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Breastfeeding: Waking Your Baby
Topic Overview
Most medical professionals recommend letting a baby eat on demand. But during the first few days of breastfeeding, be sure to awaken your baby for feedings about every 2 hours. This will help to get your milk supply going. To make the transition from sleep gradual and comfortable, try the following:
- Cool your baby off by taking off his or her clothes. Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as you place him or her for feeding. Keep a lightweight blanket nearby.
- Tickle your baby lightly wherever you get a reaction (on the feet, neck, top of head, or stomach).
- Change your baby's diaper.
Current as of: December 17, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
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