The Essential Guide To Breastfeeding

If your baby isn't latching on correctly, it can be painful for you and difficult for your baby to get enough milk. Make sure baby's chin is touching your breast, with the nose in line with the nipple. You can also try using a nipple shield to help continue breastfeeding if your nipples have become sore or cracked.

Babies often lose weight in the first few days after birth – typically less than 10%. Your midwife will weigh your baby to make sure they’re regaining this weight. Most babies return to or exceed their birth weight within the first two weeks. If your baby hasn’t regained their birth weight, or isn’t regaining it quickly enough, your midwife will be able to help you identify the problem and find a solution.

Engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full of milk. This can happen when you first start breastfeeding, as your milk is 'coming in', or if you miss a feed. To relieve engorgement, use a warm compress on your breasts or expressing some milk before feeding. This can also help to get your baby latched on well as the breast will be softer when it isn't so full.

Cracked nipples can be painful and make it difficult to breastfeed. To heal cracked nipples, you can use your own breastmilk or specific cream and make sure you're using a good nursing bra that provides support but isn't too tight. You may also want to avoid using soap or other lotions on your nipples while they're healing.

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida, a yeast that naturally exists in the body but can multiply excessively under certain conditions, such as after antibiotic use or if the immune system is weakened.

For breastfeeding mothers, this can result in painful, itchy, or burning nipples, often accompanied by shiny, flaky, or cracked skin. In babies, thrush presents as white, curd-like patches inside the mouth or a persistent nappy rash. If thrush is suspected, it's important to seek treatment from a healthcare provider. Both you and baby will need to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection, often with antifungal medications.

Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, sterilising any breastfeeding equipment, and washing hands frequently can help manage and prevent thrush from worsening or recurring.

Breastfeeding can occasionally lead to blocked ducts, which happens when milk flow becomes obstructed in part of the breast. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as incomplete drainage of milk, pressure from tight clothing, skipping feedings, or poor latch.

A blocked duct often feels like a firm, tender lump in the breast, and the skin over the area may appear red and inflamed. Women may also experience localised pain and swelling. If a blocked duct is suspected, frequent breastfeeding or pumping to empty the breast is essential, as well as massaging the area and applying warm compresses to improve milk flow. In most cases, resolving the blockage early prevents complications, but if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is important to prevent infection, like mastitis.

Mastitis is a painful and relatively common condition that can occur during breastfeeding when a milk duct becomes blocked. It subsequently causes inflammation in the breast.

Symptoms of mastitis include redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms. It may also present as a firm, sore lump in the breast. Treatment typically involves continuing to breastfeed or pump to keep milk flowing, applying warm compresses, rest, and in some cases, antibiotics to treat infection.

If mastitis is suspected, it's important to seek medical advice promptly to prevent complications such as abscess formation.

There are four stages of breastfeeding, starting with the colostrum phase. This occurs during late pregnancy and the first few days after birth. Colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid rich in nutrients and antibodies that help protect the newborn from infections.

The second stage is the transitional milk phase, beginning around day three to five postpartum, when the milk volume increases and becomes creamier.

This is followed by the mature milk stage, typically starting around two weeks after birth, when the milk supply stabilises and contains a balance of foremilk, which is watery and quenches thirst, and hindmilk, which is fattier and satisfies hunger.

The final stage is the weaning phase, when breastfeeding gradually decreases as the baby begins to rely more on solid foods. Throughout these stages, the mother’s milk adjusts to meet the baby’s evolving nutritional needs.

As mentioned previously, this is the transitional phase and commonly occurs around 3 to five days postpartum. You may notice that the breasts become engorged and the milk make leak, so it’s important to have breast pads to hand.

To increase breast milk supply, it is important to ensure frequent and effective breastfeeding or pumping, as regular emptying of the breasts stimulates more milk production. Keeping the baby properly latched is crucial for efficient milk removal, which can be supported by working with a lactation consultant if needed. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced, nutritious diet can also help maintain a healthy milk supply. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby can encourage breastfeeding and enhance milk production. Additionally, reducing stress and getting enough rest, as much as possible, can positively influence milk supply. Certain herbal supplements like fenugreek or blessed thistle, as well as prescription medications, are sometimes used to increase supply, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying these options.

A breastfed newborn feeds a lot. They should feed at least 8-12 times in any 24 hour period, and the times between each feed may vary. Sometimes it will be 1 hour, other times, 3 hours. Parents should practice responsive feeding – feeding your baby when they give you cues that they are hungry, even if they only fed a short time before.

Hunger signs include rooting, sucking on hands, or becoming fussy. Responsive feeding is recommended over a strict schedule. On average, a baby will feed every 2-3 hours round the clock. This tends to increase when they are going through a growth spurt. This frequent feeding is important because newborns have small stomachs and need to eat often to get enough nutrients. Frequent feeding in the early days helps establish your milk supply and ensures that the baby is getting enough nourishment for healthy growth and development.