The Benefits Of Breastfeeding Right From Birth
Babies have a strong urge to suckle immediately after birth that won't be as strong again until 40 hours later. Indeed, research has shown that, given the chance, many babies, only minutes old, will crawl up to the breast from the mother’s abdomen, latch on and start breastfeeding all by themselves. This process may take up to an hour or longer, but the mother and baby should be given this time together to start learning about each other.
Nursing soon after birth will help your uterus contract by stimulating the release of oxytocin. When your child first encounters your breast, don't force things. Be gentle and allow the baby to find it's own way around. Sucking in frequent bursts and pauses is the typical pattern for the first few hours and often the first few days.
Babies who "self-attach" run into far fewer breastfeeding problems. Incidentally, studies have also shown that skin to skin contact between mothers and babies keeps the baby as warm as an incubator.
There is absolutely no medical reason for healthy mothers and babies to be separated from each other, even for short periods.
Hospitals and birthing centres that have routine separations of mothers and babies after birth are years behind the times, and the reasons for the separation often have to do with letting parents know who is in control; no prizes for guessing who it is they wish to show as boss. Often, bogus reasons are given for separations. One example is that the baby passed
meconium before birth. A baby who passes meconium and is fine a few minutes after birth will be fine and does not
need to be in an incubator for several hours’ "observation".
There is no evidence that mothers who are separated from their babies are better rested. On the contrary, they are
more rested and less stressed when they are with their babies. Mothers and babies learn how to sleep in the same rhythm.
So, when the baby starts waking for a feed, the mother is also starting to wake up naturally. This is not as tiring for
the mother as being awakened from deep sleep, as she often is if the baby is elsewhere when he wakes up. If the mother
is shown how to feed the baby while both are lying down side by side, the mother is better rested.
Remember, breast feed as soon as you can and don't let anyone stop you from doing this. It's your right and it's best for your child.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional advice and does not necessarily reflect the views of Breast Feeding Information. If you have questions or concerns regarding your family's or your child's physical or mental health, please seek other professional assistance. We cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website. Any statements and opinions expressed within this site are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of the site.