Breastfeeding: getting off to a great start.

6 Mar

Skin to skin.
Lots of cuddles, keep your baby close.
Lose the hat, let the pheromones flow.
An informed and supportive partner/supporter.
Lots of care for the breastfeeding person- rest, food, drinks & love.
Supporters can also meet the baby’s other needs, care for the home & care for siblings.
In the early days/weeks it is likely you’ll need to wake a sleepy newborn baby to feed, 8-10 feeds in a 24-hour period.
After the sleepy newborn stage (7-14 days), feeding in a responsive way, by following your baby’s hunger cues can meet all the baby’s needs.
A comfy bra or no bra.
Pads for leaks if needed.
Air your nipples to promote healing unless your nipples are cracked. If cracked, practice ‘deep wound heeling’.
Align with friends who have a similar ethos.
Align with good sources of information.
If in pain, seek in-person help, do not put up with pain.
Keep in mind a baby feeds for so much more than sustenance; love, reassurance and comfort to name a few.

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