Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

Breast milk gives a baby all the energy and nutrients they need in the first months of life, along with antibodies that help protect against illness. Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a skill that mother and baby learn together. These basics can help you get off to a good start.

When should breastfeeding start?

WHO recommends putting your baby to the breast within the first hour after birth. Holding your baby skin-to-skin on your chest helps. It keeps the baby warm and calm, and helps them find the breast using their natural reflexes. The NHS notes that skin-to-skin contact is usually still possible after a caesarean birth.

How long should a baby have only breast milk?

For the first 6 months, WHO advises exclusive breastfeeding. This means no other food or drink, not even water. At 6 months, start giving other suitable foods while continuing to breastfeed up to 2 years of age or beyond.

What is colostrum, and is it enough?

The first milk your body makes is called colostrum. It is usually thick and golden yellow. Your baby needs only a small amount, about a teaspoon at each feed, in the first days. Frequent feeding tells your body to make more milk, so the supply builds up over the following days.

How often should a newborn feed?

Feed your baby on demand, meaning as often as they want, day and night. In the first few days, many babies feed every 1 to 3 hours. The NHS says newborns should feed at least 8 to 12 times in every 24 hours during the first few weeks. WHO advises avoiding bottles, teats and dummies (pacifiers) while breastfeeding.

How do you get a good latch?

1. Hold your baby close, with their nose level with your nipple.
2. Let their head tip back a little so their top lip brushes your nipple.
3. Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, then bring them to the breast, chin first.
4. Bring your baby to the breast rather than leaning your breast towards the baby.

Signs of a good latch include full, rounded cheeks, the chin pressed against the breast with the nose free, and more of the darker skin around the nipple showing above the top lip than below the bottom lip.

How can you tell your baby is getting enough milk?

• Your baby takes quick sucks at first, then slower, longer sucks.
• They seem calm during feeds and come off the breast on their own when full.
• After the first few days, they have at least 6 wet nappies a day.
• After about 3 days, their poo changes from black and sticky to soft, yellow or mustard coloured.
• They gain weight steadily. A small weight loss in the first week is normal.

How does breastfeeding help the mother?

WHO says women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Children who were breastfed are also less likely to become overweight or develop diabetes later in life.

When to see a doctor

Speak to your doctor, lady health worker or midwife soon if:

• Your baby has fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first few days
• Your baby's poo has not changed to yellow after the first few days
• Your baby is not gaining weight, or you are worried about their weight
• Your baby seems unsettled during or after most feeds
• Feeding is painful for you or you are worried the latch is not right