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Babies need to eat often - every 90 minutes to two hours. Your partner should feed your baby when she begins to show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on her lips, fingers or fist. She should try to feed her before she cries. Feeding your baby often won't spoil her. It will help your partner learn to become more aware of your baby's needs.
Don't limit feeding times. Babies need different amounts of food at different times of the day, just as grown people do.
Your partner shoud take her time. The more she nurses the baby, the more milk she will have. Do not give your baby formula or water. If you do, she will make less milk. If your partner thinks she does not have enough milk, she should nurse more often and nurse longer.
To learn more about breastfeeding, you may want to contact your local health department, hospital, La Leche league or doctor. You can call La Leche league at 1-800-LALECHE, or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it takes a little time for babies and mothers to learn what works best for them. She may have sore nipples when she first starts breastfeeding. The pain can be reduced if she holds your baby properly when attached to the breast.
Her nipples may be tender in the first few days of breastfeeding. This is common. By and large, tenderness goes away once the milk begins to flow. If she has a lot of pain, call a breastfeeding counselor or her doctor. Her doctor or counselor can also help if she has cracked or bleeding nipples. If it doesn't feel right to her, then it probably isn't right.
If you are out with your baby, she can still breastfeed. She may want to take along a receiving blanket or shawl with which to cover up.
If your partner has to be away from your baby, she can still give her breast milk. Your partner can withdraw or "express" breast milk by hand or with a breast pump into a sterile container. Then someone else can give it to her in a bottle.
It is important for your partner to have adequate, high-quality nutrition and drink enough water. Your partner should avoid drugs while breastfeeding unless the doctor specifically tells her to take a certain medication even though she is breastfeeding.
Month By Month has been adapted for Fathers from Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your Newborn, Washington, D.C. 2002 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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