Breastfeeding At Birth

Most babies have a very strong sucking reflex straight after birth, but it is also normal for baby to only nuzzle or lick a little. Some babies will latch on very well while others take some time to get the hang of it.

Studies have even shown that a new born baby can crawl from the mother’s abdomen to her chest and latch himself onto the breast straight after birth without any help. Watch the breast crawl video here.

If baby does not initiate breastfeeding on his own after 50 minutes or so, then mom can start to try and help him latch on.

The benefits of breastfeeding right after birth

- Nursing your baby as soon as you can after birth will help your uterus contract

- Breastfeeding at birth speeds up delivery of the placenta.

- Breastfeeding at birth also helps for immediate bonding between mom and baby due to the oxytocin that is released.

- Breastfeeding as soon as possible will stimulate the production of milk.

- Moms who breastfeed shortly after birth have been found to breastfeed their babies longer and more successfully.

- Suckling decreases the tension and stress of birth and labour for baby and will help mom relax too, as she will be producing the feel good hormones during nursing.

Tips to make a breastfeeding birth more possible

- Make it a natural breast feeding birth experience ~ Have a non-medical birth if possible with as little medication as you can, this will ensure that baby will be interested in breastfeeding after birth. Medications can make babies sleepy and less able to suck the way they should.

- Skin to skin contact between mom and baby will help baby stay warm after birth and will increase the chances of successful breastfeeding after birth.

- Educate yourself on what a good latch on looks like. Watch the video here. You should never let baby suck on your nipple alone, he should always have the nipple and a large part of your areola in his mouth for a good latch.

- If baby doesn’t seem interested in breastfeeding immediately after birth, you can rub some colostrum on his lips to entice him.

Things that may interfere with the period after birth breastfeeding

- An epidural can result in baby being extra drowsy and having a poor suck after birth.

- Narcotics can hamper breastfeeding at birth success

- A Cesarean delivery. Babies who are delivered via c-sections have been found to be lethargic and less enthusiastic at sucking for up to two weeks after birth. Read more on breastfeeding after a c-section.

- Having a premature baby. Read more on how to handle a preemie and breastfeed.

- Having your baby put in the Intensive Care Unit. In this case, mom might need to pump exclusively until baby is able to breastfeed.

Important ~ period after birth while breastfeeding

- Remember that if your are experiencing very sore nipples, baby is most likely not latching on correctly. Some nipple sensitivity in the beginning is normal, but other than this, you should not have severe pain, cracks or bleeding. Seek the help of a lactation consultant.

- Try not to rush breastfeeding at birth, these first moments together are mostly to introduce baby to your breast, not to fill his tummy.

- For the first few days your breasts will be producing only colostrum until your mature milk comes in. This colostrum is produced in small amounts and is very filling and nutritious and is enough to fill baby’s small tummy.

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with breastfeeding at birth

-    Breastfeeding positions

-    Sucking problems

-    Latching on

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