Breastfeeding-first few days

As you know I am re-reading BabyWise. I am not advocating this method but rather looking critically as some of the suggestions for parenting. Rather than rehash the book, I decided to share some of the ideas that have worked with moms and babies over the past ten years. Some of those ideas are in line with what I have read, others not. You decide for yourself if these would be helpful to you.
Moms sometimes ask me right after baby is born...how will I know my baby is hungry? Great question and shows interest in the child's needs.
Babies come from the womb in various states of hunger. Some attach to the breast immediately while others look around, get settled, root and lick a bit and then latch on. Some suck vigerously right from the beginning, others "play" at the breast. This is all within the realm of normal. After their first nurse, babies will most often take a very long nap, a period of non-reactive sleep. These little guys are saked out. They have no interest in anything. They have had a tough journey and the are ready for sleep. There is no need to wake your baby during this time. It may last 4-6 hours, we have had a few babies sleep, only waking briefly to look around a bit, for 8 hours. As long as baby is pink, well flexed, breathing without any distress and maintaining their body temp, they are fine.
After this inital sleep, babies will nurse every 2 to 3 hours. These nursings will take from 20 to 30 minutes, usually. The important issue here is good active nursing during this time. Once baby is attached, they need to be encouraged to stay awake and complete that time without falling asleep at the breast. What I find when babies are allowed to fall asleep at the breast is frequent, short nursings, very sore, tired moms, and discontent babies . This is frustrating to everyone concerned.
Oh my, time for church...more later :)