Q: I am due with our first child soon and want to know the best way to get started with breast feeding.
Ans: First relax. You were born to do this! Secondly- visit with a lactation consultant around 36 weeks and up. Third- (And I learned this from the best lactation consultant!) once the baby is born breast feed for the first couple days- every 30-60 minutes for 1-2 minutes. This SHORT FREQUENT SUCKLING brings your milk in faster…and you do not become engorged and the baby begins to gain weight faster.
Once your milk is in then breast feed on demand which is typically every 1-3 hours around the clock initially.
Once the baby is gaining weight he/she will level out on a more regular schedule.
great question!
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