Some helpful advice -
from one mum to another!
Vicki Scott is Philips AVENT’s baby feeding and wellbeing advisor. She is a qualified midwife, nursery and maternity nurse and breastfeeding consultant.
From our newly updated Feeding Diary
- On average your newborn may feed every 2-4 hours, ‘little & often’; as your baby grows she should need to feed less frequently and can take more milk each feed time.
- If breasts are hard and painful when your milk comes in, try popping a green cabbage leaf from the fridge in your bra after feeds. Warmth and massage before feeds will help soften the breasts and encourage milk flow.
- Encourage baby to have a wide open mouth for latching-on by starting off in the nose-to-nipple position. When she opens her mouth wide, bring her quickly to the breast aiming the nipple to the roof of your baby’s mouth.
- Once your milk has come in, encourage your baby to feed fully from the first breast at each feed. This way she will get the thirst quenching foremilk and the richer hindmilk each time.
- Most babies need to be winded during and after feeds. Hold your baby in an upright position on your knee or over your shoulder – giving her gentle pats until she burps!
- Your baby is likely to be getting enough milk if she settles well after feeds, wakes to feed regularly, has runny stools, lots of wet nappies and gains weights steadily.
- When offering a bottle, encourage your baby to open her mouth wide by touching the teat of the bottle to his lower lip. As she opens his mouth, gently introduce the teat making sure your baby’s tongue is down.
- Breastfeeding works on supply and demand – offering your baby regular breastfeeds when she’s hungry ensures your milk supply will grow to match your baby’s needs. The more your baby feeds, the more milk you will make for her.
- Make time for your baby’s bottle – get comfortable and spend some close time with your baby during and after the feed.
Advice from our experts
