Breastfeeding in the Birth Plan
Include Feeding Preference as Part of the Written Expectations
Expectant mothers need to think through all aspects of their birth plan, including how and when they want to first feed their newborn. Plan to nurse right after birth.
Pregnancy is a wonderfully rich time when an expectant mother is learning all she can about childbirth and infant feeding options. Many mothers create a birth plan to clearly delineate exactly what kind of birth experience they want. It's a good idea for a mother to share the birth plan with her health care provider some time during her second trimester so that she can open the door for a dialogue. For example, if she expects to walk around or perhaps be in the shower after her water has broken, but her doctor has a strict policy about mothers being in bed after the water has broken, she will need to either change her expectations or change doctors.
Breastfeeding as Part of the Birth Plan
Mothers who educate themselves about the benefits of breastfeeding usually decide to provide their babies the best possible start in life by nursing them. Research shows that babies who nurse shortly after birth when they are in a quiet alert state tend to have successful breastfeeding experiences.
A mother who wants to initiate breastfeeding shortly after birth should include the following things in her birth plan:
- After the umbilical cord is cut, before the baby is washed or has drops placed in his eyes, he is to be placed on her chest, between her breasts. A blanket may be put over mother and baby if extra warmth is necessary. Her body will serve to maintain her baby's temperature.
- Baby should be allowed to explore her breast at his own pace. If left alone, most babies will find the nipple and areola by themselves and achieve a successful latch.
- No typical newborn routine procedures will be done until baby has taken his first feed. That may mean delaying the routine procedures for an hour or longer. Apgar scores may be taken at normal intervals.
- Baby's mouth will NOT be suctioned. Suctioning can disrupt the breastfeeding experience and is not necessary for a healthy, normal newborn.
- Baby will not be given any kind of artificial nipple.
- Baby will not receive any kind of supplemental feeding in the hospital of either glucose water or formula.
It is important to remember that if a newborn has a health problem, then this feeding plan might not be implemented. Flexibility is the key in all aspects of a birth plan. Nevertheless, an expectant mother needs to make sure that as long as her baby is healthy and everything is normal, she will be given the opportunity to feed according to her plan.
