• What can I do to establish exclusive breast feeding?

Jan 28, 2009 in Parenting

• Put your baby to feed at your breast as soon as possible after birth, preferably in the delivery room. This is important for you, your baby and milk production.
• For the first few days, breast milk is thick and yellowish. Feeding your baby this milk provides nutrition and prevents infection.
• Keep your baby close to you. It is safe for your baby to sleep with you.
• You may lie down; sit on a bed, chair or floor to breastfeed your baby.
• Breastfeed your baby during the day and at night, whenever he cries with hunger.
• The more the baby suckles at your breast, the more milk your breasts produce and the healthier your baby gets.
• Allow your baby to feed at one breast until he releases the nipple on his own. Then feed him at the other breast if he continues to be hungry.
• Give your baby only breastmilk for the first 4 to 6 months.
• Do not give your baby water, sugar water, gripe water, honey, tea, animal or powdered milks before 4 to 6 months.