EXPERT ANSWERS TO BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS

We look at three of the questions about breastfeeding that are most frequently Googled, and have the answers for you.

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Especially for first-time mothers, breastfeeding can seem daunting, and many need a bit of help to get going. The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so what better time to discuss the issues that concern new moms?

1. HOW DO I BREASTFEED?

Choose a comfortable position, supported by cushions. Find out what works for you, don’t just rely on advice from others. Watch for signs that the baby is hungry (turning head from side to side or chewing her first) – crying is a ‘too late’ hungry sign that makes feeding more difficult, as you have to calm her down first! Baby needs to ‘latch on’ properly to drink. Here are a few basics:

• Bring baby level with your nipple. You’ll get backache if you lean forward, so use a cushion under your arm if necessary.
• Rest her body against yours with feet supported so she feels secure. Pull her closer by pushing on her back, not the back of her head.
• Touch her bottom lip with your nipple to encourage her to open her mouth and latch on.
• If it’s painful, gently detach her – put your finger between her gums and try again.

2. FOR HOW LONG SHOULD I BREASTFEED?
This is a personal decision so there’s no ‘right’ answer. But the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding exclusively (without any other food) for at least the first six months; then continue together with other foods until two years of age. Breast milk helps to build up resistance to infection and prevent allergies. If you’re battling to produce enough milk – or experiencing other problems – don’t give up right away. La Leche League is an international organisation dedicated to promoting and enabling breastfeeding. Contact them for help with any breastfeeding problems (see Where to Find Help).

Related article: Tips for first-time parents



DID YOU KNOW?
Colostrum is a fluid that’s released by the breasts before milk production begins. It’s highly nutritious and helps build baby’s immunity.

3. IS IT NORMAL FOR ONE BREAST TO PRODUCE MORE MILK?

It’s common for moms to notice that their breasts are not the same size during breastfeeding and that one breast may seem ‘lazier’ than the other in milk production. Your baby also might prefer one side, or drink more easily from one breast. Offer both breasts at each feed. As the breasts empty, this is the signal that stimulates further milk production, even for the ‘lazy’ breast. Offering both breasts makes sure that your baby gets enough milk at every feed. What you do need to watch out for is if the bigger breast feels hard. It may be engorged (too full of milk) which is painful for you and makes it difficult for baby to latch on. You can either hand express some milk before a feed or gently massage the area around the nipple to make it softer.

Related article: How to establish a sleep routine for your little one

HANDY HELPERS
Having these items on hand will make your breastfeeding journey a bit easier.

• MATERNITY BRA
  Supports your breasts while allowing you to unclip the cups for easy feeding.
  
  
• NURSING PADS
  They are shaped to fi t into your bra, to catch any leaks.
  
  
• NIPPLE CREAM
  Good for soothing sore and cracked nipples. Make sure it’s fragrance-free so baby doesn’t get put off by taste or smell.
  
  
• BREAST PUMP
  You will need one if you want to express milk for a night feed – or if you’re going back to work but want to continue breastfeeding.

TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS

• CRACKED NIPPLES
  Try a warm or cold compress. Breast milk rubbed on the nipples can also be soothing.

• FOR MASTITIS
  This is a very painful inflammation of the breast tissue. Apply cold cabbage leaves from the fridge to the breast for about 20 minutes.

• IF YOU’RE HIV-POSITIVE
  If you’re taking your antiretroviral medication regularly and your viral load was kept low during your pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding for six months is recommended to prevent transmission of HIV to your baby. This means no food other than breast milk.

WHERE TO FIND HELP:
La Leche League SA (find a trained volunteer near you and helpful information): lllsa.org/contact

Related article: Not just the baby blues

 JET CLUB HELPLINES
PERSONAL HEALTH ADVISOR
For free advice on breastfeeding or other aspects of baby care, Jet Club members can call our helpline.

SA & Namibia
0800 00 45 45

Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland
+2711 991 8258