Dr. Stork says: I recently received a lot of calls and enquires on the why, how, when and where on breastfeeding issues. I have compiled the questions and is now presenting the information in this short passage:
Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Breastfeeding is also good for mom as the mom does not have to clean the bottles, does not have to mix the formula and the milk is always at the right temperature to feed! It’s also cheap and it’s more convenient too. Most importantly, it’s satisfying for the mom.
Most likely, you may not be able to produce milk for two or three days after the delivery. However, there’ll be colostrums (yellowish liquid) which will help your baby fight off colds and other illnesses.
When your nipples are sore, as they may be that first week, letting them air dry after feeding will help. If your baby latches on (i.e. baby getting your nipple into his mouth) properly, your nipples shouldn’t hurt much. Be sure to get as much as possible of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) into his mouth as he sucks. If it hurts, break the suction and take him off, then latch him on with more of the areola in his mouth.
The more your baby sucks, the more milk your body will produce. To give breastfeeding a good start, it’s best not to give a baby a bottle during the first month. However, it’s a good idea to offer the baby a bottle once in a while after the first month. Then he’ll be more willing to take a bottle if you aren’t available, and so dad and other helpers can feed him occasionally.
It’s definitely not necessary to hide in your bedroom while you breastfeed. Babies like to eat when they get hungry, but it’s much harder for them to wait a while. You should be able to breastfeed almost anywhere by throwing a blanket over your baby.
Some mothers breastfeed only the first few days. They know how important the colostrums is for the baby during this time and the extra protection against illness the colostrums provide. Many moms continue until baby can drink milk from a cup, perhaps for a year. Their babies may have an occasional bottle, but rely mostly on breastfeeding. A few moms breastfeed longer, and that’s certainly alright too.
If you decided to stop breastfeeding your baby, do it gradually. Suddenly switching baby from your breast to a bottle would be hard on both you and your baby. Your breasts may hurt if you suddenly stop breastfeeding as your body continues to produce milk. It’s far better to give baby a bottle for one of her feedings each day for a few days, then cut out another breastfeeding, then another, until you’re feeding her from the bottle all the time.
Read more on Feeding the Baby, Breastfeeding Baby, Breastfeeding Problems and Advices