Common Questions about Breastfeeding1. How often should I feed my baby?
Whenever your baby is hungry! Lactation experts recognise that it is important to feed according to the baby’s own needs in order to provide him or her with sufficient nutrition and ensure weight gain. Frequent feeding is also important in the early weeks to stimulate the mother’s milk supply. In the early days, this will be very often as babies’ stomachs are tiny (no bigger than a marble!); they may fill up quickly but get hungry again very quickly, so expect between 8 and 12 feeds in 24 hours, not necessarily at regular intervals. Watch for your baby’s hunger cues; waking and stretching, hand-to-mouth movements, rooting at the breast, sucking and licking are all signs that a baby is hungry. Crying is a late cue, indicating that baby is beyond hungry; it can sometimes be difficult for a crying baby to take the breast, so catch hunger early. |
2. How long should each feed last?
Again, let your baby be the guide. Wait for her to come off the breast on her own, and then offer her the other side (she may or may not take it). It’s important not to take her off one side before she’s ready; milk at the beginning of a feed has a higher liquid content and will quench her thirst, while towards the end of the feed the milk will have a higher fat content. If a baby is not allowed to feed for long enough, she may not receive the correct proportion of liquid/fat. Some babies are efficient feeders, and (particularly after the first few weeks) may be done within ten minutes; others are more leisurely about it, and may spend half an hour or more at the breast.
3. How should I hold my baby during a feed?
There are several different ways to hold your baby, but whichever position you choose, make sure that the baby is very close to you, that her head is in line with her body and that her neck is not twisted. Position her nose opposite your nipple and wait for her to open her mouth WIDE. As soon as she does that, bring her whole body in towards you and onto the breast to allow her to take a big mouthful. Don’t lean forward to the baby – as you subsequently relax, optimum positioning will be lost and this can be painful for you and result in your baby not getting enough milk. Make sure that she takes in more of the breast than just the nipple; if she does this, she will not be able to get enough milk released from the breast, and you will probably end up with very sore nipples. Remember the three key positioning principles: tummy to mummy, nose to nipple, baby to breast. Also consider “laid-back nursing” where mum is reclined at an angle (well supported), and baby lies tummy-down on mum's front and self-attaches. This can be very restful and allows baby’s natural latching instincts to kick in, facilitating effective attachment to the breast.
4. Does breastfeeding hurt?
Breastfeeding should be pain-free and an enjoyable experience for both mum and babe. Beyond a small amount of tenderness during the first few days lasting only a few seconds when the baby latches on, pain is a sign that something is not quite right. Often this can be fixed by experimenting with different positions and making sure baby is able to get a big wide mouthful of breast when latching. Positions which work well for one mum and baby may not work as well for others, so it's worth spending a bit of time trying things out. Occasionally, physical factors may interfere with good attachment, and the advice of a professional may be helpful. Other causes of pain include fungal or bacterial infections, which should be treated by a professional. Most breastfeeding problems are easily fixed with the right assistance, so don't suffer in silence; if it hurts, seek help!
5. Do I need to get a breast pump?
This is not something necessary for all breastfeeding mums! Most mums around the world breastfeed without a pump. However, if you are away from your baby on an occasional or regular basis, or if your baby is unable to feed at the breast for any reason, being able to express milk will allow your baby to receive your milk. Some mums express milk by hand, while others prefer to buy one of the manual or electric breastpumps on the market. There are significant differences between those available, so do your research in order to better choose one which meets your needs.
6. Is my baby getting enough milk?
This is a common concern, both in the early days and later. Firstly, remember that it is rare for a mother to not be able to produce enough milk. Almost every mother is able to produce enough milk for her baby (or babies, in the case of multiples). One mother in the news exclusively breastfed sextuplets, and at least one mother is known to have breastfed twins on just one breast! Milk is produced on a supply-demand principle; the more milk the baby drinks, the more mum produces, so as long as the baby is correctly attached to the breast, is fed on cue, and is allowed to nurse as long as he/she wants, then it is very likely that the baby is getting enough milk. Remember though that if the amount of breast milk a baby drinks is reduced in any way (through formula supplementation, ineffective attachment to the breast, an imposed schedule or cutting feeds short, for example) then mum’s milk supply will be affected. A baby in the first few weeks who is getting enough milk will - have appropriate weight gain - have 5-6 wet nappies in 24 hours and 2-3 dirty nappies - be contented after a feed Around the six-week mark, your body will have adjusted to the amount of milk needed by your baby, and begins to produce exactly this amount. Mothers may find that their breasts feel softer at this point, and worry that their milk has gone. This time often coincides with a “growth spurt” when a baby will feed more frequently. Both of these are perfectly normal, and have nothing to do with a drop in milk supply.
