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Information About Breastfeeding

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Have you noticed your breasts changing in pregnancy? They are getting ready to feed your baby after he is born. You may not have thought about breastfeeding but it’s the natural thing to do. It carries on what your body has been doing in pregnancy - feeding and protecting your baby and helping him grow. Your placenta has been doing this job but after the birth your breast milk is there to feed and keep your baby healthy.

Ready and waiting

From the moment your baby is born, your breasts have milk ready and waiting for him. This first milk is called colostrum and it’s very important stuff, like liquid gold. Colostrum has antibodies in it which protect your baby from germs and diseases in the outside world.

A special cuddle

As soon as your baby is born, having a cuddle, if possible with his bare skin next to yours, is a lovely way for you to get to know each other and to think about feeding, whichever way you plan to do this. If you aren’t sure about breastfeeding it’s best to give it a go first, as it’s harder to swap from formula to breastfeeding than from breast to bottle.
If you have a caesarean or a difficult birth, ask your carers to help you have a ’skin-to-skin’ cuddle with your baby as soon as possible. If it’s difficult, ask your partner or another relative to do it.

Is breastfeeding easy?

It may seem a bit awkward at first, but don’t worry if you don’t get the hang of it straightaway. Remember when you learned to ride a bike or drive a car? Sometimes you need to practice something new. Try to be patient and ask for help if you need it. Gradually, you and your baby will both become expert at this new skill.

Will my breastmilk satisfy my baby?

As soon as your baby is born, your changing hormones and your baby’s feeding tell your breasts to start making ’mature’ milk to replace the colostrum. As your baby grows, your breastmilk will keep changing to suit him. It will always contain protection for him against illnesses. No other milk does this.

How do I know my baby’s on properly?

A baby who is well latched on may move his lower jaw quite fast to begin with. You may see his throat moving or hear him swallowing. Sometimes you can feel his tongue moving against your breast. He may lie still and may have his eyes shut. If your baby is attached properly then breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does hurt contact a breastfeeding counsellor to work out what the problem might be.

Let your baby tell you when he’s had enough

As the milk starts to flow it is like a drink, but gradually it gets richer. This ’hindmilk’ has important fats in it which your baby needs to feel full. When he has finished, he will push out your nipple - he may look sleepy or even drunk or he may be calm and looking about. If he is still awake offer him the other breast. He may want some or none of it. Offer that breast first next time you feed.

Have I got enough milk?

If your baby is well latched on and you are feeding him when he asks for it - usually around eight to twelve times a day in the early weeks - then you will make plenty of breast milk. He will have at least six wet nappies a day, soft, yellow poo, be calm between some feeds and will grow longer and heavier.

How do I make more breast milk?

Your breasts only know how much milk to make by how much your baby is feeding. If your baby is not well latched on and so not feeding well then you will make less milk. So improving the latch and feeding more often will help you to make more milk.

Does it matter if I breastfeed or not?

Yes it does. Babies who are breastfed have fewer illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or ear and chest infections, and are less likely to have asthma or eczema both now and when they are older. Breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight as children and mums who breastfeed are less likely to get breast cancer. You are also less likely to develop osteoporosis when you are older if you breastfeed.

What if I can’t breastfeed?

Some women decide not to breastfeed, some may have problems and decide to stop. If you feel unhappy about not breastfeeding, it can help to talk it through. If you do breastfeed, even for a short time, it’s a really important start for your baby. Every day you feed him makes a difference to his health -feel proud of what you have done.

Category: Babies and Toddlers, Food and Nutrition, Newborn Babies
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