NURSING MOMS:
• Ask the labor and delivery nurse to notify the nursery that you will be breastfeeding.
• Request that your baby room with you continuously or that a note be made on the chart that your baby should not receive any bottle-feedings and should be brought to you when ever she is hungry. You can print this letter and bring it with you to the hospital.
Dear Nurse,
If I am a healthy full-term baby, please don't give me any water bottles, formula, or pacifiers.
I eat "on cue" or every 1 - 3 hours, whichever comes first, daytime and nighttime. When I'm hurgry my mom wants me brought to her, no matter how often that may be.
I may be allowed to sleep one 4 - 5 hour period at night if I have already had 8 feedings that day.
My mom allows bunching (frequent feedings) whenever I want.
My mom feeds me from both breasts at each feeding for as long as I want. If my latch-on and positioning are correct, my mom won't become sore.
My mom understands that I need to eat 8 - 12 times in 24 hours.
Please don't separate me from my mom for long periods of time unless it is medically necessary. I have been with my mom a long time and want to stay with her.
___________________________________________________ Mother's Signature
___________________________________________________ Baby's Name
*Ask to have the lactation specialist observe you feeding your baby and make suggestions.
• Get the names and phone numbers of the hospital’s lactation consultant so you can call for advice or answers once you and your baby are home.Make sure your nurse knows your breastfeeding. We have a letter addressed to your labor nurse from your baby letting her know it's ok to bring your baby to you ANYTIME!
