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Breastfeeding: Part 2
The Basics
By the end of this lesson:
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Participants will know the difference between foremilk and hindmilk.
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Participants will identify at least two signs of correct latch-on.
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Participants will identify five signs that baby is getting enough breastmilk.
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Participants will identify one cause and one treatment for sore nipples.
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Participants will know to initiate breastfeeding within two hours of birth.
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Please do not use ENTER to move through the fields, use the TAB key.
Welcome to the Municipality of Anchorage WIC Program Website . If you (or your child) are a WIC participant, please enter your first and last name here:
Activity 1:
List three questions/concerns you may have about breastfeeding your baby.
There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding Part 1 -The Benefits-explained why breastfeeding is the BEST way to feed your baby. During this lesson, Breastfeeding Part 2 -The Basics-, we will discuss some simple techniques and tips to help make your breastfeeding experience a little more easy. We will discuss some common concerns breastfeeding women have, such as whether or not your baby is getting enough milk and what to do about sore nipples. All the information provided in this lesson is adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and La Leche League International. Have Fun!!
The Amazing Breast
MILK PRODUCTION:
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The breasts begin producing colostrum in the fourth month of pregnancy. Some mothers may notice some leaking. This is normal.
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For the first 2 to 5 days after birth, the breasts produce colostrum for the baby. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins - this will help keep the baby healthy and prevent many illnesses. You may notice that your colostrum is a yellowish color - don't worry, this is normal. The yellow color is caused by the Vitamin A in your milk.
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About 2 - 4 days after delivery, the colostrum changes in composition to what we call milk. The baby's suckling stimulates milk production. The more often a baby nurses, the more milk the mother produces.
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Foremilk is about 1/3 of the milk at each feeding. It is watery and bluish in color. It quenches the baby's thirst.
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Hindmilk comes to the baby after several minutes of nursing. The hindmilk has more fat and nutrients for baby. The hindmilk helps the baby gain weight and is very important for the baby's growth.
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Activity 2:
How can I make sure my baby is getting hindmilk during a feeding? Choose the best answer.
To make sure your baby is receiving hindmilk, start a feeding on one breast and let baby stay on this breast until they are finished. The baby will usually feed for about 10 - 20 minutes on the first breast. After baby is done, offer the other breast for "dessert". The last choice in activity 2 is correct.
LET-DOWN REFLEX:
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Breastmilk is made and stored in the breast. The let-down reflex releases this milk, making it available for your baby.
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During breastfeeding, the baby's suck stimulates the let-down reflex. This let-down takes place after the baby has nursed for about 40 seconds.
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Signs that mother's milk is letting down:
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uterine cramps (during the first few days after birth)
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a "pins-and-needles" or achy feeling in the breasts
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milk leaking from the other breast
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a change in the baby's suck-swallow rhythm, from quick sucks to long (with regular swallowing and a breath after every one or two sucks)
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milk appearing in the corner of the baby's mouth
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a feeling of relaxation in the mother
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Correct Latch-On and Positioning
Activity 3:
What is the most common reason why breastfeeding women experience sore nipples?
**If you chose the second choice, you are correct**
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LATCH-ON:
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Support the breast when needed.
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support with thumb on top and four fingers underneath - making sure all fingers are BEHIND the areola (the darker skin around the nipple)
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Make sure baby's mouth is WIDE open as pictured here:
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tickle baby's lips to open wide
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Pull baby in close and keep him close.
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if the baby goes on to the breast well, he will take a large mouthful of the breast and be pulled in so close that both his chin and the tip of his nose touch the mother's breast
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Signs of a good latch-on:
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baby is facing mother so that he does not have to turn his head
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baby has taken an inch or more of the areola in his mouth (mom's nipple is actually at the roof of baby's mouth)
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baby is pulled in so close that his chin and the tip of his nose are touching the breast
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baby's tongue is cupped beneath the mother's breast
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once baby is latched on, his lips are flanged out and relaxed as seen here:
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Activity 4:
When breastfeeding your baby, what are two signs that he/she is latched on correctly?
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POSITIONING:
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There are several different ways mom can position herself and baby during breastfeeding. It is important that both mom and baby are comfortable! Here are some different ways to position:
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Some Common Concerns
Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?
Activity 5: Try answering the following questions:
1. Your baby should thoroughly wet how many diapers a day?
2. Your baby should gain how much weight each week during the first six months of life?
3. If your baby is _________ after feedings, then he/she may not be getting enough breastmilk.
4. Your baby should nurse every ____________ hours on a daily basis.
5. You should be able to hear your baby ________ and ________ when he/she is breastfeeding.
answers:
1. 6 - 8 (2 dirty diapers)
2. 1/2 pound
3. fussy
4. 1 1/2 to 3
5. suck, swallow
• When is the best time to start breastfeeding?
within 2 hours after birth
• Can my diet affect my breastmilk?
Fact is, even women in third world countries, whose diets consist of mainly rice, successfully breastfeed. Your diet does play a role in breastfeeding, mom should consume about 500 extra calories per day. Even if your diet is lacking this, your milk will still be adequate. It is recommended that you continue taking your pre-natal vitamins throughout your breastfeeding experience.
• I work, so can I continue to breastfeed?
Many women return to work and successfully breastfeed by using a PUMP or by hand expressing. WIC offers electric pumps for working moms - just ask!!
For more information on breastfeeding, visit this wonderful site by Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC: Breastfeeding Online
Another great site is by the: La Leche League
The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a great online resource:
A Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding
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Where are you taking today's lesson?
Back to WIC Lessons
Revised: 06-13-2008
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