Top Breastfeeding Tips

These helpful tips from the Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia will go a long way towards giving you and your baby an enjoyable breastfeeding experience.

Remember The Golden Rule Of Breastfeeding - Supply Equals Demand
It helps to keep in mind that your breasts are not containers, but a "factory" where the greater the demand for the product, the more there is produced.

The more milk your baby takes, the more milk you will make. Unrestricted breastfeeding is the key to a good milk supply and may also prevent many breastfeeding problems.

Good Positioning And Attachment Are The Keys To Effective Breastfeeding
Babies breastfeed, not "nipplefeed". Your baby must have a good mouthful of breast tissue and he must be positioned so that your breast isn't pulled out of shape (and out of his mouth).

In order to get that good mouthful, your baby needs to open his mouth wide and then be held close to your body, chest to chest, chin to breast.

The Let-down Reflex Ensures Your Baby Receives Your Milk
Your baby's suckling at your breast sends nerve impulses to your brain, causing the release of prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are involved in the production of milk and in releasing the milk from the "storage" areas in your breasts, letting it down to the nipples.

Often you will know your milk has let down by feeling a tingling sensation or a feeling of breast fullness or milk leaking from the other breast. Occasionally this is painful, especially if your breasts are very full.

You will notice that your baby's sucking action changes from a suck/suck/suck to a suck/swallow/suck/swallow rhythm as the let-down provides a rush of milk for him.

This let-down needs to occur for your baby to get all the milk available in your breasts.

Breastmilk Is Easily And Rapidly Digested, So Breastfed Babies Feed Frequently
Your baby takes different amounts from feed to feed. The composition of your milk varies in its balance of fat and water content. Each baby has a different feeding pattern.

Your baby may need to feed as many as 10 to 15 times or as few as 6 to 8 times in 24 hours.

Some babies feed quickly, others slowly; some feed in spurts, some space feeds out; some want one breast each feed, others want both. All these patterns are fine.

However your baby feeds, your breastmilk is nutritionally unique with just the right amount and types of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and nutrients.

Delaying Or Restricting Breastfeeds Leads To More Problems
Putting off your baby's feeds, or trying to ration feeds, leads to a cycle of problems. Your breasts will become engorged and painful, so your baby will find it hard to attach at the next feed.

This may lead to a blocked duct or cracked nipple and then to mastitis . This may mean you dread each breastfeed, feed even less often and your milk supply will gradually be affected.

Have Faith In Your Body And Surround Yourself With Positive Support
Your body has nurtured your baby throughout your pregnancy and will continue to do so during lactation.

You and your baby learn to breastfeed together. Trust your baby to know how much breastmilk he needs - you will get to know your baby's cues.

You can learn a lot from experienced breastfeeding mothers and the right information and encouragement can make a real difference.

Accept All Offers Of Help
Only you can breastfeed your baby - anyone can help you with housework or shopping. Rest and find time for yourself when your baby is sleeping.

Most of all, enjoy this precious time nurturing your baby. You are providing him with the healthiest future you can.