Is it true that breast is best for my baby?
If you're just starting out with breastfeeding, you're doing the right thing for your baby.
If it doesn't come naturally, try not to worry. Plenty of mums have to practise and persevere until they get the hang of it.
Yes, breast milk is the best food for your baby. Ask any health professional, and they will say that the healthiest way to feed your baby is to breastfeed her. Babies who are breastfed from birth are much less likely to be ill in their first year of life. Being breastfed may help your baby fend off illnesses such as:
- gastroenteritis
- pneumonia and bronchiolitis
- urinary tract infections
- eczema
- ear infections
But it's not just your baby who benefits from breastfeeding. It's good for you too. It helps to lower your risk of getting breast cancer before you reach your menopause. It can also help protect you against ovarian cancer and weak bones (osteoporosis) later in life.
The World Health Organisation and the Health Ministry recommend that babies are given only breastmilk for their first six months. This is called exclusive breastfeeding. They also say that women should carry on breastfeeding after their babies have started on solid food, until the end of the first year and beyond if they wish. The World Health Organisation advises mums to breastfeed for two years.
Breastmilk is a complete food. It contains at least 400 nutrients, including hormones and disease-fighting compounds that aren't found in formula milk. Its nutritional make-up adjusts to your baby's needs as she grows and develops. Find out more about how your body makes breastmilk.
Breastmilk is also very convenient. It is the only food in the world which is available at the right time, right place, right quantity and right temperature.
And apart from the brain-building, infection-fighting benefits of your milk, which no formula can offer, breastfeeding helps to build a special bond between you and your baby. When you breastfeed, your child thrives on the skin-to-skin contact and the cuddling. You will, too.
How can I prepare for breastfeeding?
As long as you're healthy, there's not much more you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. But you can prepare your mind.Learn as much about breastfeeding as you can before your baby is born. Your doctor or your antenatal classes should also be a good source of information. See our article about preparing to breastfeed. Encourage your husband to find out about breastfeeding too, so he can support you.
How do I start breastfeeding?
Since feeds can take anything from five to 40 minutes, pick a comfortable place for breastfeeding. Atmosphere is important, especially in the early days of breastfeeding when you're still trying to get the hang of it.If you're easily distracted by noise, find somewhere quiet. If you tend to get bored, you may want to feed with the radio, stereo or television on, but only if breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby. Try different spots until you find what works for you.
Hold your baby in a position that won't make your arms and back ache. Have cushions or pillows to hand to support your baby. Many mums find cradling their baby across their chest, raised up on a cushion or pillow, works well. It just depends on what is most comfortable for you and your baby. Each mum and baby is unique so you may develop your own personal breast feeding style. See our article on good positions for breastfeeding to give you some ideas.
Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. She should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue.
If latching on hurts, break the suction by inserting your little finger in the corner of your baby's mouth between your baby's gums and your nipple and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she will be able to do the rest. Our article on how to breastfeed has pictures to help you.
Let your baby feed fully from just one breast rather than alternating between both breasts. If you keep swapping breasts during a feed, your baby may get lots of watery foremilk, but not enough of the fat-enriched hindmilk. This can lead to a fussy baby who wants to breastfeed often.
If your baby still seems hungry after she's finished your first breast, offer her your second. Remember to burp her before restarting the feed.
The next time you feed your baby, start with the second breast first.
How easy is breastfeeding?
Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily. But many new mums find it hard to get going. In the first six weeks, as your milk supply adjusts and your baby learns how to breastfeed, you may suffer from:- Engorgement: overfull breasts
- Mastitis: an inflammation of the breast
- Sore nipples
If you feel like giving up, or just want advice, get in touch with your doctor. She can watch you feed your baby and suggest ways to make it easier for both of you. She may also recommend you see a breastfeeding or lactation specialist.
CAPPA, La Leche League and the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) can offer support and put you in touch with skilled consultants.
Family members and friends who've had babies recently may be able to help with tips and advice. You can also get support from new and experienced mothers on our online community forums.
Breastfeeding takes practice. Think of it as a skill you have to learn from scratch. Give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to a fine art. Take it a day, a week or even just a feed at a time.
If you're having a bad feeding day, tell yourself that tomorrow will be better. And keep in mind that any problems you are having are likely to pass. By the time of your postnatal check, you'll probably be breastfeeding without giving it a second thought. If not, don't hesitate to ask for support from your doctor.
Can I breastfeed in public?
You may feel shy about breastfeeding in front of other people, but there are strategies you can try.Some tops are designed to allow you to breastfeed discreetly. Shirts that you have to unbutton will make you feel exposed as you feed, and buttons are a fiddle you can do without. Stretchy tops you can pull up work well. If it makes you feel more comfortable, drape a scarf, your dupatta or the pallu of your saree, over your shoulder and chest while you feed. This will give you and your baby privacy. There are also a good number of breastfeeding cloaks and slings which are available in the market. If you do cover up while feeding, just make sure your baby can breathe easily.
Some larger shops and malls have mother and baby rooms where you can sit comfortably and feed alongside other mums.
Remember that breastfeeding your baby when she's hungry is your first priority. There's no need to feel self-conscious about doing what's best for her. Soon, when breastfeeding becomes more familiar, you won't think twice about feeding your baby in public.
What should I buy for breastfeeding?
Your most important purchase will be comfortable breastfeeding or nursing bras. You'll need at least two. These bras provide the extra support that your larger-than-usual breasts need. They come with hooks or zips that you can easily undo when you need to feed.Make sure that they are properly fitted and that any flaps open completely. If only a small part of your breast is exposed, the bra may squash you and cause blocked ducts. Also avoid any under wire bras while nursing.
You may prefer to wait until after your baby is born to buy bras, to make sure you get ones that fit perfectly. However, many department stores have staff who are trained to fit nursing bras after 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Some mums find that their breasts have a tendency to leak. Another baby's cry or the sight of a baby can stimulate milk flow. It's a good idea to keep a supply of breast pads handy. You can stock up on washable pads, or buy disposable ones from the chemist or shops that sell maternity wear and baby equipment.
You may also wish to buy equipment to express your breastmilk. Read more about what to buy for breastfeeding.