A-Z Of Breastfeeding
Your Newborn
Your Newborn
Throughout the ages, women have breastfed their babies, and yet it’s not necessarily something that comes naturally. Breastfeeding is a bit like learning to ride a bike. You’ll have a few false starts, but once you get the hang of things, you’re well on your way to success.
In this article, we’ll cover the importance of breastfeeding your baby, latching technique, whether to feed on demand or every other hour, how long to feed, and much more.
Please note: We recommend breastfeeding, but will always respect the right of all individuals to make decisions about feeding their baby. We understand that there are multiple health dimensions (physical, emotional, mental, etc.) to the relationship between a mother and her baby, and strongly belief that all dimensions matter.
Should you like, you can use the below quick links to jump ahead
Why breastfeed?What are the different types of breastmilk?
How to breastfeed?
How to get baby to latch correctly?
When to feed your baby?
How long should your baby feed?
Is your baby getting enough food?
Breastfeeding tips
How to relieve engorged breasts?
Breastfeeding essentials
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Vist our Dear Baby online centre here to find out more about ante- and postnatal classes, our specialist paediatricians, our facilities, and Well-Baby Clinic. Alternatively, call us on (+264) 64 218 911 or email hello@welwitschiahospital.com. We’d love to share this journey with you.
Why breastfeed?
Here are a few ways how breastfeeding can benefit both you and your baby:
Benefits for your baby:
- Breastmilk is made to order for your baby and contains everything your baby needs to grow. It’s a wonderful source of nutrition for your infant, and, best of all, it’s easy to digest.
- Breastfeeding has been shown to be protective against many illnesses and conditions, including painful ear infections, upper and lower respiratory ailments, colds, viruses, staph, strep and e-coli infections, allergies, intestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes and certain childhood cancers.
- Breastfed babies have a decreased likelihood for dental caries. They also benefit from appropriate jaw, teeth and speech development as well as overall facial development. This means they may experience less trips to dentists.
- Nursing also allows your baby to give germs to you so that your immune system can respond and can synthesize antibodies to help them. This means that if your baby has come in contact with something which you have not, he will pass these germs to you at the next nursing; during that feeding, your body will start to manufacture antibodies for that particular germ. By the time the next feeding arrives, your entire immune system will be working to provide immunities for you and your baby. Similarly, if you are exposed to any bacteria or viruses, your body will be making antibodies against them and these will be in your milk. Human milk also contains a host of other immune molecules that also help protect your baby from germs. Because of this, illness in breastfed babies are generally less severe and less lengthy.
Benefits for mom:
- Breastfeeding mothers have a reduced rate of developing breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer.
- Mothers who have breastfed their babies for at least 12 months have significantly lower rates of diabetes and heart disease. This is because breastfeeding resets the mother’s metabolism to pre-pregnancy levels, and turns off the human stress response and symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
- Studies have consistently shown that mothers exclusively breastfeeding their babies are at lower risk of suffering depression.
- Contrary to popular belief, several large studies found that mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding their babies report longer sleep times and feel better and more energetic during the day.
- Breastfeeding can reduce the length of time you bleed post-pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding burns calories and might help you to get back to your pre-pregnancy figure and weight quicker.
If you discover that you enjoy breastfeeding, we recommend that you exclusively breastfeed (this means only feeding breastmilk, no water, other milk, drinks or food) to your baby for the first six months. From then on, you can introduce solids to complement, not replace, your breastmilk. You can breastfeed for two years and beyond. The choice is really yours.
What are the different types of breastmilk?
Your body has had nine months to prepare for the arrival of your baby, and it’s ready to feed him. There are three types of milk that new mothers produce:
- Colostrum: This thick, sticky yellow liquid is much like a superfood. Rich in antibodies, it boosts your baby’s immune system and helps prepare their digestive track for your mature milk. Just two teaspoons of colostrum and your little one is filled. You’ll express it for the first three days of nursing.
- Transitional milk: Between days three and four, your transitional milk comes in. It’s milky yellow and contains plenty of calories, fat, and protein to fill your little one’s walnut-sized tummy.
- Mature milk: Resembling low-fat milk, mature milk is whitish-blue and packed full of nutrients and fats your baby needs. It’s a combination of foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is watery and quenches your baby’s thirst. Hindmilk is the ‘food’ compartment at the end of the feed. It usually comes in around day ten. Your breasts will feel full and heavy, and if you don’t nurse your baby, you may begin to leak milk.
Please note that exclusively breastfed babies don’t need water in the first six months because the foremilk provides enough fluids.
How to breastfeed?
While nursing comes naturally to some new mothers for many, it takes practice. Don’t be afraid to ask your midwife or a lactation consultant to help you position your baby correctly.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled a little information on the three types of nursing holds.
