Mothers and newborns should be encouraged to remain together both day and night, except for periods of up to an hour for hospital procedures or if separation is medically indicated. The hospital policy should encourage mothers to breastfeed their newborns without restriction. Breastfeeding during the first day should take priority over other non-emergent events such as newborn bathing, pictures and visitors. Mothers should be instructed to recognize hunger cues, assess an adequate feed, and monitor wet and soiled diapers as signs of sufficient intake. The hospital policy should discourage the use of artificial nipples for normal newborns.
Pacifiers mask hunger cues.
Artificial nipples may interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding. If supplementation is necessary, alternate methods such as a cup or supplemental feeding device should be explored first, using expressed milk. Breastfeeding mothers should not receive discharge packs that include formula or formula advertisements, unless requested by the mother. The hospital policy should address support for breastfeeding mothers following hospital discharge. The hospital is encouraged to support staff who are breastfeeding by providing a place and time for them to pump.