Breastfeeding - a new baby
breastfeeding; breast; feeding; breast feeding; attachment; nipple; burping;
Contents
Breastfeeding is a very special time for both mother and baby and it is good for the health of babies and their mothers as well. Many mothers who breast feed have some ups and downs at the start, and sometimes even after they get going. Don't give up unless you really want to: there is a lot of help available and most problems can be overcome.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the normal food for your baby.
- It is natural and specially made for your baby.
- There are lots of things in breastmilk that are good for your baby, that are not found in formula milk.
- It is safe for your baby, and easily digested.
- It contains all the food and drink your baby needs for the first six months of life.
- Together with other foods, it is very good for the next six months and into the second year as well.
- It is always ready when your baby needs it.
- Your baby will be less likely to get infections, allergies and many other diseases.
- Your baby may grow and develop better.
Breastfeeding is good for you too
- It does not cost anything and does not take time to prepare.
- It helps you and your baby feel close to each other. Having your baby close to you in skin to skin contact is helpful for both breastfeeding and developing a bond with your baby.
- It helps your body return to normal more quickly after the birth.
- It may give protection against some diseases (such as cancer of the breast or ovaries, and osteoporosis).
Although breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby, most of us need to learn how to feed. The first few weeks are a time for parents and babies to learn how to live together, so you may need to try different ideas and get some help before things settle down.
Starting breastfeeding
We know that immediate skin to skin contact with your baby following the birth can help your baby to start breastfeeding by helping her to search for the breast. This skin to skin contact is best undisturbed for the first hour. She may suck straight away, or she may just nuzzle and lick the nipple the first time - it's okay either way.
The midwives in the hospital will help you and your baby start breastfeeding. It may take time for both of you to learn this new skill. Be patient and enjoy your new baby. You may need some extra help from your midwife if you have had a caesarean birth.
- Feed your baby as often as she wants to, even before the milk comes in. Colostrum, the first milk in your breasts, is very good for your baby. After your baby is born, your breasts gradually change from making colostrum to making milk. This takes a few days. The colour of the milk will change from yellowish to bluish-white and watery looking.
- Plenty of feeds early on (day and night) help your milk come in and flow well. New born babies may feed 8 to 12 times or more in 24 hours and this is normal.
- As your baby sucks and takes out milk, the breasts start making more. The more often you feed, the more milk you will make.
- Offer both breasts at each feed time, although to start with your baby may only suck on the second side for a short while, or not at all. Start on the other side next time.
When your milk first "comes in" your breasts may feel full. Keep feeding often and your milk supply will settle down. If your breasts are very full or engorged you may need to express a little milk before feeding so your baby can attach to the breast properly. You may notice that your breasts leak milk in between feeds. This is quite normal and tends to get less as your supply settles down.
- See the section on 'Engorgement' in the topic Breastfeeding - sore breasts and nipples.
During the first few days at home your milk supply may appear to lessen and your baby may demand more often. Short frequent feeds will help stimulate your milk supply.
Positioning for mother
Most people prefer to sit, but you could lie on your side if sitting is painful.
- You may want some privacy to feed until you are feeling confident to feed wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your back should be straight and supported with pillows if needed.
- Have your feet flat on the floor or use a footstool if needed.
- You might find it easier to have a pillow on your lap to support your baby (but not too high).
- If you are lying down you will need to lie on your side with your head supported and roll over to change sides.
Positioning your baby
- Unwrap your baby so you can hold her close with her whole body facing you and her nose opposite your nipple.
- Support her head with a hand behind her shoulders. Use your other hand to support your breast.
- Make sure your baby is opening her mouth widely with her tongue down and forward. The nipple needs to be aimed at the roof of the baby's mouth. You will need to have your fingers well back, away from the nipple.
- The first contact point, when you bring baby to the breast, should be the chin onto the areola or below the areola, well away from the nipple.