7. When can I start giving my baby a bottle?
While you may be keen for family members or helpers to feed the baby a bottle of milk (expressed milk or formula), unfortunately this can cause problems if this happens in the first few weeks. Some babies will happily switch between bottle and breast, but because babies suck from the bottle in quite a different way to the way they suck at the breast, some babies will find it difficult to feed effectively from the breast after even one bottle when they are very small. In addition, if you’re using formula or donated breastmilk rather than your own expressed breastmilk, this can (especially in the first few weeks) affect milk supply. It is usually recommended wherever possible to wait a few weeks before introducing a bottle, and try to enjoy resting up and snuggling with your little one yourself in the meantime.
8. How long should I breastfeed for?
There is no fixed answer to this, and many factors will influence a family's decision to instigate mother-led weaning or wait for a child to naturally wean themselves from the breast. World Health Organisation guidelines are that babies should breastfeedfor a minimum of two years; solid food should be added around 6 months, but breastmilk continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and of health benefits.
9. Do I need to be careful of what I eat and drink while breastfeeding?
Not really, no. Breastfeeding mothers, like everyone else, should ensure that they have a balanced diet. They will probably need a few extra calories and should avoid rapid weight loss, but eating to hunger and drinking to thirst is a good rule of thumb. Occasionally a baby may be sensitive to something in mum’s diet, but every baby is different and there aren’t really any specific foods or drinks which should be avoided, although too much alcohol can have a negative effect on milk supply.
10. Where can I get help and support?
- Experienced mums among your friends and family who have breastfed.
- Peer support group meetings, such as Breastfeeding Q&A in Dubai, La Leche League in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and Mama Latte in Dubai.
- Sharjah-based Breastfeeding Friends helplines (600570001 7 days/week, 10am-10pm)
- Board-certified lactation consultants in the private and government sectors in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, or in the hospital where you gave birth
- Breastfeeding Q&A UAE on Facebook
Again, let your baby be the guide. Wait for her to come off the breast on her own, and then offer her the other side (she may or may not take it). It’s important not to take her off one side before she’s ready; milk at the beginning of a feed has a higher liquid content and will quench her thirst, while towards the end of the feed the milk will have a higher fat content. If a baby is not allowed to feed for long enough, she may not receive the correct proportion of liquid/fat. Some babies are efficient feeders, and (particularly after the first few weeks) may be done within ten minutes; others are more leisurely about it, and may spend half an hour or more at the breast.
3. How should I hold my baby during a feed?
There are several different ways to hold your baby, but whichever position you choose, make sure that the baby is very close to you, that her head is in line with her body and that her neck is not twisted. Position her nose opposite your nipple and wait for her to open her mouth WIDE. As soon as she does that, bring her whole body in towards you and onto the breast to allow her to take a big mouthful. Don’t lean forward to the baby – as you subsequently relax, optimum positioning will be lost and this can be painful for you and result in your baby not getting enough milk. Make sure that she takes in more of the breast than just the nipple; if she does this, she will not be able to get enough milk released from the breast, and you will probably end up with very sore nipples. Remember the three key positioning principles: tummy to mummy, nose to nipple, baby to breast. Also consider “laid-back nursing” where mum is reclined at an angle (well supported), and baby lies tummy-down on mum's front and self-attaches. This can be very restful and allows baby’s natural latching instincts to kick in, facilitating effective attachment to the breast.
