At Just Kids Pediatrics Dr. Kerry Kirifides, Dr. Sonia Shastry, and a dedicated staff are here to provide the best care for your family and support new mothers who are breastfeeding in Newark, DE. Read some tips for breastfeeding, and contact us if you need support.
Why Should I Breastfeed?
It is generally recommended to breastfeed for the first six months of the baby's life. Breastfeeding, or nursing, provides the baby with the best nutrition and has health benefits for the mother as well. Breast milk is easy for the baby to digest and passes along antibodies that help them fight infection. Babies are born with the ability to suckle and it stimulates the production of more breastmilk. Breastfeeding also encourages the mother's body to shrink the uterus and burn more calories after giving birth.
Despite being a natural process, breastfeeding can still be a challenge for both the baby and the mother. Many women have trouble with a good latching technique or milk production. You may need extra support to develop a healthy routine for breastfeeding.
Tips for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding starts immediately in the hospital, so use support from nurses and lactation coaches to get started. It will take time for you and your baby to develop a good routine together, so don't get discouraged if you feel it is not happening naturally. For successful breastfeeding:
- Get as comfortable as you can before getting the baby to latch.
- Start with 5-10 minutes on each side (for the first few days) so your nipples can toughen.
- Care for your nipples with pads or salves to soothe them between feedings.
- Eat a healthy diet. You need more calories to support breastfeeding and your doctor may recommend supplementing with a multivitamin.
- Stay hydrated and have water accessible while you are nursing.
Talk to your doctor about your nursing schedule, when to pump instead, and when to supplement with formula. We see mothers stop breastfeeding before six months due to concerns about milk production, but also work and their schedules. Ask us about lactation coaches and support groups if you want to keep breastfeeding but are discouraged or having complications.
Get Help Breastfeeding
Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry are here if you are struggling with a breastfeeding routine. If you want to learn more about breastfeeding in Newark, DE, call Just Kids Pediatrics at (302) 918-6400.