How Can I Get My 1-Week-Old to Take the Breast?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding your newborn. Meeting emotional and dietary needs, breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of the baby's life and continuing for the rest of the first year after solid foods are introduced, are suggested by the AAP, according to Kids Health Online. Some newborns and mothers may have difficulties adjusting to breastfeeding. Getting your newborn to nurse, especially once she is home from the hospital and life settles into a routine that first week, can bring challenges. You can place your newborn on a healthy breastfeeding pattern.

Instructions

1

Understand that there is no one "right" or "wrong" way to breastfeed. There is no "normal" way to breastfeed. All babies nurse a bit different. Some babies "latch on" and some babies lick and suckle a bit playfully. Both of these ways of feeding are normal and both are important. As soon as you relax, realizing that however your baby chooses to nurse is up to him and as soon as you accept it as your "normal," the sooner you both will be on the path to breastfeeding. Your baby will sense when your stress leaves and you relax.

2

Feed your newborn on demand. Be prepared for this new way of life for a short time. This may mean taking a few days off work. Keep pillows prepared in strategic places and telephones where you could need them if the phone rings. Inform family and friends that if you don't answer, that means you are nursing and will not answer. Have a sign ready to stick on your door that says, "Nursing Mother - Do Not Disturb." Preparing ahead of time will help you when the sudden feeding moment arises.

3

Prop your feeding arm up on pillows when you nurse your baby. If your baby is a slow feeder, you could be in that position on that breast awhile. Since you have already placed your sign at the door, closed the bedroom door, propped the pillows behind you and grabbed your water bottle, you are ready to settle in for a couple of hours. If you are feeding on your right side first, reach beneath your right breast with your left hand and hold your right nipple between your middle finger and index finger, cupping your breast in your hand. Gently guide the nipple to your infant's mouth. Let the infant take it at her own pace. Be patient, she will take it when she is hungry. Even if she licks and plays around, this could be her form of feeding. She may cry and fidget, but keep offering it to her and don't stress out. Continue the patience frame of mind.

4

Switch to the left breast, offering it to him with the same technique as described with the right breast. The next time you feed, start with the left breast first. Rotating breasts will help your milk flow.