Whe is the best time to start??

[dannyboygirl]

I want to breastfeed my 1st baby..Some people say start as soon as the baby comes out of you because the sucking is strongest and easier to latch...Some say wait til you are in private and alone....There are so many theories what do you recommend or what did you do??

 

[dizzy65]

I think you should do it right when you first have the baby

 

[Samantha675]

My LO was on the breast within an hour or less after his deliver. If I had not had to have a c-section I would have had him on sooner. So my advice would be to get your baby on asap, and keep the baby there as long as they want to feed. It felt like the first week my LO was always feeding, especially before the milk came in, but that is a good thing. I also had my MW with me, when my LO was brought to me, so she was able to ensure that my baby had a good latch the first time he went on. Once that was established, he was good to go, and we have had a great time feeding.

 

[Margerle]

I did same as Samantha And highly recommend it.

 

[Ratty]

I had to go into theatre after my boy was born so it was more than 2 hours before he got to sample my breats. Had absolutely no problems with him latching or sucking.

I think it depends on how you feel. Its a good idea to have a nurse or MW to help you with the latching though. If you don't get it right, your nipples will end up very sore.

See how you feel when you give birth !!!

 

[Baby-Love]

If you have a vaginal birth, I suggest within the first hour of life.
It enables them to familiarize themselves with you, and they're more likely to be alert during their first hour of life.

 

[Sara]

Getting your baby to latch on straight after birth helps to slow down bleeding and I believe (if I'm wrong let me know!) it helps the uterus contract which in turn helps the placenta detach... phew!

 

[Holldoll]

I wanted to breastfeed right away, but the baby had to go to the NICU for 3 hours, but she had no trouble latching on, but some babies will, especially since they gave her a bottle in the NICU.

 

[Ragirl]

Getting your baby to latch on straight after birth helps to slow down bleeding and I believe (if I'm wrong let me know!) it helps the uterus contract which in turn helps the placenta detach... phew!

You are right Sara. I nursed my son at the first possible minute (I had a c-sec, so it was maybe an hour or so after he was born), with a room full of people and my boob just hanging out there. But he took right to it- he knew better than I what he was doing And at least there were plenty of people around (medical staff and family) if he had had a hard time latching.

 

[goofy]

hi I offer advice and support to breastfeeding mohers in my local hospital. I have breastfed both my daughters and went on a short training course.
I witnessed something totally amazing about a month back. A mother had just given birth and the baby had been placed on the mohers belly not too far from the breast - while other stuff was being organised we noticed that the baby had started to navigate towards the breast all on its own. We had sat there for about an hour and in that time the baby had started to route for the breast and then latched on with a little help from the mother. Truly Amazin to watch. Just shows that we underestimate these lil oones.

But i would agree with some of the other comments and see how you feel after the birth. I had a c section and didnt breastfeed till several hours later and i went on to succesfully feed for 10 months.

Goodluck with it all!

 

[MummySian]

hi hunny, just to add to the points and say immediately after the birth is great time.
In my experience, my three started rooting about in the hour after they were born and if you have a supportive mw its the best time to get started.
All the very best with it xxxx

 

[luckyme225]

I fed after they wiped him down and got him weighed, probably about 15 minutes after he was born. I had lots of family waiting so I wanted to try and feed and bond as a family before everyone came in. It was great, he was able to suck away.

 

[Linzi]

they made me feed Seth within half an hour of his birth. Not sure why. Hospitals have their own policies I suppose. I would definately say it's best to breast feed from the very beginning if thats what you choose to do, and at least at the hospital you have help with doing it Its not easy first time.

xxx