Attempt to breastfeed every 2-3 hours
- Watch for light sleep cues such as yawning, stretching, bringing hands to mouth, rooting.
Position yourself and the baby in a comfortable position
- Football or cross cradle gives you the best control of the baby’s head
Review Proper Latch-on Techniques
- Baby has a wide mouth, taking in as much of the areola as possible
- Baby’s top and bottom lip are flared
Look for the following signs to know that your baby has breastfed well
- You feel your nipple/areola being pulled and released as the baby sucks
- Listen for swallowing sounds, especially after your milk comes in
- Your breasts will be softer after the feeding, once your milk comes in
- Baby’s mouth will open and shut in a strong gliding jaw movement
If the baby does not nurse well, a supplement of expressed breastmilk or formula may need to be given
- Your pediatrician will recommend the amount of supplement to be given
- The supplement may be given by any one of the following methods:
- Supplemental nursing system at the breast, or on the finger (finger-feeding)
- Infant feeding bottle
If the baby is not latching effectively, it is recommended that you use a hospital-grade (rental) electric breastpump
- Pumping stimulates the hormones, which tell your body to produce breastmilk
- Pump for 15-20 minutes following each breastfeeding attempt (8-12 times in 24 hours)
Keep a diary of feedings, wet and dirty diapers (Breastfeeding Diary)
- If your infant is not meeting the recommended guidelines, contact your pediatrician