Congratulations! You have just delivered your newborn. The first few days after delivery are an adjustment for you and your baby. Your healthcare provider will want to schedule a follow-up appointment within the first five days after you are discharged to ensure your baby adapts well to life outside the womb. At their first appointment, your pediatrician will conduct an unclothed physical exam of your baby, including taking their length and weight. Don’t forget to bring an extra diaper or two to get your baby’s most accurate weight. Your pediatrician may also ask questions about your baby’s eating schedule and first sources of nutrition. Check out the Nutrient Needs and Family Engagement Activity sections below to develop a plan to feed your baby.
Your baby has involuntary reflexes that happen without trying and can change to voluntary behavior as they react to the world around them. Some of these reflexes include rooting and sucking.
The “Golden Hour” refers to the first hour of life when your baby is placed on your bare chest, known as skin-to-skin contact. This is a great way to soothe and bond with your newborn. Eventually, they will start to look for your breast, using their rooting reflex to latch onto your nipple and begin sucking. Since this is the first time your baby is latching, have patience. They may fail on the first try. When your baby latches, it should also be pain-free and comfortable for you. If you are experiencing pain or irritation, talk with a lactation consultant to help alleviate this concern. It is okay not to produce much milk on the first try. Your baby’s stomach is the size of a marble or about one teaspoon at birth. Any breastmilk you give to your newborn will set them up for success. While the “Golden Hour” encourages early latching and breastfeeding success, any time you or your partner have skin-to-skin contact with your baby can help form a lasting bond.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization encourage mothers to breastfeed for at least the first two years of life or as long as possible. If you are concerned about breastfeeding while returning to work, talk with your employer to plan a time to pump throughout your workday. Remember, every ounce of breastmilk you give your baby can go a long way. Mothers and infants who breastfeed have protection from certain illnesses and long-term diseases, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. The Family Engagement Activity below can help you create an Infant Feeding Plan for your baby’s first few hours, days, and weeks of life. This can be a guide for you and can be flexible to meet your needs and desires.
Breastfeeding is not a choice for every mom, but if you do choose to breastfeed, you may want to build your milk supply. Here are some tips for helping you to reach this goal:
Dr. Lawrence Quang, the Division Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at CHRISTUS Children’s, discusses essential Dos and Don’ts on supporting your newborn’s sleeping habits.