Planning To Breastfeed Or Need Help Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, though, especially at first. Some new mothers need a little help. FirstHealth Moore Regional hospital provides access to new mothers and pregnant women who can benefit from access to certified lactation consultants who can educate and encourage, answer their questions and help solve breastfeeding difficulties.
The lactation consultants are available by appointment to provide breastfeeding information and advice to women before and after giving birth.
For more information, call (910) 715-2068.
When Not To Breastfeed
- Women who are HIV positive should not breast-feed.
- While you are breastfeeding, check with your health care provider before taking medications.
Tips For Breastfeeding Success
Get an early start
Colostrum, the thick yellowish fluid that is present in breast milk directly after a baby’s birth and during the first few days of life, helps protect the baby from illnesses. Three to five days after birth, the mother’s milk changes from colostrum to transitional milk, which is gradually replaced by mature milk. When possible, nursing should begin within an hour of delivery while the infant is awake and his sucking instinct is strong.
Develop proper positioning
Proper positioning is crucial in minimizing breast soreness. The baby’s mouth should be open wide to allow the mother’s nipple and areola (nipple area) to be drawn into the mouth. The baby should be positioned so that he doesn’t have to turn his head to nurse, and both baby and mother should be comfortable.
Nurse when your baby is hungry
Because breast milk is more easily digested than formula, breastfed babies usually eat more frequently than bottle fed babies. To prevent malnutrition and help stimulate milk production, breastfeed on cue and every three hours, aiming for 8-12 feeds in a 24-hour period. In time, the baby will settle into a feeding routine.
Provide breast milk only
Nursing babies get all the nourishment they need from breast milk. Sugar water and formula supplements may interfere with a baby’s appetite and can lead to a diminished milk supply in the mother. The more a baby nurses, the more milk the mother will produce.
Delay introducing artificial nipples
Pacifiers and bottle nipples require different sucking action, introducing artificial nipples during a baby’s first two weeks can be confusing as he learns to breastfeed.
Air dry
Allowing the nipples to air dry after nursing enhances natural moisturizers to prevent nipples from cracking, which can lead to infection.
Watch for infection
Fever, painful lumps and redness are indicators of breast infection and require immediate medical attention.
Expect breast changes
For a few days after birth, the breasts will enlarge and feel hard and uncomfortable due to an increase in milk production. Feeding frequently and on the baby’s demand allows the body to adjust to the baby’s needs and produce milk as needed. A warm shower before nursing, ice packs after nursing and an over-the-counter pain reliever can temporarily eliminate discomfort.
Eat right and get plenty of rest
A balanced diet that includes an additional 500 calories per day and an adequate fluid intake is recommended, along with plenty of sleep.
Best for Moms
- More time to spend with their babies
- Enhances a mother’s self-esteem and confidence
- Stimulates the uterus to contract to its original size
- Helps a mother lose pregnancy pounds by using extra calories to produce milk.
- Decreased risk of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Breast, ovarian & endometrial cancers
Best for babies
- Provides the baby with a multitude of vitamins and minerals, antibodies and natural proteins that help build the baby’s immune system.
- Contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water and amino acids needed for brain development and proper growth.
- Lower rates of hospital admissions, diarrhea and rashes
- Grow up with a lowered risk of developing the following medical problems:
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart disease
- Orthodontic problems
- Childhood cancers
- Gas
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Intestinal distress & diseases
- Babies who are breastfed during the first year of their lives are healthier and less likely to suffer from common early childhood illnesses such as:
- Ear infections
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Botulism
- Meningitis
- German measles
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Urinary tract infections
- Blood infections
- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
