Breastfeeding is important to the health of your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants receive only human milk for the first six months of life with the introduction of family foods around six months of age and continued breastfeeding for at least the first year. For this reason, Roper St. Francis Healthcare provides breastfeeding support at both locations and provides a lactation room for its employees.

Up-to-date medical information and a warm, personal approach to help nursing moms gain confidence and learn what to expect when they nurse is offered during their stay and upon discharge. Mothers are encouraged to include active involvement of supporting family members and friends, who can help make breastfeeding easier and more beneficial for both mom and baby. We can help you get started with several services including:

• Professional education in breastfeeding and lactation. Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers a two-hour breastfeeding class to moms and dads-to-be.
• The Lactation Center-A Mother's Choice offers a variety of Medela products for rent or purchase, such as breast pumps, breastfeeding accessories and supplies and intimate apparel. The Lactation Center staff are trained, certified bra fitters.
• 24-hour Breastfeeding Warmline for convenient support .Simply leave a message at 843-724-2953 and a lactation consultant will return your call.
• The nursing staff is available for breastfeeding support during your stay.
  

Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed your baby! The following guidelines will help you begin the special relationship of breastfeeding.

Holding Your Baby for Feedings

• Relax and get comfortable sitting or lying. Use pillows to support your back. If you need pain medication, ask for it before you begin nursing your baby.
• Use a pillow under your baby as support during the feeding. As your baby grows, you probably will not need the pillows. Position the baby's head and body towards you. The baby's mouth should be at the level of your nipple.
• Support baby's back and shoulders firmly. Do not push on the back of baby's head.
• Get as comfortable as possible before beginning to nurse so you can relax and enjoy nursing. You can have a nurse or lactation consultant show you how to position yourself and help the baby latch on easily. Some babies are vigorous nursers, while others are sippers and sleepers. It may take several days to several weeks before both of you have mastered the technique. Remember that both of you are learning a new skill. Be patient with yourself and your baby.

Latching-On

• Cup your hand to support your breast. Hold your breast with fingers underneath and thumb on top.
• Touch the lips with your nipple until the baby's mouth opens and the tongue is down.
• As the baby's mouth opens wide, hug the baby onto the breast.
• Nursing shouldn't be painful! If nursing hurts after the first few sucks, break suction, take the baby off, and start over.

How Often Should I Nurse?

• Breastfeed within the first hour after birth or soon thereafter. Babies are usually quiet and alert one - two hours after birth, then sleeps more often for the next three days, getting more awake about the time the mother's breasts feel full. Babies who nurse in this first quiet, alert time generally have an easier time learning to breastfeed than those who wait until later.
• Babies give "feeding cues" when they are ready to nurse. They do not have to cry first. These cues include: arms bent, hands in a fist, hands at mouth and head, sucking at hand or arm, rooting, or licking. Rooming-in during your hospital stay helps you to learn and respond to your baby's feeding cues.
• When in the hospital, nurse at least every 2-3 hours during the day and at least once during the night. Babies may be sleepy right after birth. You may need to wake a sleepy baby to eat.
• Ways to help wake a sleepy baby include partially undressing your baby; talking to your baby while he/she is sitting in your lap facing you; gently stroking your baby's hands or feet; massaging your baby's body; and touching your baby's cheeks, chin and lips with your fingers and then tickling the bottom lip to elicit the rooting reflex. Once your baby's eyes open wide, bring him/her to your breast and begin nursing.
• Breastfeed your baby at least four to six times during the first 24 hours, six to eight times the next 24 hours, and eight to 12 times on day three and after. When your baby is back to birth weight, usually by two weeks of age, you will no longer have to awaken your baby to nurse. He/she will then wake up on his/her own to feed.
• Once baby is growing and gaining weight well, nursing on baby's demand is fine.

How Long Should a Feeding Last?

• Your early milk or colostrum is especially good for your baby. It is produced in small quantities because this is all your baby needs while learning to suck/swallow and breathe. It contains antibodies and acts as a laxative to help your baby pass his/her first stool and may lessen the incidence of jaundice.
• Nurse long enough so the breast is soft. This usually takes 15-20 minutes on each breast. Your baby may not want the second breast until the next time.
• There is no need to wait for the breast to "fill up." Milk is made while your baby is sucking so the breast is never empty. Your baby will nurse for comfort, body contact, and to meet his/her sucking needs, as well as for food and drink.
• Nursing on one breast at a feeding is easier for both the mother and baby in the first days and may result in better intake for baby as well as less engorgement for mother.
• A typical feeding generally lasts 30-40 minutes. Try not to watch the clock. Enjoy your time breastfeeding your baby!
• Your healthy baby does not need supplements of formula or water. These may cause him or her to lose interest in breastfeeding. By nursing early and often, you will be providing your baby with the perfect food in the right quantity.

Sore Nipples

• Offer the least sore breast first.
• Sore nipples are most often the result of improper positioning. Use different positions with feedings. (Limiting nursing time will not prevent sore nipples.)
• Breast milk is an ideal lubricant after feeding. Leave breasts open to air 10-15 minutes after nursing. (Breast creams, ointments, and other lubricants are not required.)

Engorgement

• Nurse often to allow breasts to soften and keep them from getting too full.
• Engorgement or swelling, can occur when the milk "comes in", usually between 3-7 days after birth. If engorgement happens, it only lasts about 24 hours.
• Try ice packs between feedings to relieve discomfort. Warm showers also help.
• Pumping a small amount before feedings can help soften the breasts and help baby latch on. Massage the breasts before feeding.

Breastfeeding Is Going Well When:

• Breasts soften after nursing.
• Mother feels a tug with no pain.
• Baby has at least 6 wet diapers and 1 bowel movement in a 24 hour period.
• Baby sucks and swallows actively during nursing.
• Baby seems content after a feeding.
• Baby is gaining weight.

Sometimes questions don't arise until after you and your baby are home. Your pediatrician can answer questions about your baby's unique health needs. Also, there are a number of resources available to assist you with breastfeeding, so please call!

-- Roper St. Francis Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Line 843-724-2953
-- Roper Hospital Nursery 843-724-2661
-- Roper Hospital Obstetrics 843-724-2630
-- Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital Nursery 843-402-1035
-- Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital Birth Suite 843-402-1033