Participants
will know the difference between foremilk and hindmilk.
Participants
will identify at least two signs of correct latch-on.
Participants
will identify five signs that baby is getting enough breastmilk.
Participants will identify one cause and
one treatment for sore nipples.
Participants
will know to initiate breastfeeding within two hours of birth.
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Welcome to the Mohave County WIC website.
If you are a WIC participant, please enter your name and date of birth.
Type only one name if more than one family member is a participant along with
their birth date.
First name
Last name
Birthday of name entered above
Activity
1: List
three questions/concerns you may have about breastfeeding your baby.
1.
2.
3.
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 class, 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:
The
breasts begin producing colostrum in
the
fourth month of pregnancy. Some mothers
may notice
some leaking. This is normal.
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.
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.
Foremilk
is about 1/3 of the milk at each feeding. It is watery and
bluish in color. It quenches the baby's thirst.
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.
Activity
2: How can I make sure my baby is getting hindmilk during a feeding?
Choose the best answer.
Only feed
from one breast
Switch
breasts often during a feeding session
Let baby
feed until full on one breast then offer the other breast
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:
Breastmilk
is made and stored in the breast. The let-down reflex releases
this milk, making it available for your baby.
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.
Signs
that mother's milk is letting down:
uterine
cramps (during the first few days after birth)
a
"pins-and-needles" or achy feeling in the breasts
milk
leaking from the other breast
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)
milk
appearing in the corner of the baby's mouth
a
feeling of relaxation in the mother
Correct
Latch-On and Positioning
Activity
3: What is the most common reason why breastfeeding women experience
sore nipples?
Sensitive
skin and nipples
Incorrect
latch on and positioning to breast
Baby feeds
too often
**If
you chose the second choice, you are correct**
LATCH-ON:
Support
the breast when needed.
support
with thumb on top and four fingers underneath - making sure all
fingers are BEHIND the areola (the darker skin around
the nipple
Make
sure baby's mouth is WIDE open as pictured
here:
tickle
baby's lips to open wide
Pull
baby in close and keep him close.
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
Signs
of a good latch-on:
baby
is facing mother so that he does not have to turn his head
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)
baby
is pulled in so close that his chin and the tip of his nose are
touching the breast
baby's
tongue is cupped beneath the mother's breast
once
baby is latched on, his lips are flanged out and relaxed as seen
here:
Activity
4: When breastfeeding your baby, what are two signs that he/she is
latched on correctly?
POSITIONING:
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:
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!!
You
have completed the class on “Breastfeeding Part 2: the Basics”.If you have any
questions or comments, please e-mail one of our certified lactation
educators.We’ll be glad to
answer any of your questions.
