COMMON QUERIES
When to Start?
Begin as early as possible after delivery.
Once you’re ready, place your baby to your breast in a position that’s comfortable for both of you.
Guide your baby’s mouth to your nipple. When your baby is properly latched on your breast, their mouth should cover most of your areola.
Breastfeeding should not be painful. If it is, check the latching.
Explore different types of holds and choose the one that’s right for you and your baby.
There is a learning curve to breastfeeding. Have patience. It might take some time for you and the baby to adjust.
How Often to Feed
Feed your baby when they are hungry. There’s no set number of times your baby feeds. For many babies, this is every two to three hours.
Babies act alert, suck their fingers, or turn their head towards the breast when hungry. Look for these cues and feed the baby. Once the baby cries, it might be a late stage of hunger and more difficult to feed.
Try to feed from both breasts each time. Don’t alternate between breasts within the same feeding.
How Long to Feed?
Some babies feed for 10 minutes, and some for half an hour. Let the baby decide
Is The Milk Supply Adequate?
Your baby appears healthy and alert when awake.
From the fourth day, the baby should have at least 2 soft, yellow poos the size of a coin every day for the first few weeks.
From day 5 onwards, wet nappies should become more frequent, with at least 6 times every 24 hours. In the first 48 hours, your baby is likely to wet nappies only 2 or 3 times.
Steadily gain weight after the initial loss.
Type of Food to be Consumed While Lactating?
Milk and other sources of calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, tofu, salmon, almonds, calcium-enriched fruit juice, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and dried beans and peas.
Going Back to Work
You can pump or “express” your milk and refrigerate it so that someone else can feed your baby from a bottle.
Are There Any Foods or Drinks to Be Avoided During Lactation?
Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol consumption is recommended.
Avoid self-medication. Many drugs reach the baby through your milk. Your doctor will choose safe ones for you.
Is It Necessary to Burp a Baby After Every Feed?
It’s a good practice to put the baby on your shoulder after feeding. However, if the baby is already asleep and comfortable, it’s safe to let them sleep without burping.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Breast Size Is Small
The size of the breast doesn’t affect your ability to feed.
My Baby Is Not Latching to the Breast
You can pump the milk using a breast pump and feed through a palada or a bottle. Try to feed each time before using the pump
I Have Cuts on the Nipple
You can use nipple creams and a nipple shield. Check if the baby is latching properly. If the cuts are deep and painful, report to your doctor.
My Breasts Are Painful and Swollen and I Am Feeling Feverish
Your breast may be engorged. You can manually express some milk and discard it if there’s plenty. If there is an area of redness, a localized area of pain, or persistent fever, seek help.
Remember, the only proven things to ensure a good supply of milk are, your desire to feed and the baby’s sucking. Be relaxed, learn the holds and techniques, understand the baby’s cues and schedule. It will come naturally to you both. Wishing you all the best!