Breastfeeding

Why is breastfeeding best for babies?

1. Breast milk is the only food naturally designed for your baby. It has the right quantities of all the nutrients your baby needs, in an easily absorbable form, and it's composition changes as your baby's grows.
2. Breast milk has growth factors and hormones to assist your baby's development.
3. Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother's body which helps the baby's immune system which is not fully developed at birth. Breastfed babies are therefore much less likely to get infections such as coughs, colds and chest infections.
4. Since the composition of breast milk changes to suit baby's requirements, they are much less likely to get tummy upsets or be constipated.
5. Scientific studies show breastfed babies are less likely to get allergies like eczema.
6. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of juvenile diabetes in susceptible children.
7. Children who are breastfed have better dental health.
8. Infants breastfed entirely up to the age of 6 months are less likely to become obese in later childhood.
Why is breastfeeding best for mums?
1. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of pre-menopausal cancer.
2. Breastfeeding helps your womb return to its normal size more quickly, and because it uses up calories, it will help you to lose some of the weight you may have gained during pregnancy.
3. It's much easier and more practical in the middle of the night or when out and about.
4. There's no need to prepare feeds or wash and sterilise bottles, and your baby isn't kept waiting.

Successful breastfeeding

Firstly it is important to understand that by breastfeeding you are giving protection to your baby from a variety of infections and illnesses. Your baby doesn't need anything else other than breastmilk for the first six months. In the first few days you and your baby will learn what and how to breastfeed. You will learn how to attach and position your baby for successful feeding.
The first two or three days after birth you will produce colostrum which is full of antibodies but doesn't have many calories and your baby may be very sleepy, and you may not feed frequently, but once your milk comes through it will be very frequent. The more your baby drinks, the more milk you will make, so if you let your baby feed whenever he/she wants you are more likely to produce the right amount of milk for your baby's needs.

Tips for breastfeeding

1. Eat whenever you feel hungry and try to choose healthy snacks.
2. The first few days of breastfeeding is often painful as your body gets used to it. Make sure you have plenty of nipple cream to hand and apply after every feed and as often as needed. Most creams don't need to be removed before your baby feeds, but always check the label.
3. You will probably feel thirsty. Make yourself a drink before you sit down to start feeding.
4. Eat a different kinds and colouored foods which contain different vitamins and minerals.
5. Try not to cut any types of food from you diet unless you think it's not good for the baby. If you think something may not be good for your baby's health, talk to your doctor or health visitor.
6. Do not have alcohol whilst you breastfeed.
7. Avoid drinking strong tea or coffee.
8. Vitamin D supplements are recommended for breastfeeding mothers particularly if you have dark skin or always cover your skin when outside speak to your GP or health visitor.

How do I position my baby for breastfeeding?

Make sure you're sitting comfortably with your back straight and your lap flat. You may wish to use a pillow to support your baby, particularly if you have had a ceasarian (c-section).
Turn baby towards you with his head towards the breast you intend him to feed from and his tummy facing your tummy. Tuck his bottom underneath your elbow and hold his head behind the neck and shoulders. This should leave one hand free to help him latch on properly.
Start with baby's nose in front of your nipple and gently tilt his head back. Move your nipple over baby's mouth until his mouth opens really wide. Once his mouth is open really wide, quickly bring his head towards your breast. You should see that your baby has a big mouthful of breast yet his nose is clear and he can breath easily. You will also be able to hear a soft swallowing.

Be patient, this can take some getting used to in the beginning. If it doesn't feel right, slide one finger into baby's mouth, gently break the suction and start again.
Baby's usually come off by themselves once they have finished. Breastfeeding is comforting and in the first few weeks your baby may fall asleep during feeds. If he has had less than 10 minutes feeding, wake him up (a nappy change usually works) and get him to feed again. If he keeps falling asleep, try taking all his clothes off to feed which should keep him awake for a little longer.

Baby's feeding routine

Some babies settle into a pattern of feeding quite quickly where others take longer. During the early weeks you will probably find that baby's feeds are irregular - sometimes longer or shorter, sometimes close together or far apart. Try to feed when your baby asks to be for as long as possible.
Try to wait for your baby to come off the breast when he/she has had enough.