Breastfeeding Information and Tips: FREEGIFTS 4Babies

Breastfeeding is one of the best things that you can do to care for your newborn. Antibodies are transferred from your milk to your baby boosting their immune system and the concentration of nutrients, vitamins and minerals keep your baby well fed. It has been shown that breastfeeding decreases the incidence and/or severity of:
·    diarrhea,
·    lower respiratory infection,
·    otitis media (middle ear infections),
·    bacteremia (bacteria in the blood),
·    bacterial meningitis (infection in the fluid of the spinal cord),
·    UTIs (urinary tract infections), 
·    necrotizing enterocolitis (gastrointestinal disease that causes tissue death)

Infants that were breastfed showed signs of enhanced cognitive development and killing skin warts. Infants should be breastfed up to 12 months. There have been studies on the benefits of breastfeeding and some of the results showed possible protective effects against SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Chrion’s disease, lymphoma, and allergic diseases.

Tips on breastfeeding
·    the more frequent the baby empties the breast the more milk will be produced (supply and demand)
·    increase milk supply by increasing stimulation (nurse or pump more often and use breast massage during feedings and prior to pumping), drink plenty of fluids, rest and relax, and continue to take prenatal vitamins
·    a baby’s hunger cues will tell you when he/she is hungry (early –sucks on lips, tongue, fingers, or fists; active –rooting, fidgets or fusses; late –baby is crying)
Make sure your baby has a good latch on to your nipple. Your baby should always be at breast level with the nipple pointed towards their nose. Baby’s mouth should open wide and aim for a mouthful of breast tissue with the nipple towards the back of the throat with their nose tip and chin touching the breast. (Never apply gentle pressure at nose to clear –lift breast from the bottom). Proper positioning ensures a painless feeding and that both you and your baby are comfortable. Keep your baby at level of your breast using pillows for support. This will make it easier for your baby to effectively suckle from your breast. Some positions include the football, side lying, and cross cradle hold. You know when your baby is getting enough milk when their weight increases, they have relaxed and open hands, and adequate wet and dirty diapers.
Mothers should not breastfeed if she is HIV positive, has untreated active tuberculosis, uses illegal drugs or excessive alcohol or infant with galactosemia.

My Baby is Term and Healthy...But Won’t Latch!

Birth – 24 Hours	24 – 48 Hours	48 Hours + or After Discharge
©     Offer breast during quiet alert state, or at least every 3 hours. ©     Hold baby skin-to-skin on Mother’s chest. ©     Encourage quiet environment. Consider limiting time and number of visitors. ©     If baby does not latch with in 18 hours, initiate pumping every three hours or hand express every three hours, after each attempt to breastfeed. ©     Hand express colostrums onto your baby’s lips.   2 3 1         Marmet Technique copyright 1978, revised 1979, 1981 and 1988. Used with permission of Chele Marmet and the Lactation Institute, 1616 Ventura Blvd., Suite 223, Encino, California 91436	©     Offer breast every three (3) hours. ©     If baby does not latch effectively and nurse, with signs of milk transfer after about 10 minutes, supplement at breast, 10 to 15 ml. EBM* (or ABM** if breastmilk is unavailable). ©     Use alternative feeding method, such as a bottle, if baby does not latch at breast. ©     Continue to pump or hand express after each attempt to breastfeed. ©     Continue with frequent skin-to-skin cuddling. ©     Continue encouraging a quiet environment.  Consider limiting the time and number of visitors. *EBM = expressed breastmilk **ABM = imitation breastmilk (infant formula)	©     Continue to Offer breast at least every three (3) hours, including night feedings. ©     Continue with supplementation at breast, if possible, 15-30 ml. EBM (or ABM, if breastmilk is unavailable). ©     Use alternative feeding methods, such as a bottle, if baby does not latch at breast. ©     Continue to pump or hand express after each attempt to breastfeed. ©     Continue with frequent skin-to-skin cuddling. ©     Make appointment to return to see a Lactation Consultant in 48 hours for test weight and to assess latch and breastfeeding behaviors.

 

If by day 5 of life, your baby is not eating at least every 3 hours and producing at least 6 wet diapers per day, contact your Pediatrician Immediately!
Tips on pumping
·    Moms should pump 2-3 hours with hospital grade pump (3-4 hours at night)
·    Milk should be refrigerated or frozen unless used within 4 hours of pumping
·    Refrigerated for 48 hours or freeze for 6 months
·    Always check your labels for the expiration dates
How to Warm Breastmilk
·    Thaw frozen by putting refrigerator (12 hours)
·    No microwaves!! (This kills the good bacteria and enzymes that your baby needs)
·    Cool water and gradually adding warmer water (or purchase a bottle warmer)
·    Discard if not used within 4 hours
Resources in the Community
·    La Leche League: 361-985-0705
·    Medela Breastfeeding: 1-800-TELL-YOU
·    Navy Relief Society: 361-939-9104
·    Texas Breastfeeding Hotline: 1-800-514-6667
·    WIC( Women, Infant, & Children) Program: 1-800-WICFORU

Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
La Leche League
Kelly Mom
Medela
BabyCenter

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