In a message dated 1/9/02 9:00:00 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> This is a constant conflict for us, as they are always pressing
> the moms to "feed every 3 hrs", which is usually impossible since the
> babies are so sleepy.  If they can't breastfeed, they feel pressured to
> give bottles.  We are collecting research defense for the expectation that
> one or two good feeds in the 1st day and the same or a little more in the
> second day is adequate for the healthy, full term newborn.
>

Feedings will go much better if every baby is placed skin-to-skin
immediately
after birth until baby breastfeeds. Even c-section patients can breastfeed
in
recovery. Our parent handout has minimums for the 1st few days of life--I
have seen other similar logs to keep track of feeds, voids & stools in the
first week. Ours reads these MINIMUMS: day 1, 6-8 breastfeeds, 1-2 void, 1-2
mec; day 2, 8-10 breastfeeds, 2-3 void, 2-3 mec; day 3, 8-12 breastfeeds,
3-4
voids, 3 + transitional stools & by day 5, 8-12 breastfeeds, 6+ soaking wet
diapers & 3+ yellow stools. We also stress looking at the baby's latch &
sucking rhythm & listening for swallowing.

Laura Hart
Winter Park, FL

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