Human milk is the preferred
feeding for all babies.
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breastfeeding is baby’s ideal nutrition for about six months when solids can
be added to complement the breast milk diet.
Breastfeeding should be
continued for at least the first year, and as long thereafter as mutually desired.
Baby should be at least at
birth weight by 2 weeks of age.
Feed baby 8 to 12 times every
24 hours whenever baby gives feeding cues, such as alertness, physical activity, or mouthing movements. Crying is considered a
late sign of hunger.
Record feeding times, how long they last and track the number of baby’s wet
and dirty diapers. Babies are getting enough breast milk if there are 3-5 wet
diapers and 3-4 bowel movements a day (in 24 hours) by baby’s 3-5 days of life; and 4-6 wet diapers
and 3-6 bowel movements per day by
baby’s 5-7 days of life.
All breastfeeding babies should see their health care provider at 3 to 5 days
of age.
A second visit is advised at 2 to 3 weeks of age to monitor weight gain and
provide breastfeeding support. Ask your health care provider if baby will need to
receive a vitamin D supplement.
Routine water supplements are not advised for babies less than 4 months of
age and babies over 4months should receive no more than 4 oz per day.
Appetite spurts commonly occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. This is when
milk supply lags behind infant demand. To manage, mom should cut
back on activities and breastfeed more frequently to match milk supply to baby’s demand.
“Cluster feeds” may occur when baby eats
every hour during a portion of the day.
Baby may suddenly refuse to breastfeed, sometimes referred to as a “nursing
strike”. This may occur for a variety of reasons, typically around 4-7 months
of age. This may be due to illness in
baby or linked with low milk supply or exposure to bottle
feedings. To keep and increase milk supply, pump milk; breastfeed while baby is sleepy, and try
to keep surroundings quiet.
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Have
baby at breast within first 30 minutes after delivery if possible.
Ask for a formal
evaluation of breastfeeding (including position, latch, and milk transfer) at
least twice daily while in the hospital after delivery.
Newborn weight gain
begins as soon as breast milk “comes in” about 2-4 days postpartum.
Once home sleep nearby
baby to facilitate breastfeeding.
Avoid completely or
postpone pacifier use until around 4 weeks of age when breastfeeding is well established.
Avoid routine
supplements (of formula) in the healthy infant to maintain milk supply. Hand
express or use a breast pump to collect milk for times
when you are unable to breastfeed. Please consult a
healthcare provider for storage and
handling of breast milk.
Explore using a breast
pump if returning to work or school.
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If
this occurs, it usually happens toward end of feeding.
Speak firmly, say
“no” and stop the feeding.
Don’t laugh or smile, as this will reinforce the behavior.
During next feedings, remove baby from breast when no longer
able to hear baby swallowing or see baby actively
breastfeeding.
If your baby is easily distracted while breastfeeding, feed in calm settings.
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Delay
solids, including cereal, until baby is about months of age.
Solids should complement, not replace, breast milk in
baby’s diet.
Offer solids after breastfeeding, not before.
Offer solids later in the day when breast milk supply is
lowest.
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Weaning
should be done gradually.
Baby-led weaning
is preferable to mother-led weaning.
Never offer and never refuse to breastfeed.
Wear inaccessible clothes (e.g., buttons up the back) so
baby is not able to access breast easily.
Substitute other forms of contact, such as cuddling.
One reason older babies breastfeed is out of boredom. Keep
baby engaged in other activities (playing, singing, etc).
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