Breastfeeding - How to Get Off to a Good Start During Your Maternity Hospital Stay

• Remember: even if things don't work out during your hospital stay, you can still breastfeed, though it'll take a little work (see increasing your milk supply, dealing with nipple confusion, and nursing strikes)
• Tell the attending doctor and nurse(s) about your desire to breastfeed (or have your labor companion tell them if your contractions are so strong that you can't think about anything else). Make sure you tell them about all the following items in this list.
• Try to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. It's good for you and good for the baby. Most babies will be interested in nursing at some time during the first hour after birth. If you miss this time, it might be a day or two before your baby wants to nurse again.
• Room in (keep your baby in your room). This way, you can be sure you'll be able to nurse your baby whenever she or he needs it. You'll also be sure that no one will give your baby and bottles without your knowledge. If you cannot room in, tell everyone that you want your baby to be brought to you whenever she or he is hungry. Tell them explicitly that you want to be woken up if necessary. Tell them that you'll be very upset if they give your baby a bottle to let you sleep. Don't assume that they'll know this already. Many people suffer from insufficient milk because their breasts have not been stimulated enough due to supplemental bottles during their hospital stay.
• Try to avoid pacifiers during the first month or so of your baby's life. Pacifiers can cause nipple confusion, and might also have a detrimental effect on your milk supply (though they are not as bad as bottles).
• Get a private room if you can afford it (most insurance plans pay for a double room; you pay for the difference). That way you'll be more relaxed (your milk will let down more easily if you are relaxed), and probably get more sleep too.
• If you are unhappy about the way your hospital stay is going (regarding breastfeeding or anything else), and you're feeling up to it, feel free to go home even if your allowed hospital stay hasn't yet expired. Staying in hospital is supposed to be convenience (e.g., the nurse will change your baby's diaper). There's no point doing it if it's a bother. Ask your pediatrician to have a nurse sent to your home to check on the baby in a day or two (most health plans will pay for at least one home visit).
• If your take-home pack includes formula samples, consider leaving those in the hospital. Research has shown that people who take formula samples home "just in case" are more likely to experience breastfeeding failure. And don't worry: if you end up needing formula, you can find it in any supermarket. Remember: your hospital is just giving you those samples because the formula company has paid them to do so.

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