Breastfeeding Pocket Card - DHS 4660

Breastfeeding

Breastfeed baby immediately after birth

Breastfeed often, at least 8 times in 24 hours or every 11/2 - 3 hours with no time restriction at the breast

Avoid bottles and pacifiers for the first four weeks

Encourage breastfeeding

Positioning

• Comfortable posture, sitting back
• Position baby on his side, facing mother, "tummy to tummy" baby's nose at mom's nipple
• Support breast, keeping fingers under breast and thumb on top away from areola
• Stimulate rooting reflex by gently stroking baby's lower lip with nipple
• When baby's mouth opens wide (like a yawn), quickly pull baby to breast (not breast to baby)
• Baby's head tilted back slightly, nipple pointing to the root of the baby's mouth chin touches first
• Tip of baby's nose and chin should touch breast when latching on
• Baby covers more of the areola with lower lip than upper lip
• Alternate positions to avoid stressed nipple areas and aid flow from all milk ducts
• Alternate starting breast
• Remove baby from breast by breaking suction with finger inserted between gums, in corner of mouth

Breast Care

• Only water on breasts when bathing
• Air dry nipples after feedings
• Avoid soaps, sprays, creams on areola/nipples

Frequency

• Breastfeed within first hour of life or as soon as possible
• Thereafter, feed on baby's cue (i.e., hand to mouth, rooting and sucking movements) or every 11/2 - 3 hours
• No time restrictions at breast
• Frequent, unlimited breastfeeding encourages milk supply and minimizes engorgement
• Offer both breasts per feeding if baby wishes
• Formula, water or pacifiers are not necessary and may cause baby to feel full and sleepy, lose interest in breastfeeding and become nipple confused
• Rooming-in aids feeding on cue and this assures frequent feedings

Suckling Assessment

• Lips should be curled outward
• No clicking/smacking sounds
• Swallowing may be heard
• Minor nipple discomfort is common with initial grasp/suckles in first 1-2 days
• Persistent or severe nipple discomfort requires immediate repositioning and further evaluation

Signs of Adequate Breastmilk Intake

• Nursing 8 -12 times per 24 hours
• At least 6 wet diapers per 24 hours
• Several stools per 24 hours in first month
• Breasts feel softer after feeding
• Normal breast tissue swelling subsides in about 1 week; this is not a sign of decreased milk supply

Growth Spurts

• Baby will want to nurse more often for approximately 1-3 days
• Likely during first days at home, 10 -14 days, 4 - 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months

Maternal Self-Care

• Eat a variety of foods
• Drink to thirst
• Rest often - nap when baby naps

Community Support

• Health care provider
• Hospital's breastfeeding helper
• Lactation Consultant
• Local WIC office
• La Leche League: 1-800-LA-LECHE or your local La Leche League Leader

For more information:

• DHS Automated Helpline: 1-800-843-6154 or 1-800-447-6404 (V/TTY)
• Lactation Counselor's Manual, Illinois Department of Human Services
• The Breastfeeding Answer Book, La Leche League Intl.
• Breastfeeding - A Guide for the Medical Profession, Ruth Lawrence

Adapted from materials developed by the Missouri WIC Program, Illinois Regional Breastfeeding Task Forces and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

DHS 4660 (R-12-09) Breastfeeding Pocket Card

15,000 copies, P.O. #0069 Printed by the Authority of