Duration of feeding a newborn baby with breast milk. How often to feed a newborn with breast milk. Is it necessary to alternate breasts during one feeding?

A miracle happened in your life - a long-awaited baby was born. The new mother glows with happiness, and now the solemn moment of discharge from the maternity hospital has arrived, and she brings her treasure home. The little man so needs his mother’s care, and especially her tasty and healthy milk. And here a woman faces a serious question - how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk?

It's great if you're nearby close person, which can help establish breastfeeding for a newborn baby, but, unfortunately, this does not always happen. Let's talk about how to breastfeed correctly small child, and discuss the most exciting moments of this process.

Breastfeeding rules

Often, upon returning home, mothers find it difficult to independently understand the nuances breastfeeding, and sometimes there is simply no one to turn to for advice. Don't worry, you're not alone: ​​try chatting with more experienced mothers on specialized forums and communities, and if something is really bothering you, call a lactation consultant at home. He will help resolve problematic situations and teach the basic rules of breastfeeding.
It is advisable that future mom I inquired in advance about the baby’s nutrition, but it will also be useful for established mothers to learn some rules of breastfeeding:

• feed in a comfortable position - sitting, lying on your side, reclining, standing, while the baby’s head should not be turned to the side, down or to the side (this interferes with swallowing);
• feed on demand and do not limit the duration of sucking;
• put everything aside - ask your relatives to help with the housework, and relax with the baby and feed him at the same time;
• maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the moment of closeness with your baby;
• try not to be nervous;
• eat tasty and varied food;
• drink clean water, compotes, minimizing the consumption of drinks containing a lot of sugar and caffeine.

How to attach a baby to the breast?

To ensure that your baby sucks well and gets the volume of milk he needs, make sure that he is applied correctly to the breast:

• The baby's spine should be straight;
• the mother’s hand goes under the child’s neck, the back rests on the arm below the elbow;
• the baby is turned with his whole body towards his mother;
• To apply the baby to your chest, grab it with your hand at the base of the skull (not the back of the head), neck and shoulder blades. Thus, the thumb and index finger clasp the neck and skull, and the shoulder blades lie on the palm;
• The mother places the thumb of her other hand on the breast with which she plans to feed the baby, namely, on the upper edge of the areola (the dark circle around the nipple), and slightly pulls the nipple upward with her finger. The remaining 4 fingers support the chest from below;
• lifting your breast, touch it to the baby’s lower lip - he will open his mouth and be ready to suck;
• Place your breast on your baby's lower lip and insert the nipple into his mouth using a rolling motion.

• most of the areola is located above the child’s upper lip;
• the baby's mouth is wide open;
• lower lip turned outward;
• the baby’s chin is pressed to your chest;
• you see jaw movements and hear swallowing.

Feeding newborns in the first days

The first breastfeeding, or rather the first attachment, should, if possible, take place in the first hour after birth. Usually at this time the baby is already ready to suck and is actively looking for the breast. Early latching not only helps mother and her baby bond, but also triggers the hormonal process of milk production.

In the first 3-5 days, the mother feeds the baby with colostrum, which protects him from infections, allergies, promotes intestinal maturation and helps the original feces - meconium - pass out. During this period, it is important not to give the child any other liquids, because his intestines are still very permeable, and extraneous nutrition can harm his body.

Since the baby is still very small, he will be able to get enough of those valuable drops of colostrum that he gets from your breast.

How often should you feed your newborn breast milk?

It is advisable not to limit the number and duration of breastfeeding, at least in the first few weeks. The more often the baby suckles, the more intense milk production occurs. In the first weeks, lactation begins to develop (the mother’s body determines how much milk is required), so it is extremely important to allow the baby to breastfeed without restrictions. To the question of how many times to feed a newborn with breast milk, you can answer the following: the minimum number of feedings is 12 times a day.

In addition, in addition to the desire to be satisfied, in the first 2 months, babies experience an urgent need to suck, which, in turn, stimulates milk production. If for some reason you cannot allow your baby to latch on to the breast as often and for as long as he wants, use a pacifier between feedings. However, remember: frequent pacifier sucking can lead to problems with breastfeeding (decreased milk supply, improper attachment).
Make sure that both breasts are emptied evenly - this will protect you from stagnation of milk and inflammatory processes associated with this condition. If you feel uncomfortable heaviness and fullness between feedings, express some milk until you feel relief. The frequency of changing breasts will depend on the intensity of the baby's sucking.

