Can all mothers breastfeed?

Most mothers are able to breastfeed. If you do experience problems, however, speak to your health professional for advice. If you are on medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to breastfeed. If it is not safe, check whether it would be possible to change your medication to a safe alternative. In developed countries, women who are HIV positive are usually advised against breastfeeding because the risk of passing on the virus is greater than any of the risks associated with bottle feeding.

How can I prepare for breastfeeding?

You may be offered a breastfeeding class as part of your ante-natal care.  It is also helpful to talk to other breastfeeding mums so why not log on to HiPP Chat today and start a conversation? Also, try to read as much information as you can about breastfeeding. 

What equipment will I need to buy for breastfeeding?

• At least two breastfeeding bras; many department stores have staff who are trained to fit nursing bras. You can get measured up at 36 weeks or later.
• A good supply of breast pads- for both reassurance and emergencies!
• Muslins
• Bibs
• Bottles and teats if you wish to express
• A breast pump if you wish to express
• A steriliser [link to sterilising in Expert Advice bottle feeding] for bottles, teats, pump

How long can I breastfeed for?

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life. You can continue to breastfeed your baby for as long as you like; some mothers choose to breastfeed for just a few weeks or months, others continue until their baby is one year or older. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life. 

How will I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

You will know that your baby is getting enough breast milk if he or she...

• Seems content and relaxed after feeding.
• Takes 8 - 15 feeds per day after they are 3 - 4 days old, lengthening to 6 - 8 feeds after the first couple of weeks.
• Has at least 6 wet nappies a day after they are 4 - 5 days old.
• Has at least two bowel movements per day after they are 4 - 5 days old.
• Has a healthy glow to their skin and this is firm to touch.

Your baby will lose weight over the first few days and this is completely normal. After 3 days most babies start to put weight back on and you should begin to see signs of growth. Babies have usually regained their birthweight by 2 weeks old. If you are at all worried please speak to your midwife, health professional or doctor.

I am expecting twins. I’d like to breastfeed - is this feasible?

Yes, it is - your midwife or other health professional will give you advice about this.  You may choose to feed the babies together (with one under each arm!) or separately, but the body is a wonderful thing and you will make enough milk for two.  Initially you may need to feed the babies separately until the feeding is well established, but once you are confident in positioning and attaching one baby then the twins can be encouraged to feed at the same time. Or you can use a combination of breast and bottle feeding.  Good luck!

I’m pregnant and already have a very young baby. Will I be able to breastfeed a new baby as well?

Yes - this is called Tandem Breastfeeding. It is possible to continue feeeding an infant and a new born baby. The body will continue to produce breast milk throughout the pregnancy. However, around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy colostrum will be produced. As a result there will be less milk and the milk will have a different taste; it is at this point that some infants will decide to stop breast feeding.

It is important to note that the stimulation of the nipples during breast feeding can cause mild uterine contractions. If there is any risk of premature labour or miscarriage or if there is any bleeding during pregnancy, then it would be advisable to stop breastfeeding.

My nipples are very sore, what can I do to help them get better?

Sore nipples are quite common when you first start breastfeeding.  They can be a sign of your baby not being latched on properly or being in the wrong position, although sometimes it's just because your nipples are not yet used to baby feeding.  A nipple cream can help to relieve any pain you may experience. Your midwife or health visitor may also recommend using nipple shields for a couple of days to protect your nipples while baby is feeding.  Always let your nipples dry naturally after feeding before replacing your bra and make sure your breastpads are dry, so that your nipples do not become soggy.

If you are experiencing any problems with breastfeeding, please contact your doctor, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor who will be more than happy to help you sort the problem out.

I’ve just started breastfeeding and my breasts are very full and uncomfortable - is this normal?

After the first few days of producing colostrum, your breasts will start to produce larger quantities of milk (often referred to as your milk ‘coming in').  This can result for a day or two in overfull, swollen, uncomfortable breasts.  Make sure you wear a properly-fitting, supportive bra day and night.  Feed your baby frequently, feeding with both breasts each time and ensuring your baby is correctly positioned and attached to the breast.  If your breasts are too swollen for the baby to latch on properly, try expressing a little milk before feeding.  You can also try using warm flannels on your breasts to start the milk flowing. 

I have a hard, red, lumpy area on one of my breasts and it’s very painful. What is causing it?

The red lumpy area on the breast occurs when the breast milk leaks from the ducts to the tissues, which causes a localised inflammation or swelling.

This could be mastitis and you'll need to see your GP.  Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast which may also become infected, making you feel tired and flu-like.  It can be caused by your breasts not being effectively emptied when the baby feeds. 

The most common reason for mastitis is that the baby does not latch on properly to the breast and as a result the milk is not removed effectively. Your Health Visitor or Midwife will be able to offer guidance with correct positioning and attachment to the breast. Your doctor will advise you to keep on feeding your baby (stopping feeding with that breast will make the problem much worse) and if an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.