Breastfeeding basics: a survival guide for new mums

Breastfeeding, 0-3 months

Let's be honest. When it comes to breastfeeding you'll never be short of advice. This guide is designed to teach you the essentials — enough to help you become a confident breastfeeding mum, and find your own way.

Comfortable positions

All those tips your health visitor gave you have a sneaky way of disappearing when you're faced with breastfeeding on your own. Here's a round-up of the most popular positions:

Cradle hold

Hold your baby in the crook of your arm with their head and body turned towards you. Sometimes mums find it easier to place a pillow underneath their baby too.

Underarm hold

Sit up with your baby tucked under your arm, their feet pointing towards your back and head cradled in your hand.

Lying beside you

This position is good for mums who have had a caesarean because it means your baby can feed without putting weight on your tummy. Lie on your side with your baby alongside you and facing towards you.

Latching on

Figuring out how to get a good latch can feel like getting the keys to the breastfeeding universe. Here are some tips from UK midwife Vicki Scott to get you started:

If you feel, hear or see that your baby hasn't latched on properly, gently place your finger in the corner of their mouth and remove them from your breast when you see their mouth open, then try again. Taking your baby off if they’re not doing it correctly will help prevent damage to your nipples.

Let-down reflex

Let-down reflex is where the magic happens. By suckling on your breast, your baby triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin in your body. It's known as the happy hormone, but here it also makes your milk glands contract and eject milk. Many women experience it as a slight pulling or tingling sensation in their breasts or notice when their baby begins to swallow mouthfuls of milk.

How long should a feed last?

The length of a feed will depend on your breast storage capacity, the strength of your let-down reflex and your baby's age and appetite. Some newborns, for example, might feed for 10 minutes at a time, while others will take 30 minutes.
The good news is there's no perfect time you need to adhere to. Rather than watching the clock, look for a satisfied baby at the end of each feed, healthy growth and wet nappies. You’ll come to know what is a good feed for your baby as your breastfeeding becomes established.

How frequently should I feed?

It's best to let your baby feed whenever they want to establish a healthy supply of milk and stay in tune with your baby's needs. On average, babies feed 8-12 times per day in the first few months, although some will drink more frequently or as little as 6 times per day.

Once you've established a rhythm, you'll find that the frequency and length will probably decrease. You've both become more skilled at feeding and your little one is able to drink more milk in a single feed. A little word of warning: don't be too surprised if the pattern suddenly changes. In fact, expect that it will! Growth spurts, separation anxiety, teething or simply a change in routine are all very normal reasons why your baby might be feeding more or less than normal. So rather than feeding to a strict routine, aim to simply feed whenever your baby is hungry. Like this you’ll maintain your milk supply and keep in tune with your baby’s needs.

Does it matter which breast I offer?

Sharing is caring in the world of breastfeeding. Just as feeding frequently will lead to a higher and more stable supply of milk, so too will offering both breasts. It's also a good insurance policy should you run into trouble with one breast.

The best way to switch regularly between breasts is to keep track of your feeds and alternate which breast you offer first. Let your baby drain the first breast before offering the next. This helps him take more of the creamy, higher fat milk. And don't worry too much if they decide they've had enough after just one breast; some babies only need one breast, while others will regularly take both.

Time for a burp

Burping allows your baby to get rid of any excess air swallowed while feeding. Some mums like to burp their baby before offering the second breast, while others prefer to burp at the end of a feed.

There are a couple of ways to go about it:

1. Hold your baby against your shoulder and gently rub their back.

or

2. Sit your baby on your lap, slightly tilted forward. Place one hand under their chin for support, and gently rub their back with the other.

How do I know if I’m doing it right?

It's the million-dollar breastfeeding question. The truth is there is no single way to breastfeed, and it's completely normal to feel like you're not getting the hang of it when in fact you're doing just fine.

Here are some signs you’re on the right track:

A final note

Don't be scared to ask for advice — even if things appear to be going well. A lactation consultant or health visitor can put any niggling worries to rest or help you with a specific challenge such as latching or positioning.