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How does a new born baby know how to breastfeed?

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There are two reflexes a newborn has that helps it do this The Root reflex: if you probe the edge of the baby's mouth, it tilts its head sideways towards the object. This helps it identify the food source. read more

Montgomery glands play a crucial role during breastfeeding as they assist the baby find the breast. Normally, a baby uses the sense of smell to locate the breasts. The baby understands the amniotic fluid smell, which is similar to the oily secretion produced by your Montgomery glands. read more

Don't overdo your caffeine consumption, because you'll pass the caffeine along to your baby in your breast milk and it can accumulate in her system. (Experts recommend limiting your intake to no more than 300 mg per day, about the amount you'd get in a 12-ounce cup of coffee). read more

If latch-on hurts, break the suction (by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your breast) and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she'll do the rest. How often you should nurse. Frequently. The more you nurse, the more milk you'll produce. Nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target. read more

Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)--don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first--wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing. read more

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