What if I want to breastfeed?
NICU : BHMC - Little Rock: Baptist Health - Arkansas hospita...Until your baby can be put to breast you will need to pump and freeze your milk. NICU nurses are able to help you and teach you what you need to save your milk. When your baby is stable, we can begin Kangaroo Care, which is skin-to-skin holding. Even if your baby isn't ready to nurse, Kangaroo Care can help to increase your milk production. When moms and dads begin Kangaroo Care, it helps to establish family bonding. You don't have to be breastfeeding to Kangaroo your baby.
Related QuestionsC-Section Recovery: FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)Definitely, though some mom's have more challenges when they are getting breastfeeding established. If you know you want to breastfeed, make sure you tell everyone near you in the hospital. Tell the nurses. Tell your doctor. Request a lactation consultant as soon as you can. Since you are going to be in the hospital for a few more days than the average mom, take advantage of the resources available to you. See the breastfeeding topic page for websites and books related to breastfeeding.Related Questions
If I don't use a pacifier, won't my baby want to breastfeed all the time?
Questions & AnswersA baby who wants to nurse for comfort will likely get the satisfaction he seeks more quickly from the warmth of his mother's breast than from a pacifier. Comfort sucking will help your body to make more milk. Many mothers find that they do not make enough milk if they use a pacifier. If your baby is awake and alert, making movements with his mouth, or sucking his fist, he is probably hungry and needs to nurse. Using a pacifier may mask the early signs of hunger.
Related QuestionsHOW OFTEN SHOULD I BREASTFEED AT FIRST?
Australian Breastfeeding Association - Frequently Asked Ques...Your breasts make milk in response to your baby's sucking - the more milk the baby takes, the more milk you make.
Related QuestionsHollister - US: Breastfeeding - FAQsNurse frequently the first week or two, about 8-12 times every 24 hours. Once your milk supply is established and your baby has grown, your baby will probably have a fairly regular feeding schedule. More >Related Questions
What can I do if my baby's father or other family members do not want me to breastfeed?
Alaska Division of Public AssistanceEveryone in the family wants the best for the new baby. Explain the immense benefits of breastfeeding to both you and your baby. Fathers of breastfed babies can be supportive in many ways. Help him become familiar with basic information about breastfeeding. He can help you when you get well-intentioned but hurtful comments such as "She is not sleeping through the night, so you better give her formula".
Related QuestionsAre the pain relief drugs safe to take if I want to breastfeed?
csections.org - Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, breastfeeding is strongly encouraged in the UK so they are specifically prescribed with this in mind.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed if my baby is small or on a ventilator?
Penn Ob/Gyn Care: Health Info - Neonatology FAQWe encourage breastfeeding for all babies, and feel that it is especially beneficial for those who are premature or sick. You may pump your milk, which can then be stored in a freezer in the ICN (NICU). Even if your baby cannot breastfeed directly, breast milk can be used for bottle or tube feedings. Frequently, premature babies need more calories and minerals than are provided by breast milk, so fortification of the milk and/or supplemental formula feedings may be necessary.
Related QuestionsHow long should a mother breastfeed?
Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | DNPAO | C...The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Related QuestionsShould mothers who smoke breastfeed?
Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | DNPAO | C...Mothers who smoke are encouraged to quit, however, breast milk remains the ideal food for a baby even if the mother smokes. Although nicotine may be present in breast milk, adverse effects on the infant during breastfeeding have not been reported. AAP recognizes pregnancy and lactation as two ideal times to promote smoking cessation, but does not indicate that mothers who smoke should not breastfeed.
Related QuestionsIs it safe to breastfeed when I have diabetes during pregnancy?
Patients' Frequently Asked Questions (PFAQ) - Parenting & In...Yes, as a matter of fact, breastfeeding is strongly recommended if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Women have a much better chance of keeping their blood sugars normal if they breastfeed as well as delaying or preventing Type 2 diabetes from developing. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in the child. Again, breastfeeding is very important and strongly encouraged. Diabetes and high blood pressure are caused by many factors.
Related QuestionsShould I continue to breastfeed my child with diarrhoea?
Frequently Asked QuestionsDuring the first 6 months of life, your infant should be exclusively breastfed. This means that the healthy baby should receive breastmilk and no other fluids, such as water, teas, juice, cereal drinks, animal milk or formula. Exclusively breastfed babies are much less likely to get diarrhoea or to die from it than are babies who are not breastfed or are partially breastfed.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed once I go back to work?
Questions & AnswersYes. But, if you work more than 3 or 4 hours at a stretch, you will have to nurse your baby at work, or pump. See our section of questions on going back to work and our "Breastfeeding and the Workplace" page.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed if I smoke?
Questions & AnswersBreastfeeding is still the healthiest way to feed your baby, even if you smoke. If you can't quit smoking, limit your smoking to outdoors and away from your baby. Children who live with smokers have higher rates of ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of these conditions. If you want to quit, a nicotine patch is probably safer than either nicotine gum and smoking.
Related QuestionsWhy is WIC encouraging women to breastfeed?
