Eight 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. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants. 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. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic. Ten The hospital policy should address support for breastfeeding mothers following hospital discharge.