Breastfeeding Basics

Can I breastfeed after a caesarean birth?

Yes. Having a caesarean birth does not prevent you from nursing your baby. It is important that you are positioned comfortably:

• Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your stomach, a pillow between your knees and a pillow behind your back, OR
• Try the football hold in a sitting position.

Be sure to ask for help if you need it. Use the side rails on the bed to help with moving. Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. This will not hurt the baby.

[ top ]

How do I know if I am producing enough milk? “My baby is so hungry and I feed so often. I don’t think I have enough milk…”

Newborns nurse eight to 12 times a day. A mother produces as much milk as her baby wants. Some reassuring signs that your baby is getting enough milk are: swallowing during feeding, contentment after a feed and dirty or wet diapers after almost every feeding.

[ top ]

How is milk made?

The amount of milk made depends on the amount of milk used to the principle of supply and demand. How often, how long, and how well the baby nurses at the breast determines how much milk is made.

[ top ]

How long should a feeding last?

The length of time your baby nurses at the breast depends on your baby.

• If your baby is latched on correctly and is actively sucking and swallowing, she can nurse for as long as she wants.
• Babies generally nurse actively at least 10 to 15 minutes per breast.
• Longer nursing periods are common.
• Your breasts are never empty of milk. As baby nurses, more milk is produced.
• Feed the baby on the first breast until your baby seems satisfied and sucking and swallowing slows down, stops or baby unlatches. Then latch to second breast.
• Offer both breasts at each feeding. Your baby may seem less interested in the second breast
• For the next breastfeeding session start nursing on the side that the baby finished on .

[ top ]

How often should I nurse my baby?

Babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry. Initially this is 8 to 12 times or more per day. Night feeds are important too. In the early days baby may need to be wakened to feed.

• At 6 to 12 weeks, babies will feed 6 to 10 times or more/day.
• At 3 to 6 months, babies will feed 5 to 8 times or more/day.

Your baby may start to tell you she is hungry by waking up, sucking on fists or fingers, rooting (opening mouth and searching for the nipple), smacking her lips and by crying.

Generally babies should be fed before they are crying.

Many babies have periods, especially in the evening, when they feed more frequently, usually a series of short frequent feeds over a few hours. This is called cluster feeding, it is normal and can occur at any time. Many mothers feel that babies are fussier and not satisfied but it does not mean that you don’t have enough milk.

During a growth spurt, babies grow quickly and have times of more frequent nursing to increase their mother’s milk supply. These growth spurts commonly occur at 3 and 6 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months, but may vary. These periods of more intense feeding will last from 24 to 72 hours.

 [ top ]

How will I know if s/he is getting enough?

Babies need to nurse frequently. Breastmilk, the perfect food, is digested quickly. In the first few months, a well fed baby:

• Is feeding well at least 8 times in 24 hours. More frequent feeds are normal and good. Listen for swallowing or quiet “caw” sound
• At 1 day old has at least 1 wet diaper and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools
• At 2 days old has at least 2 wet diapers and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools.
  ** This is easier to notice in cloth diapers. A facial tissue can be placed inside disposable diapers, if you are not sure.
• At 3 days old has at least 3 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools. Occasional “red brick coloured” staining is normal until day 3.
• at four days old at least 4 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools.
• As the milk supply increases, baby has at least 6 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 large soft yellow seedy stools per day.
• Is back to birth weight by about 2 weeks of age

Get help if any of the above signs are not present or:

• Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feedings
• Your nipples are sore and do not start to get better
• You have fever, chills, flu symptoms or a red painful area on your breast

If you have these symptoms: nurse often, apply warm wet towels and get lots of rest. Phone your doctor or midwife if you do not feel better in 6 to 8 hours.

[ top ]

Is it all right to go on a weight loss diet if I am breastfeeding?

Not now; breastfeeding moms should not try to lose weight through strict dieting as it can decrease milk supply.. Breastfeeding should help you gradually lose some of the weight you gained while you were pregnant. Sensible eating and exercise is the route to fitness for the breastfeeding mother.

 [ top ]

What is the normal weight gain for my baby?

Babies usually lose some weight during the first few days.

• Early and frequent feedings minimize weight loss.
• Most babies regain their birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks.
• In the first 6 months, babies usually gain 4 to 8 oz (112 to 224 grams) per week and double their birth weight by 5 to 6 months. Growth in length is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per month.
• From 6 to 12 months, weight gain usually is 3 to 5 oz (84 to 140 grams) per week.
• By one year, baby usually triples his birth weight.

Baby’s growth will often reflect family growth patterns.

[ top ]

When should I wean my baby?

Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life for healthy term infants. Infants should be introduced to nutrient to rich, solid foods with particular attention to iron at six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

• There is no “correct” time for weaning. Weaning works best when both you and your child are ready.
• Weaning is easier when done gradually over several weeks.

[ top ]

Why does my baby cry so much?

During the first few months some babies cry more than others and many babies have fussy periods, especially in the evenings. If crying is quieted by nursing, nurse your baby. If nursing doesn’t help, try the following suggestions:

• Wrapping in a blanket
• Rocking
• Patting on the back
• Walking with baby in a baby carrier or sling.

Studies show that babies who are held more cry less.