(a) Place hand over the other above the breast.
(b) Gently, but firmly, exert pressure evenly with the thumbs across the
top and fingers underneath the breast.
(c) Come together with the heel of the hand on each side and release
at the areola, being careful not to touch the areola and nipple.
(d) Gently lift the breast from beneath and drop lightly.
NOTE:
The above procedure should be repeated 4 to 5 times with each breast.
(3)
Roughen nipples with a towel.
b. Initiation of Breast-feeding.
(1) Initial feeding is usually with one ounce of sterile water to determine if
the newborn can swallow. The mother should begin feeding with five minutes of actual
sucking time on each breast and increase feeding time after the baby has fed three
consecutive times without difficulty. Each feeding should be initiated by alternating the
breasts. The baby may receive glucose water after feeding until the milk comes in the
breast.
(2)
The advantages of breast-feeding are as follows:
(a) Colostrum contains less fat and sugar and more protein and salts
than breast milk. It also contains large amounts of antibodies and vitamins and acts as
a laxative to help expel meconium.
NOTE:
Colostrum is the thin yellowish fluid secreted for the first several days after
birth. Colostrum comes before the milk in the mother's breast.
(b) Protein is more digestible than cow's milk.
(c)
The fat that is present is rich in essential fatty acids needed for
brain growth.
(d) Colostrum contains lactose, which favors the development of
bacteria in the intestines that serves as a protective function during infancy.
(e) The calcium-to-phosphorous ratio is ideal for the absorption of
calcium needed for bone growth.
(f) It appears less likely to produce an obese child, promotes better
tooth and jaw alignment, and protects against allergy development during infancy.
MD0922
9-8