After Childbirth – Preparing for Your Newborn Part 1

You did it!! Whether you had a natural childbirth or needed some intervention, you now have your precious bundle of joy and the fun begins. It is amazing when you get to hold your baby for the first time. You look into their eyes and a love hits you like you have never felt before. But NOW WHAT?

Here are a few possible questions you may be having:

Breastfeeding:

When do I feed a newborn baby?
– Watch for your baby’s hunger signs, feed on demand: anytime the baby is hungry.

What is the minimum number of feedings per day?
– Minimum: 8 to– 12 feedings per day but could be much more.

What is the longest time a newborn should go in between feedings?
– No more than 3 hours between feedings in daytime.
– No more than 4 hrs at night. (this is not a hard and fast rule: from day 1 my daughter slept 8hrs she was also over 9lbs at birth)

How long should you nurse the baby during each feeding?
– Nurse on the 1 side until baby falls asleep or pulls away (every baby differs in length of time, the average is 8 to 10 minutes) Then, give him a chance to burp, switch sides, nurse until baby is full.

How long can you store breastmilk that has been pumped?
– Generally you can refrigerate breast milk for 3 to 5 days and freeze it for 3 to 6 months.

***Don’t freeze milk you plan to use within 3 to 5 days because freezing destroys some of the antibodies. (However, frozen breast milk is still healthier than formula.) You can keep milk that’s been frozen and thawed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but don’t refreeze it.

What are some things you can do which may help prevent sore nipples?
– Wash nipples with warm water, but do not use soap. Keep nipples dry,
change nursing pads whenever wet. Nurse often, for shorter periods. After each feeding,
express breast milk, rub it in to nipples, and expose breasts to fresh air for a short while.

What can you do to relieve the discomfort of engorgement?
– Warm washcloths and massage (deep and all around your breast), shower (spray directly onto your breast), hand expressing a little milk.
– Something else I have seen is dunking a diaper into water and microwaving it for 5 seconds. Then wrap the diaper around your breast, worked wonders for a friend of mine.

Here is a great product to try as well:

How do I know if I have a good position?
**This is from LaLeche an amazing support system. (http://www.llli.org)

– Basic Steps for Optimal Positioning
Position yourself comfortably with back support, pillows supporting your arms and in your lap and your feet supported by a footrest or a telephone book.
Position baby close to you, with his hips flexed, so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. His mouth and nose should be facing your nipple. If possible, ask your helper to hand you the baby once you are comfortable.
Support your breast so it is not pressing on your baby’s chin. Your baby’s chin should drive into your breast.
Attach or latch baby onto your breast. Encourage him to open his mouth wide and pull him close by supporting his back (rather than the back of his head) so that his chin drives into your breast. His nose will be touching your breast. Your hand forms a “second neck” for your baby.
Enjoy! If you are feeling pain, detach baby gently and try again.

These steps may need to be repeated frequently during the early weeks. You and your baby will find a technique that works for you after some practice.

How do I know if my baby has a good latch?
**This is from LaLeche an amazing support system. (http://www.llli.org)

– When latching on your baby, use your nipple to tickle the center of your baby’s bottom lip. This will encourage him to open his mouth wide (like he is yawning). Aim your nipple slightly towards the roof of his mouth, bringing baby to you, chin first.

Good latch-on checkpoints for your baby include:

his nose is nearly touching your breast, that is, no further away than a credit card edge
his lips are flanged
at least ½ inch of your breast around the base of your nipple is in his mouth.
If the latch is uncomfortable or painful, gently place your finger in the baby’s mouth, between his gums, to detach him and try again.

Stay tuned for part 2 about taking care of your newborn and taking care of yourself.