There are a couple of times during the first few days that baby may have a fussy period. Usually sometime during the first 24 hours the baby will have a period of cluster feeding. Cluster feeding is a period of frequent, back to back feedings. Colostrum, the first milk, acts a laxative on the baby's intestines. Because they have stored all the meconium in the bowel for they last nine months, something has to help get things started moving. This is one of the functions of colostrum. Cramping and gas will occur to help move the meconium out.
The next time you may notice a fussy period is around 48 hours of life. At this time, baby has learned what it means to eat and is eager for the milk to come in. Because of this, the baby may want to be at the breast very frequently. It is okay to allow baby to nurse as much as he/she wants. This will tell you body that the baby is ready for volume and your body will respond by your milk "coming in."
Monday, February 11, 2008
Breastfeeding the first few days
During the first two to three days, the baby will mostly likely be sleepy. He does not know he is supposed to eat because of the nine months he received nutrition through the umbilical cord. Even though the baby is not really hungry, he needs to eat every 2-3 hours. The baby will go through periods of light sleep (which occur between 2-3 hours). Some of the things you may notice during a light sleep state will be small movements, grunting noises, rooting, hands to mouth, sticking out tongue or sucking motions. This is the best time to wake the baby and attempt a feeding.
In order to wake the baby, you have to remove the blankets! Who likes to wake up when you are snuggly warm in your blankets! Next check/change the diaper. After changing the diaper, place the baby in a sitting position and burp. This will usually cause them to open their eyes and become more alert. I have found that babies wake better with the lights dimmed. They have been in the dark for nine months and my eyes would hurt too if someone turned the light on too bright! Usually theses techniques will help to wake the baby and increase their interest in sucking.
In order to wake the baby, you have to remove the blankets! Who likes to wake up when you are snuggly warm in your blankets! Next check/change the diaper. After changing the diaper, place the baby in a sitting position and burp. This will usually cause them to open their eyes and become more alert. I have found that babies wake better with the lights dimmed. They have been in the dark for nine months and my eyes would hurt too if someone turned the light on too bright! Usually theses techniques will help to wake the baby and increase their interest in sucking.
Breastfeeding Initiation
It is recommended to feed the baby the baby within the first two hours after birth. This is the time when the baby is most alert and eager to suck for comfort. Ask the nurse for help with the first feeding. If she is not available to assist you, ask for help from the Lactation Consultant.
After the first two hours of life, the baby will usually go into a deep sleep for about 4-6 hours. This is a great time for the mom to try to grab a few hours of sleep too! You will probably have to wake the baby for the next feeding (preferably within 3 hours from the first feeding). The baby does not always nurse as well the second time as he/she did the first but don't give up. It will get better!
After the first two hours of life, the baby will usually go into a deep sleep for about 4-6 hours. This is a great time for the mom to try to grab a few hours of sleep too! You will probably have to wake the baby for the next feeding (preferably within 3 hours from the first feeding). The baby does not always nurse as well the second time as he/she did the first but don't give up. It will get better!
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