Breastfeeding...

Well, I went to my first breastfeeding class and learned a lot things. Most importantly though that breastfeeding should not hurt---at all! It is normal to have some tenderness but if you nipples hurt at all you're doing it wrong. Whew! Well, that's a relief because everything I've heard from other people about how much it hurts and how painful it is does not necessarily have to apply to me!

I learned:
1.) Early-feed early--even soon after delivery in a 2-hour window when you're baby is alert because after that the baby will sleep for a long time. (Delivery is hard!)
2.) Often- Feed as often as 1-1.5 hours around the clock
3.) Thoroughly-Make sure that the baby gets latched on "nose-to-nipple"
4.) Full diapers-this is proof that you're baby is getting enough milk
5.) Make Noise! ---if things are not working out then contact a lactation consultant on the web at www.ilca.org or www.lalecheleague.org for breastfeeding support.

The baby should have 1 wet/1 soiled diaper for every 24 hours outside the womb
ex.) Day 2-2/wet/soiled, 3-3wet/3soiled, 4/4wet/soiled etc...