Early Initiation

Behavior: Mother initiates breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth.

• Takes advantage of the newborn's intense suckling reflex and alertness
• Stimulates breastmilk production
• Protects infant from disease by providing the thick yellowish first milk (colostrum), the infant's first vaccine
• Helps expel the placenta more rapidly and reduce blood loss
• Helps expel meconium, the infant's first stool
• Keeps newborn warm through skin-to-skin contact
• Fosters bonding between mother and infant