I have delivered today I don’t have milk’s?

The milk produced in the first 2-3 days (colostrum) is less in quantity but it is sufficient and very essential for the baby. The more the baby suckles the more milk will be produced. After first 2-3 days, enough milk is usually produced.

How often should I breast feed?

Babies should be fed on demand. (as and when they want to feed)

Advantages of demand feeding:

How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?

An exclusively breast fed baby who is getting enough milk usually passes dilute urine 6-8 times in 24 hours. Also for the first 6 months babies will again 125 grams (500 grams / month) if adequately breast-fed. If the baby is gaining enough weight and passing urine 6-8 times a day he / she adequately breast-fed.

I have flat / inverted nipples can I breast feed successfully?

Tell the mother after delivery before you start breastfeeding you should try to make the nipples stand out by using finger thumb/ pump / syringe. If the nipples cannot be made to stand out even after manipulation and the baby is unable to suckle give the baby expressed milk.

When should the baby be first put to the breast?

New born must be put to the breast within half to one hour of the delivery. Starting to breast-feed immediately after birth stimulates the production of hormones that help milk production. Early skin to skin contact even if the baby does not suckle stimulates milk production. It also helps in improving the mother child bonding.

What should be the duration of one feed. Should I feed from both breast at one feed?

The baby should be allowed to feed from one breast till he/she is satisfied. Foremilk is the milk that is produced early in a feed. Hind milk is the milk that is produced later in a feed, this milk contains more fat with provides energy and satiety so it is important not to take the baby off the first breast till he had enough hind milk- otherwise he will not be satisfied after the feed. Let the baby suckle from only one breast at each feed. But if he wants more milk shift to the other part.

Till when should exclusively breast feed?

Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, Break milk is adequate for the baby till the age of 6 months if the baby is growing well.

My baby is passing watery stools is it because I am breast feeding him?

Breast milk is safe. Some exclusively breast fed babies pass frequent watery stools at times green or with mucus but they are normal, active and pass urine frequently. This is physiological and breast feeding should be continued. Similarly some normally thriving breastfed babies pass a motion once every 3-5 days this too is normal.

Do you offer Elders in the family want to give honey to the baby before I start breast- feeding Is it alright?

Prelacteal (any fluids given in the initial 2-3 days after birth) feeds should not be given as they replace the essential colostrums and the baby’s earliest feeds. Babies given prelacteal feeds are more likely to develop infections and allergies. Prelacteal feeds also interfere with sucking.

Should I give water to my baby, as it is very hot?

Babies do not need other drink (of water) before they are 6 months old, even in hot climate. Babies get a large amount of water from foremilk, this is all that the baby needs.

I have had a caesarian section so I am in pain. How do I breast feed?

You can breast fed in whatever position you and the baby are comfortable

Is it necessary for me to breast fed at night? What difference will one bottle feed (at night) make?

Breastfeeding at night gives the baby extra time for suckling. More Prolactin (which is a hormone that helps in milk production) is secreted at night than during the day. So it is always better if you breast feed the baby during the day and night. This helps to keep up the milk supply. Moreover even one bottle feed at night may cause infection. The easiest way to do so is to let the baby sleep with you so that he can breast feed without disturbing you.