March 4, 2008
Breastfeeding After Birth
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.
Filed under Frequently Asked Questions by Jessica
Comments on Breastfeeding After Birth »
If you are about to have your first bundle of joy, I highly recommend getting a nursing cover up before you go into the delivery room. Within minutes that baby will be put on your breast no matter who is standing around, including your father-in-law, strangers, children… anyone. So, some whom I admire, are fine letting it all hang out, while I am a little more on the shy side when it comes to exposing my breasts. I recommend the Nursalong Nursing cover, nursalong.com. It is stylish, full covering, and comes with burp cloth, pocket for breast pads and pacifier clip. The best part is that it folds up into a trendy little tote staying free of crumbs and germs and it is under $30. I love it and wish I would have had it in the hospital!!!!