Before you begin, get comfortable. Prop yourself up with pillows and grab a few extra pillows to rest the baby on. Alternatively, you can also use a nursing pillow. You’ll want to try the different feeding positions and choose the most comfortable one. They are:
- The cradle hold, a favourite of many new moms. Place your baby lengthwise across your stomach and nestle his head into the crook of your arm. Use your other arm to support his bottom.
- The football hold, popular with mothers who’ve had c-sections. Tuck your baby under your arm facing up on the side you will be nursing. Guide his head to your breast.
- The lying down hold, great for sleep-deprived moms. Lie down next to your baby (tummy to tummy). You’ll want something to lean against, so place a pillow behind your back and one between your legs to neutralise your spine. Make sure your baby’s head is at the height of your nipple or slightly lower. With your free hand, gently guide his head towards your nipple.
How to get baby to latch correctly?
A good latch can be the difference between a happy baby and bruised cracked nipples. Any mom who’s breastfed will tell you that an incorrect latch hurts, so you’ll want to get help the first few times you feed your infant.
You’ll also want to get your baby to latch shortly after birth. He’s moved from a warm and cocooned environment into a cold, harshly lit one, and he won’t be happy. The midwife or nursing staff will place your newborn on your chest and cover you with a blanket.
Skin to skin contact is best. Your baby can hear your heartbeat, a familiar sound, which calms him and you. It also stimulates your milk and encourages your baby to feed.
Here’s how to get your newborn to latch
- Grab your nursing pillow or any pillow that you can rest your baby on.
- Find a position where you feel supported and comfortable.
- Pick up your baby and hold him, so he’s facing you. His little body should be pressed against your stomach.
- If you’re starting with your right breast, place your right hand’s thumb and fingers around your areola.
- Cradling your baby’s head, gently tilt it back. Brush your nipple back and forth over your newborn’s lips until he opens his mouth wide.
- You want him to scoop your breast into his mouth. You can achieve this by placing his lower jaw on first. It should be well below the nipple.
- Then slowly tilt his head towards your breast, making sure his mouth covers the entire nipple and part of the areola.
You’re now ready to start feeding.
What if your baby latched incorrectly?
Even seasoned breastfeeding moms have times when their baby latches incorrectly. Breaking the suction is quite easy.
Gently push down on your breast, where your little one is suckling. Insert your finger into the corner of his mouth—this immediately breaks the suction.
Reposition your little one, hold your breast and tickle your nipple along his mouth to renew feeding.
What if your newborn doesn’t want to latch?
If your baby doesn’t want to latch or keeps falling asleep on the breast, he may be tired from the birth. This is especially true for babies who had a difficult birth and required assistance from the doctor.
Nursing staff will check your little one’s blood sugar levels by taking a blood sample from his foot. Depending on the reading, they may ask you to hand express the colostrum into a teaspoon and pour it slowly into your baby’s mouth.
When to feed your baby?
Every baby is different. While some would argue that you should feed every two to three hours, others believe that on-demand feeding is best. Hungry babies cry, so he’ll let you know when it’s snack time.
At first, you might feel like you’re feeding all the time. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal and mostly only temporary. Once your mature milk comes in, your supply will increase, and your baby won’t need to feed as often.
Please note: Do not compare your baby’s feeding patterns to that of other babies. All babies are different, whether breast or formula fed. For example, formula-fed babies don’t eat as often as breastfed babies because it takes longer to digest infant formula milk. They stay full for longer and require fewer feeds.
How long should your baby feed?
It differs from one baby to the next, but most feed between 20 and 30 minutes. Initially, a feed can take longer, especially as you and your little one get the hang of things.
You’ll want to empty the one breast before moving on to the other one. The last of your mature milk, known as hindmilk, is rich in calories and fats. And you don’t want to deprive your little one of this milk.
Let your baby decide when he’s had enough. Lift and wind (burp) him before placing your baby on to the other breast. It’s unlikely that your baby will drain this breast, so be sure to start the next feed on this breast.
Many babies eventually fall asleep on the breast. This is entirely normal, but do make sure that you wind your little one. Trapped wind can cause terrible cramps and make your baby miserable.
Is your baby getting enough food?
There are a few ways to tell if your baby is getting sufficient milk:
- Baby is nursing frequently, 8-12 times per 24 hour period.
- Baby seems content and happy after a feed, releasing the breast on their own. Their hands may be in fists before feeding, they will then often relax and open.
- Weight gain is as expected, about 155-240 grams per week until four months of age.
- Baby has periods of obvious gulping of milk during sessions. This is where baby is getting larger mouthfuls of milk because mom is having a letdown. Baby’s rapid sucking encouraging the letdown slows during these periods to one suck per second as larger volumes of milk fill their mouths before they swallow, and watching their throats will show the rise and fall that occurs with swallowing.
