breast feeding

BREAST IS BEST

For ‘Breastfeeding: the essential guide’ by Sharon Trotter. Click here.

Breast feeding is the best way to feed your newborn. Breast milk contains the perfect amount of antibody's this will help your baby fight off infections. Most women take to breast feeding while other women find it hard at first. Finding breast feeding hard doesn't mean your a bad mum or a failure please don't give up just ask your midwife or a breast feeding counselor.

ADVANTAGES FOR THE BABY

Breast feeding protects your baby from allergy-Your baby is less likely to get allergies,which are strong proteins in cows milk can cause.

It also protects against respiratory problems like asthma.It has also shown to reduce stomach infections. Breast milk is easier to digest the amount of proteins and fats in your breast milk is individually tailored to your baby's needs.your baby will not be constipated while being breast fed as it acts as a natural laxative effect.

WARNING TO THE MOTHERS WITH EPILEPSEY

Before breast feeding your baby please check with your GP. Ask if it is safe for you to breast feed. As breast feeding can cause your baby to sleep or be very sleepy due to your medication. Although while your pregnant your baby still takes in an amount, when breast feeding your baby will be taking in more due to demand feeding.

ADVANTAGES FOR THE MOTHER

Breast feeding creates a surge of hormones in your body, which helps your uterus contract and shrinks back to your pre-pregnancy figure

Breast feeding can also delay periods but watch out you can still get pregnant when breast feeding .Woman who breast feed are at lower risk of breast cancer before the menopause.It also helps the mother and baby bond as baby's like skin to skin contact it makes them feel safe. Please ask your midwife for more information on breast feeding.Its a wonderful experience your never forget

LATCHING ON

The key to a trouble free breast feeding is making sure your baby is properly latched on. Sit with your back straight with pillows behind you, make sure you are comfortable and that your lap is nearly flat. When you are ready to feed your baby hold your baby facing your breast, with her nose or top lip facing your nipple. Always move your baby to your breast rather than the other way round. An easy way to remember your baby's position is tummy to mummy nipple to nose,baby to breast. To help your baby latch onto your breast properly, wait until she has her mouth wide open you can brush your nipple on her lip to encourage this then quickly move her to your breast aiming your nipple towards the top of her mouth. She should take in the whole nipple and also some of the areola (the dark area surrounding your nipple). If feeding is painful your baby might not be latched on properly, so take her off by gently breaking the suction with your finger, and have another go. If the pain continues, or your nipples become sore and cracked, talk to your midwife or breast feeding counselor. Your breast produce two kinds of milk the first is thirst-quenching and the second has lots of calories for growth and energy so let your baby stay on one breast for as long as she wants,then offer her the other breast if she still seems hungry.

Drink plenty of water or juice to help avoid dehydration. Its a good idea to have a glass of water by your side when you feed your baby. Breast feeding mums also need to eat well too. If any of your breast becomes red or hot to touch, it could be mastitis, an inflammation of the milk ducts. Contact your doctor as you might need antibiotics.


Hold your baby closely, with his tummy facing yours and his nose and top lip near your nipple. You can support his head by resting it on your forearm or you can hold him around the neck and shoulders. Don't hold the back of his head or he might pull away from the breast. Be sure at all times that your baby is able to breath through his nose.	Wait for a wide open mouth. Your baby needs to get a good mouthful. If he only takes the nipple it can make you sore and it's hard for him to get enough milk. Tickle his top lip with your nipple to get him to open his mouth wide. When your baby is hungry he will let you know, but crying is not always the first sign. You may notice him licking his lips, moving his head side to side.	As he opens his mouth, bring his shoulders and body towards you firmly but gently. Feeding your baby when he wants feeding won't spoil him. If you leave him until he really cries, he might not latch on so easily. Its normal for newborn babies to eat litle and often as they have very small stomachs. Don't worry about overfeeding, he will stop himself.	Let him tip his head back and take the breast. This is called latching on. If he pulls off, or if it is painful for you, he may not be latched on quite right. Stay calm and try again. Breast feeding counsellors are always ready to encourage you and help you. A breast feeding counsellor is a mum herself who has breastfed at least one baby. Speak to your midwife.