Breastfeeding – What’s Best?

This week is World Breastfeeding Week – This campaign aims to inform, anchor and engage and take action on breastfeeding and related issues. 

To celebrate World Breastfeeding week, here is our guide to breastfeeding to help you decide what is best for you and your baby. 

Remember, your breastfeeding relationship should be guilt-free; it is about being connected to your baby and making sure they are nourished. However, there may be a few reasons as to why you don’t want to breastfeed or are unable to and that is completely okay and up to you. If you are a mum who has made the decision not to breastfeed, please remember you are still a good mum!

Doctors will recommend breastfeeding, as it provides the best source of nutrition to your baby and has a number of health benefits. Breastfeeding can be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it you will find it is the easiest way to feed your baby. It also has lots of benefits for both you and your baby…

Benefits for your baby:

  • Breast milk contains vitamins and minerals which will help with your baby’s development 
  • Always readily available for your baby wherever you are in the world, there’s no need to mess around with formula
  • Offers protection from certain infections 
  • Helps improve your babies long-term health 
  • Reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
  • Promotes baby’s healthy weight and decreases the chance of childhood obesity

Benefits for you:

  • Creates a wonderful bond between you and your baby, it’s a lovely way to feel close to each other and strengthen your bond
  • Your uterus gets back down to size – After birth, your uterus will gradually decrease in size day by day, but breastfeeding will speed this up
  • Releases a hormone called oxytocin that helps you feel calm and connected to your baby
  • Protects your health – Lowers your risk of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases 
  • It saves time and money – never have to pay a penny, is always readily available and the right temperature to drink

However, breastfeeding does come with its challenges…

  • Sore and cracked nipples – This happens when your baby is not well positioned or attached 
  • Not enough breast milk – it can take a while for you to feel comfortable that you are giving your baby what they need
  • Breast engorgement – you may feel that your breasts are too full of milk making them painful, hard and tight 
  • Baby does not latch on properly – Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby need to learn together and it may take a bit of time to get the hang of it
  • Thrush – this type of infection can happen when your nipples become cracked or damaged as a result of breastfeeding

Diet Requirements

While breastfeeding mothers can, and should, enjoy a great deal of variety in their diet, there are certain foods to avoid when breastfeeding. So, it’s important to know both what to eat and what not to eat when breastfeeding.

Foods which are good to eat while breastfeeding

  • Avocados – Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse for breastfeeding mothers as they help to combat nagging hunger. Avocados are nearly 80% fat, which can help maintain a feeling of fullness in addition to providing your body with heart-healthy fats. Avocados are also a good source of B vitamins, vitamin K, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
  • Vegetables – A good target for breastfeeding mothers is to consume 5 portions of vegetables per day. Vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. Some good options include carrots, tomatoes, spinach, red sweet peppers, kale, and sweet potatoes.
  • Oats – Oats are a commonly-consumed food among breastfeeding parents to help support milk supply. 
  • Nuts –  Nuts are high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc as well as vitamin K and B vitamins. They’re also a healthy source of essential fatty acids and protein. 
  • Protein – Protein is an important component of the breastfeeding diet. Most mothers require an extra 25 grams of protein each day. Good sources of protein include lean beef and pork, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.

Foods to avoid when breastfeeding

  • Tea and Coffee – Technically, not a food! But still one for you to avoid! Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep. It can also make it harder for you to nap when your baby is napping or to sleep at night.
  • “Gassy foods” – Such as cabbage and broccoli. These type of foods that give you gas can produce the same reaction in your baby
  • Chocolate –  Both the caffeine in chocolate and the fact that it can have a laxative effect on babies mean that you should avoid it or eat it in small quantities.
  • Garlic – Breast milk reflects the flavours of foods you’ve eaten, and many babies don’t like the taste of garlic. In some cases, it may cause them to refuse to nurse.
  • Peppermint, sage, and parsley – These herbs can have a negative impact on your milk supply. It’s best to minimise your consumption of them, especially if you have any indication that your baby isn’t getting enough breast milk when nursing.

Breastfeeding positions
There are a few different breastfeeding positions you can try and try to work out which is most comfortable for you and works best for you and your baby. 

  • Cradle Position – This is the most common and popular breastfeeding position, however if you have had a caesarean, this position may be uncomfortable for you.
    1. Lie your baby across your lap, facing you.
    2. Place your baby’s head on your forearm – nose towards your nipple. Your hand should support the length of their body.
    3. Place your baby’s lower arm under yours.
    4. Check to make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.
  • Side Lying – This is a good position if you’ve had a caesarean or difficult delivery, or if you’re breastfeeding in the middle of the night.
    1.  Start by getting comfy lying on your side. Your baby is facing you, so you are tummy to tummy.
    2. Check to make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line – not twisted.
    3. Put some cushions or pillows behind you for support. A rolled up baby blanket placed behind your baby will help support them – remember to remove it after you have finished feeding. If you’ve got a pillow under your head, make sure it’s not too close to your baby’s head or face.
    4. Tuck the arm you’re lying on under your head or pillow (ensuring your baby’s position isn’t altered by the pillow) and use your free arm to support and guide your baby’s head to your breast.
  • Laid Back Position – Laid-back breastfeeding, also known as biological nursing, is when you lie back in a comfortable semi-reclined position on a comfy sofa or bed.
    1. Lean back (but not flat) on a sofa or bed.
    2. Prop yourself up with cushions or pillows so your back, shoulders and neck feel supported.
    3. When you are comfortable, place your baby on your front. Their tummy should be resting on your tummy – but if this is uncomfortable, lie them to one side.
    4. Make sure you are upright enough to look into your baby’s eyes
    5. While supporting your baby, gently guide your baby to your nipple.
  • Rugby Hold – The rugby hold, or clutch, is good for caesarean babies, as there’s no pressure on the tummy and scar area. It also works well for twins, as you can feed them at the same time.
    1. Sit in a chair with a cushion or pillow along your side.
    2. Position your baby at your side (the side you want to feed from), under your arm, with their hips close to your hips. Your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple.
    3. Support your baby’s neck with the palm of your hand.
    4. Gently guide them to your nipple.

Resources

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