A few key steps in the hospital set the stage for a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Skin-to-skin: we encourage all healthy babies to spend at least an hour after birth “skin-to-skin.” To do this, your nurse will assist you to hold your naked baby against your bare chest. This way, most of the baby’s skin is touching yours. When your baby is already lying on your chest, it is easier for them to find your breast and latch on to breastfeed. It also helps keep your baby warm and calm. Skin-to-skin can happen after vaginal or cesarean births, even while in the operating room. Partners can also do skin-to-skin if you cannot.
Rooming-In: we encourage you to keep the baby in your room with you as much as you can. This is called “Rooming-in.” Rooming in is the best way for you to learn how to tell that your baby is hungry. You will not miss feeding cues when your baby is in the room. It is safer and less stressful than keeping your baby in the nursery. Other benefits include better sleep for you and baby, less crying, easier breastfeeding, and quicker bonding.
Breastmilk only: there are risks that come along with giving your baby formula while getting started with breastfeeding. Every time your baby nurses, your body gets a signal to make more milk. However, if the baby receives a bottle of formula instead, your body never knows that the baby was hungry. Then there can be a mismatch between the amount of milk you make and the amount baby eats.
Hand Expression: For a baby that can’t latch, or doesn’t nurse well, hand expressing or pumping milk is a good option. This is another way to stimulate your body to make milk. The milk you collect can be fed to your baby. To learn how to hand express those first droplets, watch this video on the first hours of breastfeeding. (Details about hand expression begin at 10:07 minutes.) If you want, most people can safely practice hand expression in the last month of pregnancy (after 36 weeks). Ask your provider if this is a safe option for you. You should stop if you have any contractions while practicing hand expression.
Sometimes our hospital staff will recommend formula if the baby is not getting enough breastmilk. If so, we will also make a plan to help increase your milk supply to match your baby’s needs.
Want to learn more? We offer a virtual class on the basics of breastfeeding, taught by a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant from The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania. See the schedule and sign up for the Virtual Breastfeeding Class here: Childbirth and Parenting Classes at HUP – Penn Medicine