1–7 August marks World Breastfeeding Week, and puts the spotlight on the importance of breast feeding your child. Breast milk contains all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life and is also filled with disease-fighting substances that help protect your baby from illnesses.
Marié Hattingh, Clinic Manager and Birth Basics Co-ordinator from Genesis Clinic shares useful tips to ease the process.
Research and practice
- Before your baby arrives, read up on the process and take antenatal classes, many hospitals and birthing centres provide these.
- Antenatal classes usually include ‘how to’ videos as well as allow people to rehearse with dolls to allow you to get comfortable with the process. Antenatal classes are also good for connecting with other new moms-to-be who can be an invaluable source of support should you have questions or problems.
Skin to skin
- In the first few days, where possible lay your baby on your chest, tummy to tummy, undressed down to the diaper. Skin to skin contact at this time is known to stimulate these instincts, encouraging your baby to look for the breast and to start feeding, usually within an hour or two of birth.
Get comfortable
- Once you start breastfeeding, it’s important to do what feels good for you. Find a relaxed position that you can stay in for a while. There are numerous postures and these include: the reclined (usually about 45 degrees), the cradle and the cross-over hold to name a few.
- For support, it is recommended that you sit in a comfortable chair with armrests and use pillows to lend extra support to your back and arms.
Useful tips on how to stimulate latch on and begin breastfeeding
- Your baby’s head and body should be in a straight line
- Hold your baby’s body close to yours, at the right angle to your body
- To stimulate touch your baby’s mouth, lips and chin with your nipple
- The tip of your baby’s nose should be opposite your nipple
- Your baby’s head will naturally tilt back and mouth will open wide
- Aim nipple to the top of baby’s mouth, with the lower lip away from the base of the nipple
- Bring baby to your breast not the other way round
- Your baby will suckle quickly to stimulate the let-down reflex and then slow down as milk begins to flow
Try to breastfeed as soon as your baby is born
- The earlier you start breastfeeding, the more likely you will be able to tap into your child’s innate abilities to latch on. This will make the process easier for both of you, as well as keep your milk supply strong.
Be on the lookout for trouble
- It is common for new moms to feel a little soreness or tenderness with breastfeeding, especially in the beginning, but the pain shouldn’t last for too long.
- Pay attention to how your nipple looks when your baby detaches. If it’s compressed, cracked or bleeding, see your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.
When should you stop breastfeeding?
- To your child, breastfeeding is more than just food. It gives him or her a sense of comfort as well as a feeling of closeness to you. If you let them give up at their own pace, you’ll be less likely to encounter problems in the future.
“Once your child is old enough to consume food (between 4-6 months) and you want them to stop breastfeeding sooner, try and offer him or her formula or baby food before breastfeeding. Once your baby is eating a wide range of foods, you may find that they cut down on breastfeeding naturally.” concludes Hattingh.
