BREASTFEEDING

What is the best decision for both you and your baby?

Every day in hospitals and homes around the country, new mums grapple with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is renowned to be best for baby and best for you; breast milk contains antibodies which help protect a baby against diseases like meningitis, gastroenteritis, respiratory and ear infections. It can also help protect a child from food allergies, childhood diabetes and some childhood cancers, cot death and a raft of conditions like obesity, cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. From the mother’s point of view, it helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy stage, and reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and anemia. And although it’s a very natural process, it doesn’t mean that it’s easy - for plenty of mums it’s the toughest part to becoming a new mum.

Don’t be alarmed it you don’t seem to pick it up straight away for it takes four or five weeks to establish breastfeeding properly, long after you’ve returned home and it is during these vital weeks where you are mostly alone, that so many women struggle with the basics of breastfeeding – and too often lose the battle. Common problems like sore nipples, perceived or actual low milk supply and mastitis may be compounded by a lack of confidence, an unsettled baby and fatigue. To help we’ve compiled 20 common questions new mothers regularly ask. And remember, you’re not alone and if your still struggling there are many agencies you can approach for help:

What can I do to prepare for breastfeeding?

Use the time before your baby arrives to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding. Read relevant articles or books, talk to health professionals, breastfeeding mothers or specialist breastfeeding organizations like La Leche League. A good place to start is a book called The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International, 1997). Copies are available for sale or to borrow through La Leche League; you can also find it in public libraries and in some bookstores. If you have any concerns about your breasts or nipples (for example, inverted nipples) talk to your midwife or another health professional before your baby is born.

What are the most common difficulties or concerns women have?

La Leche League helps many new mums master breastfeeding. Common concerns the league dealt with last year included: positioning, lack of confidence, breastfeeding frequency or duration, sore nipples, fussy or crying baby, lack of support, low milk supply, night-time parenting, expressing and storing milk, sucking technique, low weight gain and weaning.

How do I know if my baby is latched on properly?

A well-positioned baby will mean a comfortable experience for mother and child. It should also mean the baby gets an adequate supply of milk, as you will be emptying the breast properly and thus ensuring it produces more. Here’s how to do it: Get the baby in the correct position first. The chin should touch the breast first, with the head slightly flexed back. Bring the nipple down from the baby’s nose to the upper lip. Wait for the baby’s mouth to be wide open before bringing him to the breast. The baby needs to take in a large mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. The well-positioned baby’s cheeks will be rounded, with the bottom lip turned out. The top lip should not be sucked in. Poor positioning can cause nipple pain or damage so it’s worth getting it right from the start. Many women find the diagram shown on the opposite page a helpful guide. If you’re struggling, ask for help quickly.

Does a good sleep pattern help?

Yes. A well rested baby wills breastfeed better, so try to help your baby develop good sleeping habits (often easier said than done!). Aim to have babies less than four months fed, played with, cuddled and back in bed in an hour. Try to recognize your baby’s tired signs – tense, jerky movements; fist clenching; facial grimaces, yawning; general unsettledness – and put him to bed before he gets overtired. It is a good idea to get into the habit of putting your baby to bed awake, so that he learns to settle himself.

Who should I go to for advice?

Conflicting advice can be hard to cope with, especially in the early days, but in time you will learn to trust your instincts. Surround yourself with people who are positive about breastfeeding and won’t ask you if you’re sure you’ve got enough milk. A sister or friend who has breastfed can be a great help. If you’re struggling, ask for help from an expert sooner rather than later. See the list of helpful contacts above.