4. Does breastfeeding hurt?
Breastfeeding should be pain-free and an enjoyable experience for both mum and babe. Beyond a small amount of tenderness during the first few days lasting only a few seconds when the baby latches on, pain is a sign that something is not quite right. Often this can be fixed by experimenting with different positions and making sure baby is able to get a big wide mouthful of breast when latching. Positions which work well for one mum and baby may not work as well for others, so it's worth spending a bit of time trying things out. Occasionally, physical factors may interfere with good attachment, and the advice of a professional may be helpful. Other causes of pain include fungal or bacterial infections, which should be treated by a professional. Most breastfeeding problems are easily fixed with the right assistance, so don't suffer in silence; if it hurts, seek help!
5. Do I need to get a breast pump?
This is not something necessary for all breastfeeding mums! Most mums around the world breastfeed without a pump. However, if you are away from your baby on an occasional or regular basis, or if your baby is unable to feed at the breast for any reason, being able to express milk will allow your baby to receive your milk. Some mums express milk by hand, while others prefer to buy one of the manual or electric breastpumps on the market. There are significant differences between those available, so do your research in order to better choose one which meets your needs.
6. Is my baby getting enough milk?
This is a common concern, both in the early days and later. Firstly, remember that it is rare for a mother to not be able to produce enough milk. Almost every mother is able to produce enough milk for her baby (or babies, in the case of multiples). One mother in the news exclusively breastfed sextuplets, and at least one mother is known to have breastfed twins on just one breast! Milk is produced on a supply-demand principle; the more milk the baby drinks, the more mum produces, so as long as the baby is correctly attached to the breast, is fed on cue, and is allowed to nurse as long as he/she wants, then it is very likely that the baby is getting enough milk. Remember though that if the amount of breast milk a baby drinks is reduced in any way (through formula supplementation, ineffective attachment to the breast, an imposed schedule or cutting feeds short, for example) then mum’s milk supply will be affected. A baby in the first few weeks who is getting enough milk will - have appropriate weight gain - have 5-6 wet nappies in 24 hours and 2-3 dirty nappies - be contented after a feed Around the six-week mark, your body will have adjusted to the amount of milk needed by your baby, and begins to produce exactly this amount. Mothers may find that their breasts feel softer at this point, and worry that their milk has gone. This time often coincides with a “growth spurt” when a baby will feed more frequently. Both of these are perfectly normal, and have nothing to do with a drop in milk supply.
7. When can I start giving my baby a bottle?
While you may be keen for family members or helpers to feed the baby a bottle of milk (expressed milk or formula), unfortunately this can cause problems if this happens in the first few weeks. Some babies will happily switch between bottle and breast, but because babies suck from the bottle in quite a different way to the way they suck at the breast, some babies will find it difficult to feed effectively from the breast after even one bottle when they are very small. In addition, if you’re using formula or donated breastmilk rather than your own expressed breastmilk, this can (especially in the first few weeks) affect milk supply. It is usually recommended wherever possible to wait a few weeks before introducing a bottle, and try to enjoy resting up and snuggling with your little one yourself in the meantime.
8. How long should I breastfeed for?
There is no fixed answer to this, and many factors will influence a family's decision to instigate mother-led weaning or wait for a child to naturally wean themselves from the breast. World Health Organisation guidelines are that babies should breastfeedfor a minimum of two years; solid food should be added around 6 months, but breastmilk continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and of health benefits.
9. Do I need to be careful of what I eat and drink while breastfeeding?
Not really, no. Breastfeeding mothers, like everyone else, should ensure that they have a balanced diet. They will probably need a few extra calories and should avoid rapid weight loss, but eating to hunger and drinking to thirst is a good rule of thumb. Occasionally a baby may be sensitive to something in mum’s diet, but every baby is different and there aren’t really any specific foods or drinks which should be avoided, although too much alcohol can have a negative effect on milk supply.
10. Where can I get help and support?
- Experienced mums among your friends and family who have breastfed.
- Peer support group meetings, such as Breastfeeding Q&A in Dubai, La Leche League in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and Mama Latte in Dubai.
- Sharjah-based Breastfeeding Friends helplines (600570001 7 days/week, 10am-10pm)
- Board-certified lactation consultants in the private and government sectors in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, or in the hospital where you gave birth
- Breastfeeding Q&A UAE on Facebook