Breastfeed effectively.

Many mothers may not yet know or may have forgotten the tips for breastfeeding. We have important techniques for breastfeeding at each stage to share, to maximize benefits for both the mother and the beloved child.

Hospital Delivery Stage

1. Hold and breastfeed the baby immediately within half an hour after birth because it is the first time the mother and baby touch each other, and the baby is most alert at this time. The baby will learn to breastfeed now. The mother and baby begin to bond emotionally. The baby’s skin receives germs from the mother’s skin, and the baby receives immunity from the mother’s milk. Early breastfeeding stimulates the mother to produce milk quickly and sufficiently.
2. The baby should stay in the same room as the mother at all times, allowing the baby to breastfeed as often as needed to stimulate milk production and secretion adequately.
3. The baby should be fed only breast milk and should not be given formula or other foods.

Postpartum Stage at Home

• Feed the baby only breast milk until 4-6 months old, then introduce other foods but continue breastfeeding for as long as possible, or at least 2 years.
• The mother should eat a balanced diet covering all 5 food groups.
• As the return-to-work day approaches, start training the baby to drink breast milk by expressing it into a cup or glass for feeding.

Working Mother Stage

1. When the mother is at home or on days off, the baby should breastfeed at every meal.
2. Express milk into a clean container with a lid to feed the baby while the mother is at work.
3. During work, express breast milk into bottles and store them in the refrigerator, then transfer to an ice container during the commute home to keep it fresh for feeding the baby.
4. If there is a daycare at the workplace, the mother should bring the baby there and allow the baby to breastfeed.

Signs That the Baby Is Receiving Breast Milk

1. Breasts feel full before feeding and soften afterward.
2. Milk flows from the other nipple while the baby is breastfeeding.
3. The sound of the baby swallowing can be heard.
4. Milk can be seen in the baby’s mouth.

Is the Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?

1. The baby should breastfeed whenever desired. When milk supply is sufficient, the baby will breastfeed 6-8 times a day.
2. Each breastfeeding session should last at least 10-15 minutes.

Signs That the Baby Is Getting Enough Milk (In the First Weeks After Birth)

1. Urinates 6 times or more per day.
2. Has bowel movements 3-4 times per day. Frequent bowel movements with small amounts or infrequent bowel movements with large amounts are normal.
3. Gains weight approximately 100-200 grams per week.