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First of all, the good news:
just because this happened with your other baby, it won't necessarily
happen with this baby. There are many reasons that might cause a baby to
react this way. Sometimes a baby may be physically uncomfortable in the
typical nursing position, often due to his journey "out" through the
cramped quarters of the birth canal. Sometimes, if a baby has had a suction
tube placed down his throat to remove excess mucous, he may not want
anything else in his mouth for a while. And sometimes if a baby is given a
bottle for any reason before he has a chance to go to the breast, he gets
frustrated at having to work to get a little bit of milk. (Realize, of
course, that the "little bit" he gets is concentrated and ideal for his
needs for the first day or two after birth.) Sometimes, in an effort to get
a newborn latched on, a nurse or mom might push on the back of baby's head
to force him onto the breast.
Some ideas for you to
consider:
1. Aim for as little labor/delivery intervention as possible. Talk with
your doctor or midwife about how to minimize your chances of needing
pain medications, or other procedures that might affect breastfeeding
later on. Ideally, you will have selected a birth attendant that you
can feel confident to only do interventions that are needed. That's
what they are there for, after all.
2. Nurse your baby as soon after birth as possible, ideally within the
first hour or so. Talk with your doctor about postponing tests and
baths and whatever until after this time.
3. If your baby seems uncomfortable in one position, experiment with
others. A lactation consultant (preferably one with "IBCLC" after her
name signifying an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
or La Leche League Leader can help you find positions that work for
both of you.
4. Don't force your baby on your breast by pushing on the back of his
head. Guide him to the breast holding his head gently at the base of
the skull and neck.
5. Keep your baby with you as much as possible, and give him lots of
skin-to-skin contact. Even if he won't nurse right then, the contact
with you is important.
6. Request that your baby be given no bottles in the hospital. If he
should need to be supplemented for any reason, there are alternative
ways to deliver that supplement that won't interfere with his ability
to breastfeed.
7. Attend breastfeeding classes and La Leche League meetings while you
are pregnant to learn as much as possible from other moms.
Remember, this baby has never nursed before, and you have never nursed
this baby, either. You both have the opportunity to learn together!
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