Why and how to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is nature’s way of giving your baby the best possible start in life, but just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s a skill you and your baby have to learn together – but it’s well worth the effort.

Breastmilk provides all the nutrients your baby needs, it helps boost his immunity, it’s convenient, helps you lose weight quicker and is excellent for helping you bond with each other. If that’s still not enough reason for you, read on to discover why breast is definitely best.

Benefits for baby

The first breastmilk, which your baby will feed on in the first few days, is called colostrum. This provides your baby with water, protein, sugar, vitamins and minerals, as well as antibodies. After three to five says, production of colostrum ends and your milk will come down. Breastmilk helps your baby by:

• building up his immunity. Your baby is less likely to suffer from illnesses such as gastroenteritis (stomach bugs), colds, chest infections, urinary infections, ear infections and childhood diabetes.

• reducing the risk of conditions such as asthma and eczema.

• boosting brain development.

• preventing obesity in later life.

Benefits for you

Breastfeeding isn’t only great for your baby, it can also help you in some surprising ways by:

• encouraging your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size quicker, helping you to fit into your old clothes sooner.

• reducing the risk of breast cancer before the menopause and some forms of ovarian cancer.

• reducing the risk of fractures from osteoporosis in later life.

• reducing the risk of high blood pressure when you’re older.

• burning off the extra weight you put on during pregnancy.

• being convenient, free and quick. You don’t need to worry about sterilising or going out loaded with bottles and formula.

Getting started

As soon as your baby’s born he’ll be ready to breastfeed. But how do you know what to do? Rosie Dodds, breastfeeding counsellor from the National Childbirth Trust, says don’t panic, simply follow these practical tips:

• Getting your baby to latch on soon after the birth is essential for successful breastfeeding. Ask the midwife to put your baby on your chest to stimulate his rooting reflex. Don’t worry if you’re unsure; midwives are there to show you the correct position.

• Newborns can feed up to 12 times in a 24-hour period, so make yourself comfortable by sitting or lying down. Have a glass of water to hand as you may get thirsty. You may also need a pillow to bring your baby to the right height.

• Remember tummy to mummy (see the step-by-step guide, below) and keep your baby’s spine in line with his head. Take your time and keep checking your positioning.

• You’ll be able to tell if your baby’s taking in milk if you hear swallowing and see his ears wiggling.

• Feed your baby for as long as he likes on one breast, then offer the other. If he doesn’t want that one, offer it first at the next feed. Alternating breasts ensures your baby is receiving both the thirst-quenching fore milk and heavier hind milk.

Step-by-step breastfeeding

1 Hold your baby so he’s facing the breast, with his tummy facing you and your nipple pointing to his nose. His head, shoulders and body should be in a straight line.

2 Touch his top lip and nose with your nipple to encourage him to open his mouth.

3 When his mouth is wide open, move him towards the breast (rather than your breast towards him) and aim your nipple at the roof of his mouth.

4 Make sure your baby takes all the nipple and much of the breast tissue in his mouth.

5 More of the areola should show above his mouth than below. His mouth should be wide open and his bottom lip curled back towards his chin.

6 After the first few gulps, your baby will settle into a gentle rhythm of sucking until he’s full. You may find he dozes off, before waking and sucking strongly again. Follow his cues. If you take him off the breast and he objects, he was just having a rest.

7 When your baby’s finished, he’ll probably let go by himself. If you need to unlatch him, slide your little finger into the corner of his mouth to break suction gently.

The importance of latching on

‘Many women stop breastfeeding early on because their babies latch on incorrectly, which causes too much pain,’ explains Rosie. ‘It’s important to be comfortable to avoid problems such as sore nipples, blisters, scabs and bleeding.

‘When your baby is in the right position, it won’t hurt and he’ll get a good feed. If it’s sore, start again by putting your finger into the side of your baby’s mouth and breaking the suction. If it’s still painful, ask for help from a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor.’

‘Breast is best’ message not working

• A total of 67 per cent of British mums start breastfeeding their babies, but HALF give up within three months.

• One third (33 per cent) decide to bottlefeed from day one.

• Only 33 per cent breastfeed for at least four months.

Results from the Mother & Baby Feeding the Family Survey, in association with Cow & Gate, March 2004