What do I need to know?
Breast milk is the best possible food for your baby. It will build your baby's immune system as well as giving them the best possible start in life. It protects babies against ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, childhood diabetes, eczema, obesity, asthma. Breastfeeding protects mums against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life. (source: National Health Service, 2009). Whats more breast milk is free, on tap and is always the right temperature. Breastfeeding is also great for bonding with your baby.
Breast milk is the best possible food for your baby. It will build your baby's immune system as well as giving them the best possible start in life. It protects babies against ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, childhood diabetes, eczema, obesity, asthma. Breastfeeding protects mums against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life. (source: National Health Service, 2009). Whats more breast milk is free, on tap and is always the right temperature. Breastfeeding is also great for bonding with your baby.
How can I prepare for breastfeeding?
You can attend an ante natal class, where you will be able to get some advice on breastfeeding techniques and meet some other mums to be. You should try to include your partner, and encourage them to be supportive of your decision to breastfeed. You can read up on breastfeeding and again, encourage your partner to do some reading. The more informed you are, the more likely that you will succeed.
You can attend an ante natal class, where you will be able to get some advice on breastfeeding techniques and meet some other mums to be. You should try to include your partner, and encourage them to be supportive of your decision to breastfeed. You can read up on breastfeeding and again, encourage your partner to do some reading. The more informed you are, the more likely that you will succeed.
What do I need?
To breastfeed, all you really need is a nursing bra, some breastpads, muslin cloths and nipple cream. You may also want to purchase a breast pump and a steriliser, a nursing cushion, some breast milk freezer bags. Some non essentials but nonetheless useful to have are a breastfeeding cover or some special breastfeeding tops.
To breastfeed, all you really need is a nursing bra, some breastpads, muslin cloths and nipple cream. You may also want to purchase a breast pump and a steriliser, a nursing cushion, some breast milk freezer bags. Some non essentials but nonetheless useful to have are a breastfeeding cover or some special breastfeeding tops.
Different positions for breastfeeding
There are several different positions for breastfeeding, you need to make sure that you choose the most comfortable one for you and that gives your baby the best access to your breast.
There are several different positions for breastfeeding, you need to make sure that you choose the most comfortable one for you and that gives your baby the best access to your breast.
You could try holding your baby across your lap and positioning her on a pillow or cushion to get the right height. You can use either arm to hold her and ensure she is in the right position.
An alternative position is lying down with your bodies parallel to each other. This is good for the early days or if you are lying in bed.
Another position for breastfeeding is to hold your baby underarm. This is particularly recommended post caesarean.
Where can I get help for breastfeeding?
If you need help at any time with breastfeeding you can contact the NCT or La Leche League for help. They have trained counsellors available to answer calls. Many areas have breastfeeding support groups or breastfeeding cafes run by Health Visitors and Breastfeeding Counsellors where you can drop in for help or advice. Your Midwife or Health Visitor will also be able to help you with any problems.
If you need help at any time with breastfeeding you can contact the NCT or La Leche League for help. They have trained counsellors available to answer calls. Many areas have breastfeeding support groups or breastfeeding cafes run by Health Visitors and Breastfeeding Counsellors where you can drop in for help or advice. Your Midwife or Health Visitor will also be able to help you with any problems.
Breastfeeding isn't always easy but it is extremely rewarding and the best start you can give your baby.
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