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Pediatrician Can Help with Breastfeeding
Are you expecting? First off, congratulations! Welcoming home with a new baby is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in one’s life. In all the preparation for your child, some parents forget to take the time to learn about their feeding options. If you have opted to breastfeed your child, you are offering your new baby the best possible start to their young lives. Breast milk is packed with loads of nutrition and health benefits for your baby.
The first milk your body produces is called Colostrum. Colostrum is a yellow, orange color and contains a whopping amount of nutrients and vitamins for your newborn baby. Not only that, but it also contains substances that can help your baby prevent and fight off infections. Making sure your newborn gets this precious nutrition is extremely important, even if it seems like a small amount. Your baby actually only needs about a single tablespoon on their first day of life and two tablespoons on the second day. However, even if it is one of the most natural things mothers and their new babies can do, it is a skill that the two of you must learn. If you are experiencing difficulties breastfeeding, you have options.
Getting Help from an IBCLC
Some new mothers have a bit more difficult than others when it comes to successfully breastfeeding their newborns. Your pediatrician can help. Search online for a pediatrician and your area, (for example, the term “Pediatrician Columbus, GA”) and you’ll find the best pediatrician for the job. Many pediatric offices have IBCLC on staff who can help you with your breastfeeding concerns. IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This is a medical professional who has pursued further education in the area of lactation and lactation education.
An IBCLC can help you and your baby work through issues of poor latching, stimulating milk supply, and any other concerns you may have about breastfeeding. Your baby is going to be hungry when it is born and will be alert and ready to feed within an hour of coming out. Being confident and having some prior knowledge can help you get the most out of these early feeding experiences. Your IBCLC can help teach you about optimal feeding practices and positions to help you and your baby feel more comfortable during feeding times. Ensuring your baby is in a good position can help with their latch. Good latch-on happens when your baby has opened their mouth wide and is well back on the breast. This way, they are able to get as much milk as they need and will keep your breast from becoming engorged.
How to Know Your Baby is Hungry
Newborns need to eat often. You can expect to breastfeed your baby several times a day and at night. While your baby’s communication is limited at such a young age, she or he can still give you plenty of signals that they are hungry. Your baby might whimper or lip smack, or even make small movements when they wake up from a nap. They might even move their fist in their mouth or start nuzzling against your breast.
While there is no hard and fast rule for feeding schedules, you and your baby will eventually find a routine that works for you. During a growth spurt, your baby might want to feed constantly, while perhaps a bit exhausting for mom, this is normal and natural. These growth spurts will only last four to five days. Make sure to keep breastfeeding and not try to introduce any other liquids or foods. Except for very specific circumstances, babies who are breastfeeding do not need water. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, feel free to reach out to your family’s pediatrician. They would be happy to help make this experience a positive one for both you and you’re newborn.
