Breastfeeding

Supporting Information

Many new mothers need encouragement and help to begin breastfeeding. Another woman who has successfully breastfed or a family member, friend or member of a women's breastfeeding support group can help a mother overcome uncertainties and prevent difficulties.

How the mother holds her baby and how the baby takes the breast in the mouth are very important. Holding the baby in a good position makes it easier for the baby to take the breast well into the mouth and suckle.

Signs that the baby is in a good position for breastfeeding are:

• the baby's whole body is turned towards the mother
• the baby is close to the mother
• the baby is relaxed and happy.

Holding the baby in a poor suckling position can cause such difficulties as:

• sore and cracked nipples
• not enough milk
• refusal to feed.

Signs that the baby is feeding well:

• the baby's mouth is wide open
• the baby's chin is touching the mother's breast
• more of the dark skin around the mother's nipple can be seen above the baby's mouth than below it
• the baby takes long, deep sucks
• the mother does not feel any pain in the nipple.

Almost every mother can produce enough milk when:

• she breastfeeds exclusively
• the baby is in a good position and has the breast well in the mouth
• the baby feeds as often and for as long as he or she wants, including during the night.

From birth, the baby should breastfeed whenever he or she wants to. If a newborn sleeps more than three hours after breastfeeding, he or she may be gently awakened and offered the breast.

Crying is not a sign that the baby needs other foods or drinks. It normally means that the baby needs to be held and cuddled more. Some babies need to suckle the breast for comfort. More suckling will produce more breastmilk.

Mothers who fear that they do not have enough breastmilk often give their babies other food or drink in the first few months of life. But this causes the baby to suckle less often, so less breastmilk is produced. The mother will produce more milk if she does not give the child other food or drink and breastfeeds often.

Pacifiers, dummies or bottles should not be given to breastfed babies because the sucking action for these is very different from suckling at the breast. Using pacifiers or bottles could cause the mother to produce less breastmilk and the baby to reduce or stop breastfeeding.

Mothers need to be reassured that they can feed their young babies properly with breastmilk alone. They need encouragement and support from the child's father, their families, neighbours, friends, health workers, employers and women's organizations.

Breastfeeding can provide an opportunity for a mother to rest. Fathers and other family members can help by encouraging the mother to rest quietly while she breastfeeds the baby. They can also make sure the mother has enough food and help with household tasks.