Best way to start breastfeeding in the hospital

The first few weeks after birth play a significant role in determining the breastfeeding outcome. It’s crucial to ensure that the start is right from the beginning. This article covers everything you need to know about latching and protecting your milk supply.

Skin to Skin Contact

The sense of touch is the first sense that develops in utero. The National Institutes of Health recommends initiating skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after the baby is born, ideally within one hour after birth, to facilitate breastfeeding.

Skin-to-skin contact creates a strong emotional connection and improves parent-child attachment. It also regulates the infant’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

Studies indicate that skin-to-skin contact improves breastfeeding outcomes by encouraging pre-feeding behaviours in infants and better emotional regulation.

How to do skin-to-skin contact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0kwlADKRgs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AiF7Id3yAQ

How to position the baby:

The baby’s alignment is crucial for comfortable and adequate feeding. Regardless of the breastfeeding position, ensure that the head, neck, and body are in a straight line.

How to latch:

To encourage a good latch, hold your baby close, with their face facing your chest. Position them on their side so their nose is level with your nipple. Support your breast from underneath, keeping your fingers well back from the areola and nipple to allow your baby to take a large mouthful of breast tissue.

Common Breastfeeding Position & How to latch reference videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or4OnMxihUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JboAZfhjws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS8UyAQexBg

Golden hour breastfeeding:

The first hour after birth is called the Golden Hour. During this period, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding will be initiated.

The International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology quotes ”Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby, it is a powerful tool for improving health and preventing disease. ”

Reference video of Breastfeeding in the first few hours

Basic Baby Care Guidelines:

Feeding: Feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours to ensure they receive sufficient nutrition.
Hydration: Monitor urine output – aim for at least eight wet diapers per day.
Digestion: It’s normal for your baby to have bowel movements about two to three times a day
Weight Gain: The baby should gain between 20-30 grams per day. Refer to the WHO growth chart for weight.
Practice Patience: It’s normal for newborns to need a few attempts to master the latch. Give your baby and yourself time to learn.
Gentle: If your baby is struggling to latch, avoid forcing them to do so.
Baby Cues: Head movements, an open mouth, and the rooting reflex (turning their head and opening their mouth when their cheek is stroked) are early hunger signs. Feed the baby on early hunger cues.

Special needs:

Infants with special needs, including those in the NICU, preterm babies, and babies with feeding difficulties, require individualised care. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the specific protocols and instructions provided by the emergency or NICU medical team.

Pumping/ Hand expression:

If you are temporarily unable to breastfeed directly, ensure that you pump or hand express your milk every 2-3 hours to maintain milk supply. This consistent milk removal signals your body to continue producing milk, helping to avoid engorgement, low milk output, and other problems associated with milk supply.

Ref link: How to gently massage and handexpress breastmilk

For Partners/Caregivers: To provide comprehensive support, please instruct your primary caregiver or partner on the technique of hand-expressing breast milk.

Thank you for reading. Wishing you and your little one all the happiness, joy, and wonderful moments on your journey of parenthood.

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