Breastfeeding:
How soon can I start breastfeeding my baby?
Immediately after giving birth, you can already breastfeed your baby. It is during this period when the baby's sucking instinct is at its peak. It is also at this time when the mother's breasts produce colostrum, a yellowish milk which is rich in antibodies for the baby's optimum protection.

Is it painful to breastfeed?
Normally, breastfeeding is a painless process. Initially, you might feel slight soreness or sensitivity, but in the succeeding days, you can expect that uncomfortable feeling to disappear. To reduce any feeling of pain, make sure that your baby's mouth is wide open so that he or she will be able to suck in the entire areola, if not most of it. As long as breastfeeding is done properly, it will be a relaxed and easy experience for the mother and the baby. If ever it continues to hurt even after several days of breastfeeding, ask help from your doctor or seek advice from those who know enough about this process.

How many times in a day should the baby be breastfed?
There is no standard schedule that mommies need to follow when it comes to breastfeeding. However, newborn babies need to be fed as often as possible, preferably on a 2-hour interval. Frequent breastfeeding helps in producing more milk.

Are there certain foods to avoid or stick with when breastfeeding?
There are actually several different beliefs as well as recommendations as to the food and drinks that breastfeeding mothers should take or do away with. However, studies suggest that the foods that mothers eat do not have a major effect on the quality of her milk. It can be expected though that during this period, mothers tend to eat more, which is understandable since making milk burns about 500 calories a day. What is really important though is for mothers to eat healthy to keep themselves in excellent condition, both mentally and physically

How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
One good way of determining if your baby is being fed enough milk is by monitoring the number of diapers used in a day. During the first week, babies normally use up about 1-2 diapers each day since milk production is quite low at this time. Eventually, when your milk production increases and your baby's stomach becomes larger, the number of diapers used will also increase. You can expect around 6 wet diapers and about 4 dirty diapers on average per day. If for some reason you are worried about your baby's weight, don't hesitate to call your pediatrician.



What is the Proper Way to Hold My Baby During Breastfeeding?

A breastfeeding pillow such as a Boppy or the My Breast Friend can help with getting a good latch. The My Breast Friend is gaining popularity because its flat shape with a small bump behind the baby helps prevent the baby from rolling off.
Make sure your breast is well supported while breastfeeding your baby. The proper way to do this is by placing your thumb on top of your breast while the other four fingers should be positioned underneath. See to it that your fingers are not touching the areola or the dark skin surrounding the nipple; instead, your fingers should be placed behind it.
Gently brush your nipple on your baby's lips to prompt the baby to open his or her mouth.
Position your baby close to your chest, making sure that his or her entire body is facing yours. Guide your baby as he or she latches on; see to it that his or her lips are properly placed and that he or she is able to take in not just the nipple but a big part of the areola as well.
As your baby tries to get the hang of breastfeeding, his or her chin and nose may brush against your breast. At times, you may also see your baby's jaw move. However, as expressed earlier, mothers should remember that breastfeeding shouldn't be a painful experience. If you experience any pain, most probably the baby is not latched on properly. Reposition the baby and try again.