WIC : Frequently Asked QuestionsThe research definitely supports breastfeeding as the best way to feed an infant. Parents need to make an informed choice as to how they will feed their infant. To help parents make a choice, we provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding and encourage all mothers to try it. As a health promotion program, WIC is an advocate of breastfeeding.
Related QuestionsIf I have a nipple piercing, can I breastfeed?
Seventh Sun :: Body Piercing FAQIt is possible. Very little research has been done, though anecdotal evidence would suggest that in many cases the ability to breastfeed is not altered. Migration is when the jewellery 'moves' into place or 'settles down'. It can stay in its new place or carry on moving until it grows out of the skin. This is rejection.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed if my breasts are small?
Breastfeeding FAQ Questions about Mother: Breast ConcernsOf course! Breast size is not related to the ability to produce milk for a baby. Breast size is determined by the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, not by the amount of milk-producing tissue. Most women, with all sizes of breasts, can make enough milk for their babies.
Related QuestionsCan I still breastfeed after breast surgery?
Breastfeeding FAQ Questions about Mother: Breast ConcernsPlastic surgery to enlarge breasts does not usually prevent breastfeeding. However, plastic surgery to reduce breast size is more likely to interfere with breastfeeding, especially if the nipples have been moved and milk ducts have been cut. Many women who have had this type of surgery are still able to breastfeed. Make sure that your doctor and your baby’s doctor know about your surgery, because your baby will need to be closely watched to make sure he or she is getting enough breastmilk.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed if I have a pierced nipple?
Breastfeeding FAQ Questions about Mother: Breast ConcernsPierced nipples do not usually interfere with breastfeeding, but any jewelry should be removed before a breastfeeding session to prevent your child from choking. If your piercing became infected when it was pierced or later, inform your doctor. Infection or scarring may make breastfeeding more difficult. Some of your breastmilk may leak through the pierced hole while you are breastfeeding. This is usually not a problem.
Related QuestionsIs it possible to breastfeed twins? How do I do it?
Breastfeeding FAQ Contest! [Archive] - Sybermoms Parenting F...Yes it is, with a bit of work and some preparation before hand. Two boobs, two babies, it works quite well. Everything that goes for breastfeeding one in general will go for breastfeeding two. Feed on demand, especially in the beginning to build supply. There's not much need to switch breasts during a feeding, but do try to switch positions at the next feeding since one child is bound to be a better sucker than the other.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed my adopted baby?
Breastfeeding FAQ Contest! [Archive] - Sybermoms Parenting F...Yes, you can, though you may never establish a full milk supply. If you want to avoid giving baby bottles, you can use an SNS. Definately seek the advice of an IBCLC when trying to establish milk for an adopted baby and also for proper use of an SNS.
Related QuestionsCan I transmit HIV to my baby whilst I am pregnant and if I breastfeed?
GENESIS OF AIDS- QUESTIONS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT A...An infected pregnant woman can transmit HIV on to her unborn baby either before or during birth. HIV can also be passed on during breastfeeding. If a woman knows that she is infected with HIV, there are drugs that she can take to greatly reduce the chances of her child becoming infected, as well as other options such as choosing to have a caesarean section delivery and not breastfeeding, as HIV is found in breast milk.
Related QuestionsHow can anyone else feed my baby if I breastfeed?
Questions & AnswersYou can introduce a bottle at three to four weeks--preferably not sooner. Even then, it should be a bottle of breastmilk, not formula. It is actually best if someone other than the mother gives bottles. In the meantime, there are many loving ways your partner and family can help with the baby, besides feeding.
Related QuestionsCan I drink alcohol if I breastfeed?
Questions & AnswersSmall amounts of alcohol are considered acceptable -- one drink a day or less, on average. If possible, time your drink so that your baby will not need to nurse for about 2 hours after your drink (feed, then drink). Do not drink more than one drink between feeds. Avoid alcohol if your child is having any problems feeding, or is not gaining weight well.
Related QuestionsHow can I breastfeed once I'm back at work?
Questions & AnswersIf you will be working more than 3 to 4 hours at a stretch, you will need to pump at work to maintain your milk supply. If possible, it is best to be able to bring your baby to work to breastfeed rather than pump. If you are pumping, you may find that your baby will suddenly want to nurse during the night, even if he used to sleep through the night before -- do not be alarmed. Your baby is only making up for time away from you, and this means you may need to pump less during the day.
Related QuestionsMy baby was premature -- can I still breastfeed?
Questions & AnswersBreastmilk is especially important for premature babies, who need it to help their brains and eyes develop, as well as to prevent infections. However, a very early baby may have a hard time learning to suckle. If your baby was born before 34 weeks (6 weeks early), she will need to be fed in the hospital by a special feeding tube. In this case, you should pump as soon as possible, at least 8 times a day, to establish your milk supply, and maintain it until your baby is big enough to suckle.
Related QuestionsCan I breastfeed twins or triplets?
Questions & Answerstwins and triplets are often born early, breastfeeding is particularly important for the development of their brains and nervous systems, and to prevent serious infections and complications. Plan to get help from a lactation consultant right away, in the hospital. Also, pick a pediatrician in advance - find someone who is especially supportive or knowledgeable about breastfeeding. If your babies are small or premature, they may need help learning to breastfeed.
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