The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

How Long Will My Baby Breastfeed?
If given the opportunity, most babies will breastfeed until they naturally outgrow the need, which appears to be sometime between two and a half and seven years.

Remember that the staff are there to support you, so let them know what you need—like extra pillows, a darkened room, or a closed door.

If the hospital requires an IV for all laboring women, even though it isn’t supported by research and could waterlog both you and the baby and delay your milk coming in, consider asking for a hep-lock instead. It allows an IV to be plugged in instantly if needed, but doesn’t interfere (much) other

Protect your privacy and treat the room as your (temporary) home. Keep the door at least partly closed and have your labor support person “approve” anyone who comes in. Bring your favorite music. Put your own pictures up with poster adhesive. Wear your own clothes (with warm socks if the room is cool).
As long as you’re comfortable, stay on your feet. You’re a competent person, not a patient. Walking and moving help line your baby up and keep labor going. Wander the halls or go outdoors, taking a helper with you.
Cover the clock. When labor really gets under way, you won’t care much about time, anyway.
Avoid routine vaginal exams, which increase the risk of infection and cause stress. You’ll know when you feel like pushing! (You can ask to have an exam to see how much your cervix has dilated, if you want, especially if that might help you make decisions about whether you want a particular intervention.)

THE BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL INITIATIVE

colostrum (early milk)

Em draws a warm blanket over herself and her newborn.

The most elaborate hospital warmer can’t warm a baby as quickly or as well as full-body skin contact with his mother—his bare chest and stomach against her bare chest and stomach.

Em now reaches the “transition” stage, between the first stage of labor (gathering up the turtleneck sweater) and the second stage (pushing through the opening). Contractions are intense and close together. She might even throw up, just as some athletes do. She might feel panicky. This is when she needs the support and encouragement of her partner and doula the most

competent person, not a patient