- Once attached, the baby needs to be able to draw all of the nipple and some breast tissue into her mouth. Her tongue will be out, over her gums, her lower lip rolled out and her chin against your breast. Her jaws will be positioned over the ends of the ducts and will be able to compress them well.
- After a few rapid sucks she should start to suck and swallow in a regular rhythm, as she starts to get milk. After a few minutes she may stop for a little rest before sucking again.
- If your nipples hurt she may not be on right. Put your finger in the corner of her mouth to break the suction. Take her off and try again.
Ask your midwife or child and family health nurse if you need help.
Positioning your baby
- Tummy to Mummy
- Nipple to nose
- Baby to breast, not breast to baby
Signs your baby is attached well
- Mouth wide open and a big mouth full of breast
- Chin touching the breast
- Bottom lip curled out
- More areola visible above the top lip than the bottom
- Sucking pattern changes from short sucks to long deep sucks with pauses.
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UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (2006)
- It is common for nipples to feel a little tender as they get used to their new function, especially when the baby first goes on. If the baby is attached properly this should ease as the milk starts to flow.
- If soreness persists or gets worse, get some help!
- See the topic Breastfeeding - sore breasts and nipples for more information.
Your baby may learn how to breastfeed more quickly if she is not given dummies or bottle teats until feeding is going well, and she is about four to six weeks old.
Feeding cues
It is important for you to recognise the cues for when your baby wants to feed, before your baby starts to cry. These cues are when the baby is beginning to wake by wriggling, tossing and turning, or being restless. He may show signs of attempting to suck his fingers and hands.
If the early cues for breastfeeding are ignored, he may start crying then fuss and not attach well. Try to feed your baby before he gets to this stage. It may help to leave changing his nappy until later on if he is already upset!
Burping
- You can try to get wind up between breasts and after feeds - but if none comes in a few minutes do not worry.
- Remember that babies swallow more wind when they are crying than when they are feeding, and some babies do not need to be burped.
- It is common and normal to bring up some milk with the burp.
Babies can spill what seems to quite a lot of milk and still be healthy. Check with your child and family health nurse or doctor if you are unsure.
Breastfeeding: the first six months
When you get home with your new baby there is a lot to learn and cope with at a time when you are tired, both from giving birth and from being woken up several times a night! Breastfeeding may be going well, or you may still be getting used to it. You are both still learning. It is important to ask for help if you need it.
- Make sure you are comfortable for feeding and are as relaxed as you can be to help your milk 'let down'. Try taking a few deep breaths, or shrugging your shoulders then relaxing them.
- Make sure your baby is attaching (latching) properly to the breast. If it hurts she may not be well positioned. Ask for help from your midwife, child and family health nurse, local Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) counsellor or lactation consultant.
- Encourage your baby to 'finish' the first side, then offer the second. Make sure he takes as much as he wants from the first side before swapping sides. (The breast will never be completely empty.) Do not worry if your baby does not want the second side at each feed.
- The more often you feed the more milk you will make. All mothers have up and down days with milk supply, but if you are concerned that your supply is low, try to feed more often for a few days. You may need to wake your baby to do this.
See the topic Breastfeeding - not enough milk
Feeding and sleeping
Only a few babies will develop a feeding and sleeping pattern during the first months. Most prefer to feed and sleep without a set pattern. It is normal for young babies to wake and need night feeds.
If your baby is sleeping long periods in the day and demanding more at night you can wake and feed your baby more often during the day. This may help him to establish a day time pattern. Also encourage play times after day feeds.
Respond to your baby at night but no playing, keep the light low, feed, and then resettle as quickly as possible.
Resources
South Australia
- Child and Youth Health Parent Helpline 24 hours a day, every day
1300 364 100
- Your local Child and Family Health Centre
see Locations for more information
- Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline 1800 686 2 686 (1800 mum 2 mum)
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
General
Book
- 'The Feeding Book: From Breastfeeding to Solids' December (2007) From Children, Youth and Women's Health Service. See our Publications page. (AUD$5.50 plus postage and handling).
Additional links
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.