Proven advantages of breastfeeding for the mother
• Breastfeeding is free
• Breastfeeding may reduce the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer
• Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of osteoporosis
• Breastfeeding uses up the fat stored during pregnancy
• Breastfeeding conserves iron stores
• Breastfeeding helps you to bond with your baby and adjust to motherhood
Breastfeeding is a learned skill and can be challenging for new mothers. Whilst in
hospital you will receive support and guidance with breastfeeding from our midwives
and lactation consultant. If you are having breastfeeding problems, a feeding plan
will be developed which will be reviewed each shift. We hope this may minimise any
conflicting breastfeeding advice.
Hints for the first few weeks of breastfeeding
• If your baby does not feed within four hours of birth, please ask your midwife to
assist and show you how to hand express colostrum for your baby.
• Breastfeeding is a journey which takes six to eight weeks to establish. Sometimes
difficulties might arise. Should this happen, please ask the midwives for assistance.
• To establish your milk supply and meet your baby’s needs, frequent unrestricted
feeding day and night results in increased milk production. Keeping your baby with
you day and night will promote this process.
• Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis. The more often you feed your
baby, the more milk you will produce. After your baby has drained the first breast as
much as possible, always offer the second before settling, your baby may or may
not want this second side. Efficient removal of milk from the breast is essential for
successful lactation.
• A healthy balanced diet will help you to maintain your milk supply. Nutritional
supplements that you commenced in your pregnancy can be continued whilst
breastfeeding.
How to recognise your baby’s feeding cues
Stage 1 Searching, mouthing, looking
Stage 2 Searching, mouthing, looking, plus arms moving/agitation
Stage 3 Searching, mouthing, looking, plus arms moving/agitation and crying
By Stage 3 your baby may need calming and reassurance before feeding may
commence. It is therefore recommended to offer a feed at the first stage.
Bras
In the last few weeks of pregnancy,
you should have a breastfeeding
bra correctly fitted by a trained
bra specialist. It might be helpful
to purchase only one bra now and
be refitted after your baby is born,
as your breast size will increase.
Breast pads will ensure comfort if
you are leaking milk.
Breastfeeding is a
learned skill and can
be challenging for
new mothers.
Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 29