Your newborn!
This is what you have been waiting for. She is finally here!Within minutes of her life outside of the womb, your baby is busy. (Please turn to Chapter 7 in the manual.) Suctioning, cutting the cord, APGAR scoring, weighing, measuring, identifying, immunizing, Vitamin K and eye ointment administration may all take place in her first hour of life. The video in Chapter 7 entitled Newborn Procedures is helpful to watch. (WATCH)
While it sounds like a lot, most of these things can be done while she is snugly on your chest being admired by her joyous parents!
You will love your bundle, and knowing that she may have a cone head may be endearing instead of alarming because you have watched this video, again in Chapter 7, entitled Newborn Appearances. (WATCH) For additional information, turn to page 59 in your manual.
Turn to page 60 in the manual and read the left hand column of text. (READ). I know you are so excited for the miracle of your baby.
Breast is Best!
Within the first hour of life is the best time to breastfeed. That means you will still be in your labor and delivery room. Plan on breastfeeding early and often. While it is understandable that your extended family wants to see your new baby, plan on making breastfeeding a priority. If you aren't comfortable with lots of family watching you breastfeed for the first time, then have them see you and your baby in the postpartum room that you are usually transferred to at about 1-2 hours after birth. Let's go to page 66 in the manual. Find the video entitled, First Feeding and watch this. (WATCH)
The most important aspect to breastfeeding is referred to as the Latch. With a proper latch, you experience less pain or trauma to the nipple and the baby gets enough milk. Turn to page 67 and read steps 1-4.
In the manual read all of pages 66-68.
The best way to establish a good milk supply is to feed early and often. Milk supply is based on the principle of supply and demand. As your baby demands the milk by sucking, this tells your body to make milk. Breastfed babies should eat every 1-3 hours, on demand. It is not reasonable or recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to try to get your baby on a strict feeding schedule.If you haven't already, watch the video on Hunger signs.
Partners, as mentioned in the yellow box on page 67, can still be involved with breastfeeding. Your support, like in labor, is important to your wife/partner! You can provide both physical and emotional support.
Also a tip for dad is to remember: "What mom puts in, dad takes out." In other words, mom can feed and dad diaper. Dad can also burp the baby between breast, or go get the baby for mom in the night.
Page 68 shows you different breastfeeding positions. The football hold is good for the first feeding because it offers good visualization of the breast and the latch. It is also good for c-sections, as there is no pressure on your incision this way. You may find that you prefer the cross cradle hold, and as your baby gets more head control/neck strength, the cradle hold will be most comfortable. You and your baby will find what is most comfortable. My advice is to try them all and see what seems to be a good fit.
Stumbling blocks can be frustrating! Know that you have resources:
•The Warm line 801-714-3324, contact number to make an appointment to see a lactation consultant in Orem or trouble shoot over the phone.
•Le Leche league: www.llli.org
•Lactation consultants: www.ilca.org
•Your take-home info from the hospital
•Mother baby nurses
On page 60 in the manual, read about your baby's senses and behavior.
Your new baby will be amazing!
Assignment for Unit 9:
1. Find a good book, perhaps published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to buy as a resources on your baby- the first year. Amazon.com (and even DI) has books like this.
2. Learn more about breastfeeding. Take a class or purchase a well reviewed book if you plan to breastfeed. This link is very valuable!http://ameda.com/resources/video
3. Invest in a dual, electric pump if you plan to return to work.
4. Email me when you are done, and if you have any questions.