Problematic situations during breastfeeding

While mother and baby are getting used to each other, it is possible that exciting moments may arise, such as falling asleep or choking during feeding. However, sleeping at the breast indicates the baby’s complete satisfaction - he is full, satisfied and decided to rest. Choking occurs during the so-called “inflow” of milk, when it actively flows out or even spurts out of the breast. It is difficult for the baby to calmly swallow such a stream of liquid, so he chokes. To help the baby, wean him from the breast at the time of the flow and wait for a strong flow of milk (you can apply a towel). When the situation becomes calmer, put your baby to your breast again.

Human milk is the most suitable food for a newborn, which has no analogues. Having decided to breastfeed a newborn baby, the mother gives the baby not food, but much more. The uncertainty at the first attempts to feed the baby soon passes, especially if you learn more about the intricacies of breastfeeding during pregnancy.

Preparation

There is no need to wash your breasts with soap before feeding, as our mothers were once advised to do. For breast hygiene, just a daily shower is enough. It is also not recommended to treat nipples with any antiseptics.

Choose a quiet place for feeding where you feel comfortable. It's good if no one bothers you at this time.

About 15 minutes before you start feeding your baby, drink a glass of liquid. Thanks to this, lactation will increase.

Correct attachment and breast grip

Correct attachment is one of the main factors contributing to a successful breastfeeding experience. For the entire period of feeding the baby with human milk, it is very important how the baby first latched on. In most maternity hospitals, breastfeeding is supported by ensuring that the newborn baby is attached to the mother's breast immediately after birth.

It is also important for proper application comfortable position. Feedings, especially at first, last quite a long time, Therefore, it is important that mom does not get tired.

The baby should grab the nipple on his own, but if he did it incorrectly (grabbed only the tip), the mother should press a little on the baby’s chin and release the breast.

Stages

After washing your hands, you should express a few drops of milk and wipe the nipple with them. This will make the nipple softer so that your baby can latch onto it easily. Now you need to get comfortable and start feeding:

1. Grasping the breast with your fingers, without touching the areola, direct the nipple towards the baby's face. To help your baby find the nipple, stroke your baby's cheek. If this does not help, you can squeeze a little milk onto the baby’s lips.
2. Make sure your baby is latching onto the nipple correctly. His mouth should be open quite wide, and his chin should be pressed to his mother's chest. In the baby’s mouth there should be not only a nipple, but also part of the areola.
3. If milk begins to flow out of the corner of the baby's mouth, you need to lift the baby's head and place your index finger under the baby's lower lip.
4. When your baby sucks very sluggishly, help your baby become more alert. To do this, you can pat the baby on the head, pat the cheek or ear.
5. When the baby begins to fall asleep at the breast or sucks more slowly, the mother can interrupt the sucking by gently placing her index finger between the breast and the corner of the baby's mouth.
6. Don't rush to get dressed immediately after feeding. Let the milk on the nipple dry a little. Also, do not rush to put the baby in the crib. The baby must burp the air that has entered the stomach with milk. To do this, you should hold the little one in a “column”, carefully placing a napkin on the shoulder, since a small portion of milk may also come out with the air.

Comfortable positions

To feed the baby, the mother selects a lying, sitting or any other position in which it is convenient for both her and the baby. You need to feed your baby in a relaxed state.

If the mother is weakened after childbirth, has suffered C-section or sutures in the perineal area, it will be more convenient for her to feed lying on her side. Turning your face to the baby, you need to place the baby so that the baby’s head is placed in the elbow bend of the mother’s hand. Supporting the baby under the back, you can gently stroke the baby.

Also, one of the most comfortable positions for feeding is sitting. Mom can sit in an armchair or on a chair, but it is more comfortable if her arm rests on an armrest or pillow, and one leg stands on a small bench. The child should be supported under the back so that his head is located in the crook of his mother's elbow. The baby's belly should touch the mother's belly.

Other Possible Postures and Positions

Feeding the baby can be done from behind the back. For this position, the mother sits on the sofa and places a regular pillow next to her. The mother places the baby on the pillow so that the baby's body is located along her body under her arm. This position is very comfortable for mothers nursing twins. This way the mother can feed both babies at once.

Also, mother can feed while sitting on the floor with her legs crossed “Turkish style”. In this position it is convenient to feed a baby who can already crawl or walk.

Popular feeding positions are presented below. Experiment and choose the most comfortable one for both you and the baby.

How to understand that everything is happening correctly?

If the baby grasps the breast correctly, then:

• Both the nipple and the areola (most of it) will be in the baby's mouth, and the baby's lips will be turned outward.
• The baby's nose will be pressed to the chest, but will not sink into it.
• Mom will not hear any other sounds other than swallowing milk.
• Mom will not experience any unpleasant sensations during sucking.

