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Breastfeeding Guide

Breast is best - no doubt about it. Time after time, research projects find that breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life. Here's how to get breastfeeding established.

Breastfeeding protects babies from disease. It helps them avoid allergies and asthma. It guards against heart disease and some cancers. It even makes children brighter, scoring higher in IQ and cognitive tests up to the age of eighteen.

The World Health Organization recommends that, if possible, mothers should exclusively breastfeed for at least the first four-six months of a baby's life. Many mothers feed their babies for a lot longer. I did, and found it convenient and fulfilling.

FIRST TIME TO THE BREAST

Babies who are well and not drowsy from any drugs needed during delivery are very alert for the first hour after birth, and have a strong sucking reflex. Putting your baby to your breast straight away will also help to deliver your placenta as breastfeeding stimulates the production of oxytocin, which makes your uterus contract.

The first time you put your baby to the breast, he or she will probably just nuzzle and lick your breast rather than feeding, but some will latch right on.

The whole key to breastfeeding is 'latching on'. When a baby latches on correctly, it takes a large mouthful of the breast including the nipple and areola. If your baby takes the end of your nipple into his mouth, it will hurt you, and he will not get much milk. Frustration all round.

Cradle your baby in your arm, face turned to your breast. Support your breast with your other hand. Put your index finger above your nipple and your middle finger below your nipple. Gently push your breast back towards your ribcage and this will give your baby more chance to breathe and less chance of being overwhelmed by a rampant mammary!

When latching on your baby, tickle the centre of your baby's bottom lip with your nipple. This will make your baby open his mouth wide and root eagerly. Aim your nipple slightly towards the roof of his mouth, and bring your baby towards you, chin first.

If your nipples get sore, it may be due to incorrect positioning, so consult a breastfeeding counsellor (find one at www.lalecheleague.org). The La Leche League is a fabulous organisation that promotes breastfeeding. Counsellors are most valuable at this early stage when you and your baby are getting to know each other. They can help you to find a comfortable feeding position where the baby can latch on properly. You can also use Lansinoh cream, available from La Leche, to soothe soreness.

Nurse regularly and on demand. This stimulates your milk supply, which is produced on a 'supply and demand' basis. At first, your baby will get thick colostrum, which will make him clear his bowel of meconium (foetal poo) - messy, but necessary!

Even if your baby is premature, you can still breastfeed. You can pump and take your milk to the hospital to be fed to your baby. The protection your milk offers is invaluable.

BREASTFEEDING BLESSINGS

Gazing into those big eyes.
Little hands stroking your cheek as your baby feeds.
Being able to comfort your baby with the breast.
Time for relaxation. Time to read a book without guilt.
No padding downstairs to warm a bottle at night.
Not sterilizing loads of bottles.


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