Breast Feeding Basics

Question: How soon after birth should I start breastfeeding my baby?

Ideally, a mother should give birth vaginally and put her baby to the breast within the first 30 minutes following the birth. Also, if possible, rooming in with baby and sleeping with baby is helpful in establishing a strong bond and preventing engorgement, in addition to stimulating a good milk supply.

Unfortunately, about 25% of mothers will deliver by C-section in the hospital. After a c-section, Baby may be drowsy and lethargic from the medications and the trauma of the whole affair, so nursing may be delayed. Nursing may also be delayed when a baby is sick or was born with the use of forceps or vacuum extractor.

In situations where breastfeeding soon after birth is not possible, a breastpump can come in handy. Try to pump as soon after the birth as you can. Colostrum has priceless benefits for the baby and some experts believe that the amount of medication in the milk is so minute that it is not a problem.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 at 8:55 pm and is filed under Frequently Asked Questions.
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