The delivery of a newborn is a very exciting moment.  However, the physical  experience from labor and delivery can leave you overwhelmed and having mixed emotions.

You will have to inform your obstetrician or pediatrician ahead of time about your intentions to breastfeed. You should also notify your healthcare team that you do not want your baby to be given supplemental feeding or water unless for valid medical reasons.

Baby’s first feeding

It is recommended that you  place your baby on your bare chest or  abdomen moments after delivery ( skin to skin). You also want to feed your baby within an hour to take advantage of your baby’s sucking instincts. When an alert, healthy infant is placed on your abdomen, he is able to latch on the breast without specific  instructions. These babies have a more successful breastfeeding experience.

Milk let down also occurs earlier for mothers who breastfeed their babies  soon after birth. As a matter of fact , babies who nurse early after delivery are more likely  to be breastfeeding at 2 to 4 months of age.

Early breastfeeding  starts the process of  establishing your future  milk supply. Early feeding also helps the uterus contract and return to its pre pregnancy state which decreases the chances of excessive bleeding after delivery.

It is possible to breastfeed your baby right after delivery if there are no complications and if the baby requires no special treatment.  It is better to breastfeed your baby  skin to skin on your bare chest or  abdomen . Have your baby  were nothing apart from diaper. If your baby is cold, your temperature will increase to bring the baby’s temperature up. Skin to skin also gives the baby direct access to the breast.

This is also the time to help you and your baby get to know each other. Being held skin to skin helps your baby feel warm, comforted and nurtured.

Babies first feeding help establish  a breastfeeding relationship. No matter how much you prepare, your first  breastfeeding experience will be different.  If you are unsure whether your baby has latched on well or not, get help from your nurse or lactation consultant.

NOTE

There may be  circumstances where you will need to wait before being able to breastfeed. Such situations include when your baby is premature, ill, in a fragile state or you’re  struggling to recover from medications given during cesarean section or any other sedation. Do not worry. There is still plenty of time to get acquainted with your baby. You can get help from the hospital staff with breastfeeding after a difficult delivery.