Breastfeeding tips
Mums share their experiences
‘My baby is refusing to breastfeed!’ This is a common statement made by first-time mums, after a nurse gives them the baby to breastfeed for the first time. Frustrated and confused, they end up crying. First-time mums must be painfully familiar with this scenario.
Esther Wahome who delivered her second child- baby Eldad Mureithi, in September 2006 said, ‘He is not able to finish all the milk and because of this, my breasts tend to become very painful.’
‘We struggled to teach each other and finally got the hang of it.’
When Georgette Oduor delivered a baby girl, Jazmynne Oduor, she was both excited and frustrated: ‘No one tells you exactly what to expect… I never knew you had to teach your baby how to suckle. The first time I breastfed her, I learnt that it does not work the at the very first try. So we struggled to teach each other, and finally got the hang of it.’ Georgette, like many first-time-mums, believed that her baby would come equipped with breast-suckling knowledge!
Introduced to formula milk while in hospital
Debbie Asila of Tattuu said that she breastfed her baby, Milan; for only one month. ‘When I gave birth my breasts didn’t have milk, and she was introduced to formula milk in hospital.’
The first week after delivery, is the most crucial period in establishing a breastfeeding relationship between mum and baby. If you are a first-time mum it is a period of learning for you and your baby. If you have had a baby before, you will be reminding yourself- but because every baby is different, you will also be learning a few new tricks! With just a little practice you should get things under control.
It is advisable to put your baby to the breast as early as possible. Breasts respond to demand, and therefore do not wait for the milk to come before starting. At this time your breasts will produce colostrum, a thin, yellow, milky fluid which comes out of breasts for three to four days after delivery. Colostrum is of great value to your baby, as it is rich in antibodies, which will protect your baby from disease. Do not let it spill to waste!
There is great temptation to supplement the baby’s feeding, especially when the mother suspects her baby is not suckling well. Simply bear in mind that a newborn, unless the mother has HIV,should ideally feed on nothing other than breast milk. Water, cow milk, other liquids and solids are not recommended for newborn babies, except under medical guidance. If your baby is not suckling well, you should consult your doctor immediately for appropriate advice.
Hurried or incomplete feeding
First you need to make the time to breastfeed. Hurried or incomplete feeding can affect both you and your baby, especially if it becomes a habit. Also ensure that you are not nervous; some mothers are quite tense when breastfeeding in public. If breastfeeding in-between chores, ensure that you have finished the task at hand, before settling down to breastfeed. For instance; it is not advisable to breastfeed while cooking a meal. Most likely the breastfeeding session will be interrupted, sometimes severally, as you keep going to regularly check, on the food on the cooker.
Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed. If possible, have your back supported against a wall or chair. During the early days, you are probably trying to get used to breastfeeding and may be feeding the baby for up to one hour. Comfort is therefore crucial.
Positioning the baby while breastfeeding
To suckle effectively, your baby must be properly latched on to the breast. Proper positioning and attachment will help increase your milk supply, and prevent breast problems such as sore or cracked nipples. It will also make you and your baby more comfortable and satisfied during breastfeeding.
Some tips to get you started
Hold the baby close to you facing the breast.
Support the baby’s head, shoulders and bottom.
Support your breast with the thumb and index finger on top, and the other fingers below. Brush your nipple against the baby’s lower lip. This stimulates the baby to open her mouth—known as rooting reflex—and grasp the breast.
Alternatively you can squeeze a little milk out of your breast, open your baby’s mouth using a clean finger, and put the milk in her mouth. Once the baby tastes the milk she will open her mouth and seek the breast.
As you ease the nipple and areola into the baby’s mouth, make sure the nipple is centered; this helps prevent the nipple from becoming sore. The whole nipple up to the areola (dark area around the nipple), must be in the baby’s mouth. Proper positioning promotes good attachment, as the baby squeezes the area behind the nipple with her mouth, leading to more effective suckling.
Once your baby has finished suckling one breast or it ‘feels’ empty, remove her from the nipple. Break the suction by inserting your finger into her mouth and gently pressing her chin down. Offer her the other breast.
If you get into the habit of offering your baby alternative breasts, both your breasts will store milk. The baby’s sucking stimulates the breasts to store milk. If you focus on one breast the neglected one becomes ‘lazy’, and will not produce as much milk! Regular suckling is what gives you regular milk supply.
While breastfeeding, take time to bond with your baby. Achieve as much skin contact as you can, and touch your baby lightly. Stroking your baby on the cheek also arouses the rooting reflex which helps the baby open her mouth wide. Bond further by looking into your baby’s eyes and even talking to her!
When your baby is full, she will most likely fall asleep soon after suckling!
How do you tell whether your baby is well attached and suckling effectively?
o The baby’s mouth will be open,
o The baby’s chin will be touching your breast.
o The baby’s lower lip will be turned outwards,
o The baby’s cheek will be flattened against your breast,
o The breast looks rounded during a feed.
o A lot of the darkened area of your breast (areola), should be in the baby’s mouth.
o You should only hear low deep sucks as the baby suckles and pauses.
END: BL 4/56-58