Preparing yourself for BREASTFEEDING

So many mothers are still uncertain prior to the birth of their children and even within the first few hours after birth about breastfeeding and issues related to it. Let us reinforce the practical side of Breast Feeding.

Also see: Practical Breastfeeding
1. Breast Issues
Many mothers are anxious about the possibility to breast feed if they have small breasts, overly large breasts or inverted nipples. They key message here is that all mothers will be able to breast feed regardless of the size or shape of the breast and nipple, do not let anyone tell you otherwise.


2. Starting the process.

Remember that while you are uncertain, your baby is developed in a way that he/she knows EXACTLY what to do after birth when they search for the nipple and attach. The basics rule is to hold you baby in the correct position and bring the baby to the breast. The rest will follow naturally in most instances.

Correct positioning:

- Skin to skin contact is very important

- Find yourself in a comfortable position

- Support your baby’s head and neck bringing the baby close to your body

- The baby’s arm should not be trapped between you and him, therefore the arm should be stretched “around” your body

- The nose and mouth should be opposite to the nipple



3. Milk Issues.

Numerous mothers believe that they have no milk. Remember that Colostrum will be present in very small, concentrated amounts. Your breast will only become full of milk in about 48 hours after the child’s birth. Being patient, calm and staying well hydrated is best way of insuring good milk production. There are certain medications that may be discussed with your medical doctor.

Correct attachment:

- The mouth should be wide open not sucking on the nipple but rather on the areolar area. Little of this dark brown area should be visible with correct attachment.

- The chin should touch the breast

- The lower lip should be curled over




4. My baby found the breast, I have milk and he is sucking. Now what?

- Call your midwife or dietitian for help as early as possible of needed with regards to any concerns. Remember that tension and stress can cause problems in breastfeeding. Try to relax as much as possible

- Feed on demand. You and your baby will soon get into a routine

- Babies sleep for longer periods within the first few weeks. If he wakes up to feed and is gaining weight well, there is no need to wake him/her up. This may differ between individuals, do discuss with your health care practitioner.

- In general the baby should feed 8 to even 12 times per day on demand

- Feed on one breast until the breast is empty to get both fore and hind milk to the baby. Then change breasts.

- Your baby does not need any other food or fluid, breast milk is more than enough.



Breast feed your baby according to your established natural routine and patterns. Follow the growth curve to see if your baby is gaining well. If the baby is feeding regularly and gaining weight well, there is no need to worry and you are doing things correctly.