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corner of his mouth. This will help release the suction.

Don't forget to eat a well balanced diet, and maintain an adequate fluid intake.
Try to drink a 6 ounce glass of your favorite non-caffeinated beverage around
nursing time. You do not need to drink milk to make milk, a variety of beverages
is suggested. Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and do not diet while
nursing. Many women find that they lose weight naturally while nursing. Don't
take any medications without checking with us first, even over-the-counter
medicines. If you have a family history of allergies of any type, you should
discuss appropriate dietary choices with your pediatrician. See also Section III,
0-3 Food Allergies and Intolerances.

2. How Often to Nurse

Your baby will let you know how often she is hungry. Times vary considerably,
but the average is from 2-4 hours between feedings. Newborn infants tend to
feed more often than older babies. If your infant consistently feeds more often
than every 90 minutes, contact our office. Some babies do feed more frequently
during a growth spurt, but this should last no more than several days. Your infant
should go to breast eight to twelve times in a 24 hour period. Frequency not
duration is the key to infant weight gain. (It is how often an infant goes to breast
not how long he/she is there.)

3. How Long to Nurse
Begin in the hospital with several minutes per breast at each feeding. The
length of feedings will increase to about 15-20 minutes per side, but rarely more
than 20 minutes. Initially the milk is a thick yellow fluid called colostrum. It is
rich in antibodies and special nutrients for your infant. On or about the 3rd day,
your milk will "come in" and you will be able to feel a larger milk supply. Your
breasts may initiallyfeel full and uncomfortable in the first few days. See Section
III, A-7a, Engorgement.

It is important to finish the side you start on before offering the second breast.
Burp and change the infant between breasts. Always offer the second breast.
The infant may not feed off both breasts every time and this is okay. Start each
feed on the side you finished on last. If the infant did not eat off both breasts,

offer the breast that she/he did not take first. As a visual reminder which breast

is next wear a safety pin on your bra strap or a hair scrunchie on the wrist of the
side to feed first. Remember to switch it when you switch the infant.

4. Supplements
Vitamin D supplements will be discussed with you at your child's 2 month well

child check.

Giving water supplements while breastfeeding is unnecessary and may disrupt
the normal nursing cycle. If you decide you want to start the baby on a
supplemental formula we recommend waiting until between 2-4 weeks of age.
By then, your milk supply will be well established. Choosing a formula is
important. See Section III, B, Formula Feeding.

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