Natural Birth

Breast is Best!

Breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your baby! We will be there to assist you in establishing feeding in those first few weeks. Here is some information and tips to get you going and prepared.

Benefits

• Bonding with your baby
• Made especially for your baby and has all the goodies your baby needs; vital antibodies, vitamins and fats.
• Assists in preventing or delaying the onset and severity of asthma, eczema and allergies. This is especially important if these run in your family.
• Breast milk is free.
• Breast feeding is hassle free, you already have the equipment!
• It assists most women in losing pregnancy weight.
• It lowers your risk of developing breast cancer.
• Reduces risk of childhood obesity.
• Helps develop the muscles we use to talk. Breast feed babies often talk sooner and clearer than bottle-feed babies.
• It is now recognised that your child will keep the health benefits for the first seven years of life.

FAQs:

• When do I first feed my baby? Usually straight after birth. The goal is to get your baby on and feeding within an hour, research has shown the sooner the baby is fed, the easier it is to get feeding going.
• When does the milk come in? Around day three to five. Prior to this it can feel like you may have nothing as your baby may be feeding a lot! However, you have the amazing colostrum, which is very rich. Full of fat and antibodies, it is yellow in colour, not a lot of fluid, but it is enough to keep your baby going. The more you let your baby feed, the sooner the milk will come in.
• Will I need a pump to express? Not straight away! If you need to express, we will lend you a pump and advise you when, and how much. When your milk first comes in most women have enough for three babies, as your baby feeds your body adjusts. A ‘supply- and- demand’ model. Therefore, if you are expressing and feeding, you can end up with a lot of milk! If you are planning on going back to work or want to be able to have someone else to feed, you will need a good pump. We can advise as to which pumps are best.
• Will I get sore nipples? Most women experience some degree of nipple pain; this varies from woman to woman. The most important way to prevent this is to ensure a good feeding position, a correct latch and to demand feed in the first few days. It is very important to sit or lie in a comfortable position, with extra pillows as support. All nipples are a bit tender in the first week because they have to get used to a drinking baby. It will help if you expose your nipples to mild sunshine at the end of your pregnancy, but take care for sun burn! As soon as the milk is in, you can use your milk as a good cream for your nipples. Of course we will help you with different feeding positions in the first week.
• What happens when my milk comes? Again, this varies from woman to woman. Some get very full or ‘engorged’ others not too bad – this is when your nipples can become tender as the baby tries to latch onto a full breast. Things you can do to help with these problems are to have cabbage leaves in the fridge. You put the cold outer leaves in your bra. An enzyme in the cabbage helps reduce the swelling. Feed your baby often – maybe every two hours. Your baby is the best expresser. Have a hot shower on your breasts and gently massage them downwards to drain out the excess milk. Again, when the time comes, we can help you.
• When do I buy a feeding bra? When you are about 36 weeks into your pregnancy, your breasts will be the size you will be once your milk has come in. Get a good supportive bra and get a few.
• Will I leak? Yes you will! Some women leak more than others, so you will need breast pads. You can buy disposable ones at the supermarket, or you can get washable woolly pads which are fantastic! During both summer and winter, they are great with sore tender nipples as they tend not to stick. You will find throughout breast feeding your nipples are more sensitive to cold conditions, so these are awesome. The pads are called ‘lanowool’. Next time you come in we can give you the contact.
• How do I know my baby is getting enough? We will weigh your baby once a week – more if needed. This shows us that your baby is growing. Is your baby doing lots of wees? Nice soft yellow loose poos? Sometimes each feed, sometimes once a week. Is your baby happy after breastfeeding and sleeping for 2 or more hours between feeds? These are good indications that your baby is hydrated and getting enough. Sometimes you feel you don’t have enough milk, especially when you are tired. Great news! You will always have milk. Have faith in your body! You get to know how your baby feeds and how long a feed takes. All this varies, baby to baby! If your baby is demanding every hour and your breasts feel very soft, try to drink more, especially water and herbal tea (lactation tea), try to rest and relax more and feed your baby as many times and as long as he wants. Be baby led and you will have fantastic milk.
• How do I know if my milk is good? All breast milk is good! But you can make it better by drinking lots of fluid – mainly water. You will need too! Eat really healthy food: fruit, veggies, fish, vegetable oils, nuts and cereals. Skip take- a- ways, instant food and all artificial coloured and sweetened products. Eat pure and very often yourself, go to bed early and take enough time to feed your baby so you can enjoy!
• If my nipples are flat or inverted, can I feed? Sure you can. Your baby only knows your breasts and will get used to them. Once your baby is feeding, they will bring them out. You will be surprised how perky they can become!! Before you deliver, you may want to start trying to bring them out by pulling and rolling. Don’t hurt yourself!
• How long should I feed for? It is now recommended you should breastfeed for 6 months before introducing solids. Continue to breast feed until your baby is 12 months before introducing cow’s milk. This will give your baby the best start in life.

We hope we have answered some of your questions. If you have any unanswered questions, feel free to email us or ask at your next appointment. Good luck and enjoy breastfeeding. It is truly an amazing experience!