20 May 2019 A normal newborn can start breastfeeding soon after birth. The baby is placed on the mother’s chest while still in the delivery room to encourage it to seek the breast and nurse as early as possible. Most babies are able to breastfeed for the first time 30 to 120 minutes after birth . The importance of this first feed is associated with the baby’s state of alertness, which is higher and helps it learn to suckle. In their first days of life, babies wake up or indicate that they are hungry at varying intervals until they fall into their feeding pattern. Breastfeeding is easier for the mother and baby if the baby is not yet very hungry but already interested in feeding. It is better to start breastfeeding before the baby starts to cry to show it is hungry. The mother should seek to identify expressions that indicate her baby wants to feed, such as: Look in the eyes; Mouth open; Movements of the tongue and hands. Breastfeeding and milk production Breastfeeding is an important stimulus to the mother’s milk production. When babies are breastfed immediately after birth, the amount of milk produced increases substantially on the third or fourth day. The mother’s breasts feel full, heavy or hot when the time comes to remove the milk. It is also around now, on the fifth or sixth day after birth, that babies begin to gain weight. They will recover their birth weight around the end of the second week. When the milk comes in it must be removed from the breast by the baby or with expressing techniques. Breast engorgement caused by increased milk volume can cause some discomfort and make it difficult for the baby to suck when the breast, areola and nipple appear to be stretched and flat because of the distension caused by milk. If this happens, you can help the baby latch onto the nipple: Make the nipple and areola softer: express some milk from the breast by hand or with a pump and then let the baby feed; Breastfeed or express milk every one to two hours until the breast becomes softer; Put cold packs on the breast for 20 to 30 minutes after breastfeeding or expressing milk. The baby's feeds Divide the feed between both breasts. Feeds should last (not counting the breaks the baby wants to take): At least 10 minutes; No more than 30 minutes. The baby dictates the feeding rate. There are babies who nurse without interruption for 10 to 15 minutes; Others stay on the same breast for 20 to 35 minutes because they take a break during the feed. The baby usually nurses for less time on the second breast. If the baby does not want to feed on the second breast, offer this breast to it first in the next feed. The duration of lactation and the amount of milk produced are influenced by hormones. However, they are also determined by: The baby’s presence; The act of suckling; The amount of milk taken; The mother’s wellbeing. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