Outside the home

A breastfeeding mother receives such an important advantage as the ability to give her baby food at any time when the baby gets hungry. You can feed your baby discreetly in many places. To do this, mom should think about her clothes, wearing things that can be easily unbuttoned or lifted up. You can also bring a scarf or shawl to cover yourself while feeding.

IN Lately places for feeding babies began to appear in stores. If a mother and her newborn are visiting, do not hesitate to ask for privacy with the baby in another room. Any adequate the man will go towards you.

FAQ

How often and after how many minutes should you put your baby back to the breast?

How many minutes should a newborn breastfeed?

Most babies suckle for about 15 minutes per latch, but there are babies who require longer sucking times (up to 40 minutes). If you wean your baby from the breast before he empties the breast, the baby may not receive enough milk from the rear sections, which contains a large proportion of fat. Due to prolonged sucking, cracked nipples may appear, so it is recommended to feed the baby from 10-15 to 40 minutes.

How can you tell if your child is getting enough?

Is it possible to overfeed a baby?

Indeed, at first the baby eats milk in excess, because he is not familiar with the feeling of fullness, since he received food constantly in utero. But there is no need to worry, the baby will regurgitate all the excess, and overfeeding with breast milk cannot harm his health.

Will the milk have time to be digested if the baby asks for the breast frequently?

You don’t have to worry about this, because mother’s milk is a perfectly balanced food for a newborn, digested without much effort. Breast milk almost immediately enters the baby's intestines and is quickly digested.

How to breastfeed a crying baby?

If crying baby can't latch onto the breast, first calm the baby down. Hold him close, talk tenderly to the child, rock him in your arms. If the baby's crying is due to the fact that he cannot latch on to the breast, touch the nipple to the baby's cheek or lips.

Is it necessary to feed at night?

Night feedings are very important for long and successful lactation, since it is during such feedings that the production of hormones important for milk production is stimulated. In addition, the newborn has not yet established a day-night routine, so the time of day does not affect his hunger in any way.

• Remember that by latching your baby to the breast early, feeding on demand and emptying the breast completely, you will stimulate milk production in the glands. If you feed the baby rarely and limit the feeding time, there is a high probability of a decrease in lactation.
• If the mother is taking any medications, it is important to find out whether such medications pass into the milk and whether they can affect the baby's health.
• If the mother drank alcohol, she should not feed the baby for three hours. Alcohol penetrates very quickly into human milk in the same concentration as it is found in the mother’s blood.
• You should not smoke while breastfeeding, because nicotine passes into milk very easily. Also, nursing mothers should not stay in a smoky room.
• In the first months of lactation, milk often leaks from the breast between feedings, so it is convenient to use inserts in the bra.
• You should not buy a bottle and formula “just in case” and you should not give up if your first feeding experience is unsuccessful. Breastfeeding takes a learning curve like any other skill, but once you master it, you'll reap many more benefits than switching to formula feeding.

Possible problems

At the very beginning of breastfeeding, many problems often arise, but any woman can cope with them.

Irregular nipple shape

The nipples at the mother's breast may be inverted or flat, and the baby can hardly grasp such nipples.

In this case, in the first weeks of feeding, before giving the baby the breast, the mother should pull out the nipple along with the areola (by hand or using a breast pump).

It often helps Hoffman technique: several times a day, make massage movements with your fingers, first squeezing the nipple and then straightening it, stretching it in opposite directions.

You can also resort to using special pads.

If pulling out the nipple and shield does not help, you will have to feed the baby with expressed milk.

Cracked nipples

This is a common problem in the first days of feeding, causing great discomfort to the mother. Usually the cause of cracks is the baby sucking at the breast for too long, as well as not correct grip. And therefore, to prevent the occurrence of cracks, you need to monitor the latch on the breast, as well as the duration of feeding.

If cracks have already appeared, the baby should start feeding from a healthy gland or use pads. If the pain is severe, you can express your breasts and give your baby expressed milk.

Strong milk flow

If the breast is overly filled with milk and becomes so dense that the baby cannot properly latch onto the nipple and suck out the milk, you should pump the breast a little before feeding (until soft), limit fluid intake, and also apply something to the breast for 5-7 minutes cold (for example, an ice pack).

Lactostasis

With this problem, the breasts become very dense and the mother feels painful swelling in them. There is no need to stop feeding your baby; on the contrary, you should put him to the breast more often. In this case, the mother is advised to limit liquid and lightly massage the hardened areas of the breast, straining the milk until soft.

