Breastfeeding
Introduction
The lactation process
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in practice
What position should I use?
The signs of good feeding
Breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding in practice
Breastfeeding does not require any specific preparation, although you should make sure you eat a varied, balanced diet, limit your consumption of stimulants such as tea and coffee, avoid smoking and cut out alcohol.
A daily wash of your body is sufficient, as well as washing your hands before each feed. Use an appropriate skin care product to protect the skin on your nipples.
The first 2 or 3 days
If possible, your baby will be placed on your stomach right after birth. They will be very alert at this time and, guided by all their senses and inbuilt reflexes, will search for your breast. They will be ready to take their first feed of colostrum.
Colostrum is the first “milk”, very rich in proteins, minerals and antibodies, in small quantities that are just right for your baby.
Keep your baby close by you during this period, day and night, so that you both get to know each other and your baby can be offered your breast whenever they are awake. Your baby will sleep a lot during this time.
The staff on the maternity ward will help you to find the right position for breastfeeding.
The arrival of your milk
The colostrum will then give way to your milk. This process is accompanied by a swelling in your breasts which may feel uncomfortable, even painful. To make sure this stage goes well, let your baby feed as often as possible and keep them close by you. Your baby will be much more awake during this period.
The staff on the maternity ward will help you to check if your baby is feeding properly.
The days that follow
You’ve started; from now on it will get easier!
The secrets of successful breastfeeding:
• Your baby should always be kept close by you.
• Put your baby to the breast as soon as they wake up, i.e. when they open their mouth, stick out their tongue and root for the breast, on average 8-12 times in 24 hours.
• Learn how to recognise that they are feeding properly (you should be able to hear them swallow).
• The breast you use at each feed depends on your baby’s needs. They might empty one or both breasts at a single feed. If they have only fed from one breast, you can offer the other one at the next feed.