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Recognizing
Effective Feeding
Most
new mothers are concerned about their ability to recognize effective
feeding in their infants. It is important to watch the baby and
start to read the cues your baby gives.
In
order to help you baby feed effectively you should:
-
Hold
your baby comfortably without straining your back, shoulders,
arms, or wrists. Use
pillows to bring your baby up to your breast level. If you have
large breasts, use a rolled up cloth diaper under your breast
for better breast support.
-
Maintain
proper mouth position for your baby, make sure your baby: latches
on with a wide mouth surrounding your nipple and one inch of your
areola. His top and bottom lips should be rolled outward, not
under, and his nose should touch your breast.
- Breastfeed
comfortably: You will feel gentle tugging or drawing sensation
on your nipple and areola. A feeding that is going well is not painful.
If you feel pain, stop the feeding and start over.
- See
your baby's jaw, temple, and throat move:
When your baby is feeding well, you can see his jaws move. You may
also notice movement at his temples and his throat.
- Hear
your baby swallowing:
Your baby's sucking may be rapid at the beginning of his feeding,
followed by gulps, and short pauses. the sucking pattern should be
repeated without constant baby stimulation.
IN
EFFECTIVE FEEDING YOUR BABY WILL:
-
Relax
as you continue to feed: Your
baby's body may be tense at the beginning of the feeding because
he is hungry and eager to feed. As he feeds, he will become more
relaxed. While feeding, your baby may fall asleep at your breast
and/or release from your breast, letting you know that he is full.
-
Feel
content rather than fussy and tense at the end of a feeding.
-
Need
plenty of diaper changes: After
the third day, a baby who is feeding well will have at least 5-6
wet diapers and 3-4 good-sized bowel movements in twenty-four
hours. If his soiled diaper count is low, notify his pediatrician
right away.
©
Copyright 2000-08 Babies 'n Business, LLC. Product names are trademarks
of Medela, Inc.
Information sheets and instructional illustrations courtesy of Medela,
Inc. Used with permission.
Ameda products are registered.
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