How long after giving birth can I breastfeed?

Childbirth is a major battle in life and an important experience that is both painful and joyful. Giving birth to a baby is not the end; the subsequent upbringing and teaching is the top priority. The first step in education is feeding. Breastfeeding is the best way to enhance the baby's resistance and physical health. However, mothers are usually weak after childbirth due to the pain of the birthing process, and there is a high chance that breast milk is not enough to feed the baby. So, how long after giving birth can you breastfeed?

Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth can reduce neonatal deaths by 22%. Other benefits of starting breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery are: 1. The nutrients and immune substances contained in colostrum can provide nutrition and the first immune protection for the baby. 2. It is helpful to promote the secretion of mother's milk. 3. The baby's sucking reflex is usually strongest within the first hour after birth. At this time, using the baby's sucking reflex can help the baby establish the correct nipple latching method. 4. The baby's sucking can promote uterine contraction and help prevent postpartum hemorrhage. 5. When feeding babies, it can provide them with the skin contact and warmth they need most, especially premature and low-birth-weight babies. Breastfeeding is most helpful for low-birth-weight babies because they have a higher risk of dying and need more support after birth to help them suck. Starting breastfeeding within 1 hour after birth is the fourth of the ten measures for successful breastfeeding developed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and is an effective way to successfully achieve breastfeeding. It should be emphasized that breastfeeding also requires support from family members, medical workers and society, including correct breastfeeding instructions, breastfeeding on demand, and avoiding the use of bottles.

Now that we have a scientific understanding of how long it takes to breastfeed after giving birth, we hope that all new mothers can pay attention to their breast milk situation. If the breast milk is insufficient, they can add more nutritional supplements or medical treatments to supplement breast milk through effective means to ensure the health of the newborn baby.