Mastitis

This inflammatory disease is a common problem in the second to fourth week after childbirth. It is manifested by the appearance of seals that cause pain to the woman. Also, a nursing mother often has a fever. If you suspect that a woman is developing mastitis, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only he will confirm the diagnosis, prescribe treatment and be able to tell whether it is worth continuing to breastfeed.

Hypogalactia

This is the name for milk production in quantities less than what the baby needs. Counting wet diapers (normally there are more than 10) and monthly weighing (normally, the baby should gain at least 0.5 kg) will help you verify that there is a lack of milk. But there is no need to rush to supplement with formula, because this could be a lactation crisis.

Put your baby to your breast more often, review your diet and daily routine, and also consult your doctor about lactogenic agents, and you can return your milk. Read about what to do if your baby doesn’t have enough breast milk in another article.

For more information about breastfeeding, see Dr. Komarovsky's program.

Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby, provides the newborn with necessary substances, and builds immunity. Therefore, many women are determined to breastfeed their baby for as long as possible. But often when lactation begins, young mothers have many questions:

1. Will I be able to breastfeed my baby? The answer is clear: it will work! Every healthy woman is able to naturally breastfeed a baby, regardless of breast size, body type, or age. This requires the desire of the mother herself. If you doubt your abilities, you need to familiarize yourself with the technique of breastfeeding, and the formation of lactation will be successful.

2. If milk does not come in in the first days, do I need to supplement with formula? There is no need to supplement feeding a newborn. In the first days, the mother secretes colostrum; it has high nutritional value. Therefore, even a few drops of it are enough for a newborn to be saturated. In addition, supplementary feeding reduces the number of breastfeedings, which delays the mother's milk supply. Put your baby to your breast as often as possible on demand and the milk will arrive soon.

3. The baby is losing weight - does that mean he’s not getting enough to eat? When discharged from the hospital, all babies weigh less than at birth. This does not depend on the amount of milk the newborn consumes. Weight loss is associated with the following reasons:

• Release of fluid through the skin;
• urination;
• Passage of original feces (meconium);
• Stress of a newborn: from a warm, cozy tummy he found himself in a huge unknown world.

A weight loss of up to 10% of body weight at birth is considered normal; usually, after returning home, the baby will quickly gain back what was lost.

4. How often to breastfeed a newborn? Feed your baby on demand: offer the breast when he becomes restless. In the first days, the baby may need the breast every 30 minutes. When milk comes in, the intervals between feedings become longer, but will not immediately be regular, or equal to 3 hours (as some believe). Feeding on demand will ensure the production of the amount of milk necessary for the baby.

5. Do I need to express milk between feedings? When feeding on demand, no additional pumping is required. At first, there may be more milk than the baby needs, but over time this will normalize. You need to express milk in the following cases:

• When the baby does not breastfeed, or is separated from the mother for health reasons;
• When there is too much milk and engorgement of the mammary glands occurs, or begins;
• When there are deep painful ones;
• When the mother takes medications that are contraindicated during breastfeeding.

6. How long should a baby breastfeed? The baby will nurse as long as he needs. Sucking time can range from 5 minutes to 2 hours. In one case, the baby wants to eat, in another - to drink, in the third he simply needs his mother’s warmth.

7. Do I need to wash my breasts before feeding? There is no need to do this. It is enough to take a daily shower with regular baby soap. Do not use deodorized and antibacterial products: they often cause allergies in babies and neutralize beneficial bacteria. If you are sweating or have excessive milk leakage, you can simply rinse your breasts with warm water immediately before feeding.

9. Is it necessary to give a newborn a supplement of water? No, a newborn does not need water, because breast milk consists of 90% of it. Even colostrum can completely satisfy a baby’s thirst. Water has no calories, so it may cause additional weight loss or insufficient weight gain.

10. Does the baby have enough milk? You can find out about this in two simple ways:

1. Number of urinations. They have infant per day should be 12 or more. Urine is colorless or pale yellow, odorless. This criterion is true if the child is not given additional water or medication.
2. Weight gain. A healthy baby gains weight by at least 120 g per week (excluding the time spent in the maternity hospital), the monthly gain can range from 0.5 to 2 kg (Read also:).

The mother's breast is not only a means of nourishing the baby, but also a way of communicating with the world, satisfying the need for love, affection and tenderness. Breastfeed your baby and have fun!

Lyudmila Sergeevna Sokolova

Reading time: 10 minutes

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Lyudmila Sergeevna Sokolova

Reading time: 8 minutes

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