Breastfeeding is ideal.
Breastfeeding is one of the most precious gifts that a mother and child can give to each other. The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies breastfeeding as the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants, and recognizes breastfeeding as primary in achieving optimal infant and child health, growth and development
At Winnie Palmer Hospital, nurse lactation specialists and lactation consultants assist mothers and babies in learning the art of breastfeeding. Please feel free to ask your caregiver for assistance so that we can best meet your needs.
The Breastfeeding Education Center’s Help Line (321.843.2229) is a resource available to you when you are home.
How to get off to a great start with breastfeeding your baby/babies:
Labor and Delivery
Ask your nurse, physician and/ or midwife to let you hold the baby skin to skin on your chest as soon as possible after giving birth. This helps your baby get off to a great start with breastfeeding. Usually within an hour, a healthy newborn will root and show an interest in latching on. However, not all babies will latch at this time. Continuing skin-to-skin contact and access to the breast has a very positive effect on your overall breastfeeding success.
Mother-Baby Postpartum Room (first 24 hours)
Mother
Hold your baby skin to skin between your breasts. Keep your baby in your room as much as possible. Look for baby’s feeding cues, which are:>
REM (rapid eye movement)
- putting hand to mouth
- smacking lips
- opening the mouth
- turning toward the breast
Ask your nurse for help with positioning and to check your latch. Observe your baby for swallowing.
Let your nurse know if you have had any breast surgeries and if you think you may have flat or inverted nipples.
- Your baby will be very sleepy.
- Expect your baby to feed 3–8 times in 24 hours.
- Offer your breast at least every two to three hours, or more often as your baby cues.
- The baby’s stomach is the size of a walnut; the average intake per feeding is 5-15 ccs or 1teaspoon -1tablespoon.
- There will be times the baby may not wake to nurse.
- Your baby should have at least one meconium bowel movement.
- Your baby should have at least 1-2 wet diapers.
Mother-Baby Postpartum Room (first 24-48 hours)
Mother
- Continue skin-to-skin contact.
- Hold your baby on your chest between the breasts.
- Keep your baby in the room as much as possible.
- Look for baby’s feeding cues, which are:
- REM (rapid eye movement)
- putting hand to mouth
- smacking lips
- opening the mouth
- turning toward the breast
Ask your nurse for help with positioning and to check the baby’s latch. Observe your baby for swallowing. Transitional milk is available, which is rich with colostrum and available in 15-30 cc(1/2-1 Tbsp.) increments. If there have been no successful latches or if you are separated from your baby you will need to pump your breasts. The nurse will show you how to use the equipment. If you are having a difficult time feeding your baby, your nurse will request one of the lactation specialists to see you and the baby. Plan to attend the breastfeeding class offered in the hospital. If you have cracked or painful nipples, tell your nurse.
Your baby will:
- Have more periods of alert/awake time.
- Have more feeding cues.
- Have at least 2 or more wet diapers and two or more meconium bowel movements.
- Feed 8–12 times a day or every 1½–3 hours.
The Mother-Baby Postpartum Room (48-96 hours) for Cesarean Births Recovery Home (48-96 hours) for Vaginal Birth
Mother
- Your breasts will begin to feel heavy, warm and fuller.
- You may start to leak milk.
- Mature milk is more in quantity at 30-60 cc or 1-2 ounces.
- Mature milk can vary in color.
- If you have painful nipples with feeding, notify your doctor or lactation specialist.
- Continue skin-to-skin contact.
- Hold baby on your chest between the breasts.
- Keep your baby near you so you can see the feeding cues.
- Observe the baby for swallowing.
- Count and record the wet and soiled diapers.
Your baby will:
- have more periods of alertness.
- show more feeding cues.
- feed 8-12 times or every 1 ½–3 hours.
- not be able to sleep more than 3-4 hours at a stretch of time.
Before You Are Discharged
Mother
Make sure your nurse observes you breastfeeding at least once. If you have had any difficulties with breastfeeding, make sure you have a detailed plan to follow. If necessary, make arrangements for pump rental by calling our gift shop, Lori’s Gifts at 321 843-1222. Plan to follow up with your pediatrician within a few days of coming home.
Diaper Count:
| Age of baby |
Wets (should not have odor or color) |
Soiled/Color |
| 24 hours |
1-2
|
meconium |
| 2 days old |
2-3
|
2 or more brown/green |
| 3 days old |
3-4
|
2 or more brown/green to yellow |
| 4 days old |
4-6
|
2 or more brown/yellow mustard,seedy |
| 5-14 days old |
7-8
|
2 or more yellow mustard, seedy |