Pregnancy Questions

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Breastfeeding

Most asked questions

How to establish a routine for feeding my baby?

Newborns have tiny tummies and so need to feed frequently.  Feeding frequently in the early days and weeks helps make sure you have a good milk supply.

Because breastmilk is easily digested, it is normal for breastfed babies to feed 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. This usually means that your baby will breastfeed on average every 2–3 hours around the clock (day and night), with possibly one longer stretch between feeds somewhere in a 24-hour period. The length of time between feeds can vary greatly from baby to baby. The time between feeds is from the beginning of the last feed, not the end. Newborns also tend to have periods each day where they feed very frequently for a few hours (cluster feeds). So often baby’s cluster feed late afternoon into the evening, this is very normal and healthy. They are preparing your milk supply for the night time. Often these cluster feeding periods are followed by a longer stretch of sleep.

In most cases, healthy, thriving newborns will wake of their own accord for feeds and so get all the milk they need. Feeding your baby when he/she is showing early feeding cues can help him to feed better.

However, there are some reasons why a newborn may be extra sleepy. It may be necessary to wake your baby for feeds to ensure he/she gets the milk they need. Some of the reasons are medical (eg jaundice or perhaps medications/pain relief used during labour/birth) others may be related to their weight or general health. It is important to be guided by your doctor or midwife in these situations. They will communicate openly with you about why your baby’s needs are different, how to meet their needs and when to ask for help.

How often should I bath my baby?

Bathing baby can be a special time for you to have with your baby. You don’t have to bath baby every day, every 2-3 days is plenty. If your baby enjoys it, bathing daily can be incorporated into an evening routine. You may choose to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom without putting them in the bath – this is called sponge bathing and can be handy for a quick wash.

 

More questions

How to store breast milk?

Once you have expressed your breast milk it can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, kept in the fridge for 48 hours or in the freezer for 3-6 months (separate fridge freezer).

You can put your expressed breast milk into a plastic container, or you can store your breastmilk in a clean, closed container or a special breastmilk storage bag. You can buy breastmilk storage bags from your local super market or pharmacy. Try to store milk in small amounts so that when it is thawed it isn’t wasted. Covered ice cube trays are good because they’re easily thawed.

Make sure you label it with the date it was expressed, and label it as expressed milk so it’s not mistaken for anything else!

 

When should I pump breast milk?
If you are looking to slowly build a freezer stash of breast milk then you can start by adding one pumping session a day. You should make sure your baby has been fed before expressing. A woman’s milk supply tends to be at its highest in the morning so a great time to pump, wait about 30 minutes after feeding baby and then express. Start with 10 minutes each side, then you can add 5 minutes more each day. 
If you are pumping while you are at work, pump as often as your baby would feed. This is generally every three hours. If you don't have a breast pump you can hand express if a pump is not available. Once you get the hang of it, hand expressing can be a quick and effective method and some mothers use this method on a long-term basis if needed.
How to express breast milk?

Breastfeeding a baby on demand is the best way to ensure an adequate supply of breastmilk for baby. 
Reasons why women may need to express breastmilk:

  • Expressing colostrum at the end of pregnancy (only if advised by healthcare provider) prior to birth
  • To soften the breast if very full to assist baby to latch to the breast
  • Sore nipples – resting the nipples
  • Unable to latch baby to the breast
  • Returning to work while still breastfeeding

Not all women who breastfeed will need to use a breast pump or to express breastmilk. If you want to express breast milk to give to your baby at a later point you can do so multiple ways.The art of hand expressing is a great tool to have.

Firstly- you can hand express. Hand expressing is great for when you have colostrum as it tends to be too thick for a breast pump to be able to get out. It’s great if your breasts are really full and you need some relief or if they’re so full that your baby is struggling to latch.

 

 

The next option is to use a milk collection device, which you can suction on the breast you are not feeding on to collect the letdown.
If you are actively trying to get as much volume as possible then you will need either a manual or an electric breast pump.
A manual pump is perfect for the occasional pumping session. Your hand sets the strength and frequency and can be hard work.
If you are going to express more than once a day and long term then an electric pump is well worth the investment. Think about your needs and what you need in a breast pump to help you decide which one to get.

Can I breastfeed after birth if I have a Caesarean birth?

If your baby is born by caesarean birth you and baby will spend some time in the operating room while the surgery is finishing, you will be lying down and baby may be able to lie on your chest. Afterwards, you will go into the recovery unit where you can sit up and breastfeed your baby. 
In the days following a caesarean birth you will be given medication to help relieve the pain so that you can move around and take care of your baby. You can still breastfeed while taking this medication.  

You may find that lying down breast feeding is more comfortable than having baby in the cradle hold. Some women find the football hold great while others like having a pillow in their lap to protect the wound. Try out a few different ways to find what works for you.

Some women find that there may be a slight delay in their lactation following a caesarean birth compared to a vaginal birth. This doesn’t appear to have an impact on the overall success of breastfeeding.  

Does a nipple piercing affect breastfeeding?
If you have a nipple piercing you can still breastfeed your baby. You should take the jewelry out during pregnancy before beginning to breastfeed to eliminate any choking hazards for baby. You may find that the milk comes out of the hole the piercing was in.