Breastfeeding Basics

Your baby should latch on and suck rhythmically for 10-15 minutes on each breast.  He may pause periodically, but should nurse vigorously for most of the feeding.  He should seem satisfied after nursing, and  will often fall asleep at the second breast. If he falls asleep and will not take the second breast, try to divide the sucking time between the two sides.  If he is sleepy, he will get more milk by nursing for 5 minutes on both breasts rather than 10 minutes on one. You should hear him swallowing regularly while he is nursing

Your newborn should nurse at least eight times in 24 hours. Many newborns will nurse 10-12 times or more.  This includes longer feedings as well as shorter snack nursings.  Nursing every 1 ½  - 3 hours during the day, with one 4 hour stretch at night (if you’re lucky!) works well for many nursing couples.  Don’t expect your baby to be on a 4 hour schedule – the average newborn will not gain enough weight that way.  You may need to wake your newborn up for feedings – newborns will often not demand to be fed often enough, especially during the first week or two.

Most mothers experience some nipple tenderness during the early days of nursing.  The discomfort is usually worst when the baby first latches on, and eases off during the feeding.  If the pain is severe, lasts all the way through the feeding, if your nipple tissue cracks or bleeds, or the pains persists beyond one week, it may mean that your baby is not latching on correctly.  This can not only cause you extreme discomfort and make feedings unpleasant, but can also cause your baby to not obtain enough milk.  Check your baby’s weight, and consult a breastfeeding specialist who can evaluate your nursing technique. Latch on problems can often be easily corrected.

Breastmilk Storage 

• Freshly expressed milk can be stored at room temperature for up to ten hours.  Colostrum or milk expressed within one week of delivery can be stored for twelve hours at room temperature.  However, whenever possible, milk should be placed in the refrigerator soon after expressing.

• Fresh milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to eight days.  Store it toward the back. 

• Fresh milk can be stored in a cooler with icepacks for up to 24 hours.

• Fresh milk can be placed in a freezer compartment inside a fridge for up to 2 weeks. (These are usually only found in older type refrigerators). 

• Fresh milk can be kept in a self-contained freezer compartment for 3-6 months, depending on how often the door is opened.  Store it toward the back.

• Fresh milk can be stored in a separate chest type deep freeze for 6-12 months. 

• Milk that has been frozen and thawed can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours. Thawed milk should not be refrozen.

• To defrost frozen milk, place it in the fridge the night before you’re going to use it.  This takes about twelve hours.  If you need to thaw it quickly, run it under warm water that is gradually warmed, or place it in a bowl of water that is gradually warmed.  Don’t use hot water, and NEVER heat it in a microwave.  This can destroy the live antibodies in the milk, and may also create ‘hot spots’ than can burn your baby’s mouth, even though the container may not feel hot to the touch.
   

 Formula Feeding Goals

When do I feed my baby?

The length of time between feedings varies depending on the amount of formula your baby drank during the previous feeding. Most 2-week-old babies drink about every 2 hours. Older babies often drink more formula at each feeding. They often drink a bottle every 4 hours during the day. Sometimes they go 8 hours or longer between feedings at night. As you get to know your baby, you will be able to recognize his or her signs of hunger and fullness.

A baby drinks from a bottle of formula for about 5 to 25 minutes at a time. Pay attention to your baby's nutritional needs and cues. Don't be concerned if your baby doesn't eat much at one feeding. He or she is likely eating enough over the course of a day or two. Forcing your baby to drink more formula than he or she needs can cause tummy aches and spitting up.But don't ever hesitate to call your doctor if you are worried about whether your baby is eating enough.