Feeding your baby

Breastfeeding - Off to the best start

• Breastfeeding in Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood Nottinghamshire

• Breastfeeding Support in Bassetlaw
   
• Breastfeeding Support in Nottingham
   
• Start4Life Guide to bottle feeding
   
• More milk for Babies
   
• Breastfeeding challenges and advice.

Should I express my breasts antenatally?

Yes, a great idea. Have a go from 37 weeks pregnant. Don’t worry if colostrum (first milk) doesn’t appear at first. Ask your community midwife for help.

It’s a great way to get familiar with your breasts and how they work. In some cases it’s very helpful to collect and store any available colostrum e.g. if you are a woman with diabetes and your baby will have special nutritional needs at first.

Do I need a breast pump?

No, not necessarily. You may choose to get one later, for example if you return to work whilst breastfeeding but it is not necessary. Wait and see.

What about skin to skin contact?

Skin to skin contact between mum and baby as soon as possible after birth and ideally continuing until the baby is ready and able to breastfeed really does help get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Will I get sore nipples?

The best way to avoid sore nipples is to ensure baby is feeding in the correct way (see The Mothers Guide to Breastfeeding, which is available from your midwife). Sore nipples are not a natural part of breastfeeding but you will need help to make sure they do not develop.

Will I have enough milk?

If the baby is feeding correctly at the breast and feeds as often as he or she wishes you will have enough milk for not just one but even two or three babies! It is unusual not to be able to produce enough milk. Remember it is a natural thing to do for both you and your baby.

If I need medication in labour will it affect my breast milk?

Sometimes you may be advised to have medication in labour. It will be possible to breastfeed even if you do because drugs are chosen to avoid the risk of affecting breast milk. If you needed a drug which was unsuitable, which is unlikely, you would be informed.

Some medication such as pethidine which is given in labour affects the baby directly, although temporarily, and the baby may initially be a bit sleepy and unwilling to feed. In this case you may need to express your breasts and give the milk to your baby until he or she is ready to breastfeed.