will help you prepare for a smooth labor. A good labor can support breastfeeding success.

• Takeachildbirthclasswithyourpartner.

• Practicebreathingtechniquestohelp in labor.

• Painmedicinesmaymakebabieslessalert.Theymayweakenababy’sabilitytosuckrightafterbirth.Andbabiesmaytakelonger to breastfeed.

During labor

• Stayoutofbedaslongasyoucan.Walk,standandtakeashower.Letgravityhelpbring your baby down.

• Useabirthingballtositonorleanover.This can:

–Helpwithbackpressure.

– Help you stay upright.

– Allowhelperstomassageyourback.

–Helpopenyourpelvisforbaby.

• Usetheshowerortub.Waterreduceslabor pain.

• Considerawaterbirth.Askyourcareproviderifthisisanoptionforyou.

– The warmth of the water reduces pain.

–Warmwaterhelpsstretchtissuessothere’slesstearing.

–Water’srelaxingeffectcanspeedlabor.

–Waterisacomfortablewayforbabytoenter the world.

Getting the support of a doula

A doula is a woman trained to support andguidemomsduringlabor.Weknowthatwomenwhohavedoulashaveshorterlabors,fewerproblemsandmoresuccessatbreastfeeding.

Be patient with learning to breastfeed. Baby maybesleepyatbirthormilkmayincreaseslowly.Don’tgiveup.Itwillbeworthit.

LaborCanSupportBreastfeedingSuccess

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Created with funds from Fairview Physician Associates Small Grant Fund, 3/2012. Photo copyright © Emin Ozkan | Dreamstime.com. Text copyright © 2013 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 521570 – 01/13.

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prenatal education - fairvie · 2015-11-23 · if you give your baby formula, your body may not...

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