- Baby’s stools transition to yellow with a loose and seedy texture by day five. Baby should have 3-4 stools every day by four days of age.
- Baby may not pass much urine at first but this increases each day. By day two look for two wet diapers (nappies) over 24 hours, days three and four look for three or more wet diapers each 24 hours. By the time your baby is five days old, wet diapers should be more frequent, usually six or more over 24 hours. After five full days, when copious milk comes in, diapers should be heavy.
- Baby is alert and active when awake, and meeting their developmental milestones.
Signs that your baby may not be getting sufficient milk:
- Baby seems very sleepy or lethargic. Babies who aren’t getting enough milk will have low energy. Baby regularly will sleep 4 or more hours at a time.
- Baby takes too little or too much time at the breast. A baby who is not feeding well may fall asleep shortly after beginning to feed, or may take longer than 30-40 minutes per feed.
- Baby hasn’t regained their birth weight by 10-14 days old or weight gain is slower than expected. 155-240 grams per week is normal.
- Baby is not stooling often (they should have 3-4 stools per day by four days old). Baby’s urine is not pale, and/or you see reddish-brown “brick dust” in the diaper.
- Latching is painful or appears shallow. A poor latch can prevent baby from getting enough milk.
If you’re worried that your baby isn’t getting the nutrition he needs, please contact Welwitschia Hospital Well Baby and Mother Clinic to arrange an appointment with a nurse or paediatrician to assess your baby and advise the best way forward.
You can find a paediatrician here alternatively call us on (+264) 64 218 900 or email hello@welwitschiahospital.com.
Breastfeeding tips
- Keep a glass of water close by when feeding as you can get quite thirsty.
- Allow your baby to empty one breast before switching to the next breast. This ensures that your little one gets all the components of breastmilk.
- Keep a nursing pad in your bra during feeds as your unused breast will leak.
- Nursing can be brutal on your nipples. In the first week, you may struggle with cracked or sore nipples. This is normal. Apply lanolin nipple cream after each feed, and set aside 30 minutes each day to sit in direct sunlight and bare your naked breasts to strengthen your nipples’ skin.
- Eat well. What you put into your body is absorbed into your milk, so make sure you eat healthily. And don’t forget to still take your prenatal vitamins.
How to relieve engorged breasts?
Many mothers experience engorged breasts at some point during their breastfeeding journey. It can make for a comical moment, especially when your nipple projectiles milk like a fire hose. But for most part it is incredibly uncomfortable and sore. Here’s how to get a little relief:
- Take a hot shower. The heat of the water draws the excess milk out of your breasts, providing you with much-needed relief.
- Place cold cabbage leaves in your bra (it works a charm, but is a little smelly).
- Express or massage out any built-up oversupply of milk in the shower to relieve the discomfort. You can manually express milk using your hand. Cup your breast and place your thumb about two or three centimetres above your nipple. Squeeze your breast while pushing the thumb down and towards the nipple.
- Place a cold compress or a bag of peas on your achy breasts. It can help to relieve your pain.
Please note that if you feel flu-ish or have a fever, and your breast is hard to touch, red and swollen, you may have an infection or mastitis. This can be painful and may require anti-inflammatories or antibiotics to clear. It’s best to seek medical advice.
It is recommended that you continue to nurse your baby on the infected breast or express the milk as the infection is in the tissue of the breast, not the milk-ducts. Feeding your little one won’t harm him, and it’s good for you. A build-up of milk can further exacerbate your condition and cause greater discomfort.
Breastfeeding essentials
Here are a few essentials you’ll want to consider investing in if you want to set your breastfeeding journey up for success:
- A nursing pillow to rest your baby on during feeds.
- Supportive and comfortable nursing bras. Underwire bras can be uncomfortable and aren’t conducive for feeding. Nursing bras offer adequate support, unclip with ease, and ensure you can feed your baby without exposing your breasts.
- Absorbent and soft breast pads. These little pads fit snuggly into your maternity bra and absorb any milk that leaks during the day.
- A silicone, handheld or electric breast pump should you like to express milk for bottle feeds. This is incredibly handy when going back to work.
- Bottles to store milk in. Once filled, these bottles need to go into the fridge immediately and be used within 4 days.
- Breastmilk storage bags to freeze your milk. It is essential to properly store your breastmilk to maximize its nutritional, immunological and antioxidant qualities. You can safely store your breastmilk in the back of a refrigerator freezer compartment (separate door to refrigerator) for 3-6 months, or in a deep freezer for 6-12 months.
Get Advice
Wherever you are on your breastfeeding journey, whether you are pregnant, nursing your baby, expressing your milk, or weaning, Welwitschia Hospital is always here for you.
If you ever need breastfeeding support or would like to learn more about having your baby at Welwitschia Hospital, learn more about the Dear Baby Programme here, or email hello@welwitschiahospital.com. We’d love to share this journey with you.
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