Breastfeeding

1. Learn how breastfeeding works before the baby arrives – this will make you feel more confident – and think of it as a new skill to develop. Try to attend a local class or workshop with a midwife, and talk to friends or family who have enjoyed breastfeeding.
2. Get your partner and family involved from the beginning and explain to them why you want to breastfeed so you have their support.
3. Get used to handling and touching your breasts in preparation for breastfeeding.
4. For the first few days of breastfeeding your breasts will be producing colostrum. This is a highly concentrated perfect first food for your baby and contains essential nutrients which will build up your baby’s immune system and is all he needs. You will need to feed your baby frequently until your milk comes in.
5. It’s important to make sure your baby is latched on correctly with a nice wide-open mouth and is in the right position to make breastfeeding as comfortable as possible. If it hurts when your baby is feeding it can be a sign you’re not doing it quite right. Ask for help straight away to correct your technique.
6. When your milk comes in, normally after 2-5 days, your breasts may feel swollen and heavy for a day or two.
7. Try to get as much skin-to-skin contact from the very beginning with your baby as this is a wonderful way to bond and will help make breastfeeding a positive experience for you both.
8. When preparing to feed your baby find somewhere quiet and comfortable where your back is well supported. It’s important to be relaxed as this will help your milk to flow.
9. Before you start the feed, grab a few things you may need while feeding such as a cold drink, a muslin cloth, the phone or remote control, to help avoid any interruptions.
10. Once your milk has come in it’s important to encourage your baby to feed on the first breast fully before offering the second side – this enables your baby to reach the rich hindmilk which will help him to settle and gain weight. Not all babies will continue to feed from the second breast; let your baby decide.
11. Help your baby to take a full feed by stimulating him if he becomes sleepy after just a short time – try a change of position, removing a layer of clothing or a gentle tickle to rouse him.
12. How long a feed lasts varies with each mum and baby – it can be anything between 10 and about 40 minutes. The duration of each feed depends on your baby’s age and technique and also on your let-down reflex.
13. Just remember, if your baby seems happy and settled between feeds and is putting on weight at a steady rate, your milk supply is plentiful.
14. If you are thinking about expressing your breast milk, it’s best to wait 4-6 weeks until breastfeeding is fully established.
15. Caring for and breastfeeding a new baby can be very demanding in the early weeks, especially the first month. Take it easy if you can and concentrate on looking after your baby, and yourself.