Breast milk provides all necessary nutrients for babies in their first months and continues to provide significant nutrition in the first and second years. Breastfeeding is natural but requires practice for both mother and baby. The first weeks of breastfeeding involve feeding on demand every 1 to 3 hours and finding comfortable positions like cradle hold, cross cradle hold, and football hold to correctly latch the baby. Proper latching and burping techniques are important to establish breastfeeding and prevent issues.

1. BREASTFEEDING
BY
Dr.hafsa asim

2. Breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it
provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant
needs for the first months of life, and it continues to
provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional
needs during the second half of the first year, and up
to one-third during the second year of life.

5. A mother nursing her baby—it's one of the most
beautiful images nature could create.
It's also one of the simplest.
For some women, the first few days or weeks of
breastfeeding are a challenge.
"Breastfeeding is natural, but it's a practiced skill.

8. • Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and
infant, requiring both time and patience.
When to Start
The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Positions: Cradle Hold (Tummy to
Tummy)
Cross Cradle Hold
Football Hold
Side-lying Position
Latching-on
Taking Baby Off Your Breast & Burping

9. When to Start
Research shows that the critical days for breastfeeding
success are the first six to seven days after delivery,
and later near the baby's sixth week. It is important to
get the help you need through these times. Fatigue
may play a large role in any doubts about continuing
breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding after a Cesarean Birth
A cesarean birth does not directly affect the
breastfeeding process. However, discomfort, fatigue,
and the medications used in surgery may present more
of a challenge when you begin breastfeeding. Nurse
your baby as soon after delivery as possible (and on
demand every1 to 3 hours per 24 hours, which is 8-12
times per 24 hours). Once you begin regular feedings,
your milk supply will increase.

10. The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
If possible, put your baby to your breast within the first hour after birth.
Continue to feed your baby on demand every 1 to 3 hours per 24 hours
(8-12 times per 24 hours).
Frequent feedings minimize feeding problems and are the best way to
prevent breast engorgement.
Getting Started
Create a peaceful "nursing station" and allow yourself to relax.
Find a comfortable position, such as in a chair, with ample room on the
sides and back for pillows to support your baby and your arms. Make
sure your feet are elevated at a comfortable level. Sitting up in bed with
pillows under your legs or using a footstool when in a chair will help you
be comfortable.
It is normal for babies to be sleepy the first 24-48 hours after birth.
Attempt to breastfeed every 1 to 3 hours per 24 hours (8 – 12 times per
24 hours).

11. The LATCH
Position the baby on her/his side so she/he is directly
facing you, with her/his belly touching yours. Next, prop up
the baby with a pillow, if necessary, and hold her/his up to
your breast; don't lean over toward her/his.
Place your thumb and fingers around your areola.
Tilt your baby's head back slightly and tickle her/his lips
with your nipple until she opens her/his mouth wide.
Help her/him "scoop" the breast into mouth by placing
lower jaw on first, well below the nipple.
Tilt her/his head forward, placing upper jaw deeply on the
breast. Make sure she/he takes the entire nipple and at
least 1 1/2 inches of the areola in mouth.

13. 1. Cradle
Position your baby on your forearm, her head in the crook
of your arm. Support her bottom with your other hand. Pull
her in close to you, belly to belly, with her ear, shoulder and
hip in a straight line.
• .
•

14. 2. Football
While useful for all women, this position is particularly
helpful for mothers who have had a Cesarean section.
Place your baby on a pillow, tucked close to your side.
Rest your arm on the pillow to bring your baby's mouth up
to your breast; support her head with your hand.

15. 3.Side-lying Position
First, position yourself and your baby on your sides tummy-
to-tummy.
Bend your top leg and position with pillows.
Place your fingers beneath your breast and lift upward,
then pull your baby in close as she latches-on.
The side-lying position is an especially good choice for
breastfeeding after a caesarean birth with spinal
anesthesia.

16. Taking Baby Off Your Breast
Be sure to break the suction by slipping your little finger
in the corner of your baby's mouth between her gums.
Don't remove your baby from your breast until the suction
is released, or sore nipples may result. The suction is
usually quite strong and it may require some effort to
release her grip.

17. Burping Your Baby
Burp your baby after feeding at each breast and at the end of
the feeding.
Helpful positions for burping your baby include:
1:Propped up with baby's tummy
against your shoulder.
2:Lying tummy-down across your lap.
3:Sitting up, leaning over with your
supportive hand under baby's arm.

18. THANK
YOU