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Recipe for Successful Breastfeeding



                                You didn't take a breastfeeding class?


DURING PREGNANCY 

*Attend a good breastfeeding class that puts the emphasis on problem prevention. 
            Don't just learn about breastfeeding, learn how to be successful.

*Take advice from other  breastfeeding mothers who have met or exceeded    
 you're breastfeeding goals.

*Identify certain medical circumstances that may increase your risk factors and   
 may require additional evaluation in the newborn period such as inverted   
 nipples or breast reduction.  
              It may be helpful to develop a plan with a lactation specialist to 
                             address these issues before the baby is born.

*Purchase a good, updated breastfeeding book to use as a resource. A couple of  
 suggestions are:
                         "Nursing Mother's Companion" - Kathleen Huggens
                         "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" - La Leche League


                                                         STOP!
            Introducing bottles too early can sabotage your breastfeeding!



AFTER THE BABY IS BORN

*Do "skin to skin" contact directly after your birth, before the first feed.   
       This technique will help your baby de-stress and get off to a good start.

*In the hospital, if baby is having any problems with latch-on, or you need             
 additional support, ask for a lactation nurse to assist you. 
             These nurses have received a higher level of training in this area.

*Make sure your baby is latching on correctly before you leave the hospital.
              If not, call your lactation specialists to do a home visit in the
                           next day or two ("In-Home Consultation")

*If pain is a problem in early breastfeeding, call a lactation specialist to help you  
 identify the problem and give you strategies to fix it.

*Count your baby's wet and dirty diapers to make sure you are making enough milk.  
                                     What goes in must come out!

*Nurse your baby frequently.They should want to feed every 1.5 to 3 hours.      
            In the daytime, if the baby is not wanting to be fed by three hours,
                                        wake them up to feed.

*If you weren't able to take a breastfeeding class before the baby was born, ask 
 your lactation specialist for a home question and answer session.   
                                       ("Welcome Home Baby")

 *Have access to a phone "warmline" you can call to have your questions answered.

*Most of all, if you are having any problems, call right away before it can turn into 
 a crisis.  
           A lot of breastfeeding problems in the early days are adjustment
                                      issues and are easy to fix!

*Whatever you do, DON'T QUIT!  
                        With a little help and support you too can become a         
                                   successful breastfeeding family!