Born for Breastfeeding
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Your breasts will produce about 3 to 4 tablespoons of colostrum in the first 24 hours after birth. Since a newborn’s stomach can only hold about 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk, this amount will be plenty for breastfeeding your baby during his first day of life. With frequent feedings (at least every 2 to 3 hours), the volume of milk that you are producing will increase, so there’ll always be enough to feed your baby.
A Good Start
Research has shown that breastfeeding benefits continue throughout your child’s life, including decreased risk of diabetes, obesity, juvenile leukemia, heart disease, asthma and ear infections. Breastfed children have also been found to have better jaw and eye development than those who are not breastfed. It benefits you, too: Directly after childbirth, breastfeeding helps your uterus return to its normal size. It may help you lose your pregnancy weight, and studies have shown that it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Want to see all of this in action? Tell your health-care provider that you’d like to have your newborn with you right after birth (any tests can be done later or while your baby is in your arms). Have him placed on your chest, skin-to-skin, and you’ll be amazed as he latches on to your breast and starts feeding. If you keep him skin-to-skin as much as possible over the next few days, you may find that you both take to breastfeeding with ease.
But if you do experience problems, you’re not alone. Talk to a lactation consultant (ask for one at your place of birth) or contact your local La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.org). Consider enrolling in a prenatal breastfeeding preparation class to help you understand the process and get ready for that first special feeding.
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