Your partner's breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. Breastfeeding is natural. It can be easier than formula feeding. Breast milk helps protect your baby from sickness. Breastfeeding helps your partner's body get back to normal after pregnancy.
Your baby will let your partner know when he is ready to nurse. He will put his hands toward his mouth. He will make sucking sounds, whimper and bend and unbend his arms and hands. He will move his fist to his mouth. He will nuzzle against your partner's breast. If he doesn't start feeding soon after doing these things, he will start crying. Use these signs instead of a clock to set his feeding times. Your partner should feed him before he starts crying. Feed him every two to three hours. It's a good idea for your partner to switch breasts in the middle of a feeding.
Your baby will let your partner know when it is time to stop feeding. He will relax. He will stop sucking the breast. He will refuse to take the breast if she offers it again. Your baby should make soft swallowing sounds while feeding.
Her breast should feel softer after the feeding. Milk may leak from the other breast while feeding.
Women who breastfeed should eat nutritious foods. They should drink lots of water. They should relax during breastfeeding.
You will know your baby is getting plenty to eat if he has at least seven to 10 very wet diapers a day (using regular absorbency diapers). You can expect your baby to have two to three bowel movements every day.
Your partner can breastfeed your baby after she returns to work or school. She can breastfeed your baby even if he is in a day-care center. She can breastfeed right before leaving your baby at day care. She can breastfeed right after picking up your baby. If your day care is nearby, she can breastfeed your baby during her lunch break.
Your partner can learn how to pump her milk and store it in a bottle. Her milk is good for about 48 hours in the refrigerator. It lasts two to three months in the freezer. You can leave the bottles with the day-care center to feed your baby when your partner can't be there.
If you use infant formula to feed your baby, be sure to follow directions for mixing. He will take two to three ounces of formula every couple of hours. As he grows, he will take more at each feeding. He will also go longer between feedings.
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Breastfeeding
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