Got these info from my friend, hope it is useful!
In Hospital :
- Do rooming-in for your baby which hospital encourages, so you can take care of your baby and breast-feed her as soon as she is hungry. However, do within your limits and don’t be overly-zealous that you strain yourself. Rest if you need and ask nurse to put your baby back to nursery if need be.
- It is advised that you allow your baby to suckle your breasts within 1 – 2 hours after birth so she gets the colostrums which are anti-bodies good for your baby. By suckling, it also helps to “activate” the milk production.
- Lie down more, instead of sitting up as you need to rest your back after labour to prevent backaches in future.
- When getting down from bed for the first time after labour, be careful of gush of blood. Ensure your maternity pad is worn properly, otherwise there will be spillage.
- Ask for a printout of your hospital bill before discharge to ensure items are correct.
After discharge:
- When expressing breastmilk, always massage your breasts first for easier letdown and to prevent duct block.
- Be prepared also for lymph nodes on your armpits (like blood-clots). This is due to breastmilk. There is no pain, but you can massage them to get rid of them as soon as possible. It should subside after 3 – 4 weeks.
- Baby's weight will reduce slightly a few days after birth. However, she should gain back the same or more one week after birth. If not, it's a sign that baby is not getting enough milk. In this case, you may need to express your breastmilk and bottle-feed her so you are aware how much your baby drinks during each feed.
- If you are breastfeeding, be careful on DOM consumption. Check with your gynae. You may put a little into your hot food and cook it till the alcohol evaporates. Or add hot water to a small cup of DOM. Drink before you go to sleep every night.
