If your baby has any trouble latching and breastfeeding in the first hour, it is very important that you use your hand to remove some colostrum from your breasts. This early stimulation will help get your milk supply going even if your baby wasn't able to suckle at your breast.
Breastfeeding Protects Your Baby!
Breastfeeding exposes your baby to new germs, and your milk has antibodies that fight against those germs. It's like giving your baby his first immunization!
Plan for Skin-to-Skin in the Hospital
Make skin-to-skin part of your birth plan. Talk to your doctor and hospital to make sure they support skin-to-skin time during the Sacred Hour and in your room. Skin-to-skin helps mom and baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding.
- Ask your hospital if they offer skin-to-skin after cesarean section deliveries if you and the baby are alert and stable.
- Dad may want to wear a shirt that can be unbuttoned so he can easily snuggle baby skin-to-skin.
- Let family and friends know about your plans. Tell them whenever you need privacy for skin-to-skin time in the hospital and at home.
- There's no specific age when skin-to-skin should stop. It provides powerful benefits for baby the entire time he is an infant.