Breast milk and breastfeeding are naturally better for mums and their little ones.

What mums like about breastfeeding

Nature has provided mums with the perfect food for babies - breastmilk. You can give your baby something that no one else can, and it's natural, free and environmentally-friendly. Here's what some women we spoke to about breastfeeding said.....

"I like that closeness. That 'Mum' thing, it’s just nice to hold them and it’s time out. You can sit down and just spend some quiet time with them".

"I loved doing it, it was very enjoyable and I miss it".

"I didn’t have any problems. I was really lucky, she just fed. Cross my fingers for the next one".

"I loved the big boobs, it was great".

"It was easy. I could just pack a nappy bag and go and I didn’t have to bother with washing bottles and sterilising ".

"When my child is screaming, I can feed her straight away. It's instant. You don’t have to take the bottle out, wash it, put it in the fridge, it’s very convenient".

"The immunity they get, the antibodies you pass on to them - that was important".

"If you were going to bottle feed for a year, it’s going to cost you $20 a week. I would prefer to keep that in my pocket".

Breastfeeding benefits for you and baby

It is recommended that babies are fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months of their life, with the gradual introduction of solids after that.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mums are:

You recover faster from childbirth as the uterus regains its pre-pregnancy size sooner.
You have a decreased risk of haemorrhage after childbirth.
You return to pre-pregnancy weight faster
You have a decreased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers in later life
You have a decreased risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis (brittle bones)
Diabetic mums who breastfeed are better able to control their diabetes and have less need for insulin.
Breastmilk is fresh, clean and safe.
Breastmilk is always available at the right temperature

Breastmilk is convenient, and it will save you time
as you do not need to prepare formula and sterilise bottles
It is always ready for your baby.
Breast milk is free.
You can save more than $1,000 in the first year of your baby's life by breastfeeding and not buying formula.

The benefits of breast feeding for your baby are:

Breast milk has everything a baby needs for the first 6-months of its life. It contains just the right amount of protein, fat and carbohydrate to ensure your baby's healthy growth and development. It is also a good source of food for your baby even when they are 12 months old (and older)!

Breastfeeding also protects babies against:

Diarrhoea
Ear infections
Chest infections, including pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Meningitis
Asthma
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

There is also increasing evidence that breastfed babies are less likely to develop chronic illness later in life, such as:

Diabetes
Obesity
Coeliac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)

More benefits for baby and for mum:

Breastmilk is a powerful pain killer, and breastfeeding is a great way to soothe an upset baby.
Skin to skin contact between babies and their mothers, particularly for newborn and preterm babies, can increase intelligence and lower infection rates. Research has shown that babies fed milk other than breastmilk have lower scores on intelligence tests than breastfed babies.
Breastfeeding enhances eyesight, speech and jaw development.
Breastfed babies have fewer developmental problems than formula fed babies.

Making plans for breastfeeding success

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life. It is also a wonderful way for mother and baby to bond.

Getting support from family and friends is a good way to help you get started and continue breastfeeding for at least six months.

You should start making plans for how you are going to feed your newborn baby while you are still pregnant. This may be the only time you have to think clearly about your preferences and to gather information from books or other mums. Do not be afraid to ask for advice. Most experienced mums are happy to help. Take it from someone who knows:

"I would have liked to have found things out earlier - there’s nothing worse than you’ve just had a baby and now you’re trying to breastfeed and you’re still trying to find out how to do it".

Visit the breastfeeding planner section for your copy of the CABOOLTURE mums & little ones breastfeeding planner. The planner will help you to think about your plans for breastfeeding, where to get any information you might need and building a support network.

Especially for first-time mums

Most people know that breastfeeding is important, but many new mums find it difficult to start or to stick with it. Having a good plan for how you are going to feed your baby when he/she arrives is the best way to make sure you and your baby will be happy and healthy.

Learning how to breastfeed properly is like learning any new skill. It will take you some time, patience, and practice.

The how-to of breastmilk and breastfeeding

Breastmilk is made within the glands in the breast, in response to hormones produced while you are pregnant. The glands connect to the nipple by special channels called milk ducts. When the milk ducts reach the areola (the dark patch of skin around the nipple) they expand into sinuses of pooled breastmilk directly underneath the areola. When a baby attaches properly to the breast, its mouth, jaw and tongue compress the areola causing the breastmilk to flow out of the nipple.

The let down reflex

When your baby starts suckling on the breast, this triggers the glandular tissue to contract and squeeze the breastmilk out of the glands, where it makes its journey through the milk ducts into the sinuses. This is called the 'let down' reflex or 'milk ejection' reflex. This reflex can be felt as a very strong tingling feeling followed by a sensation of fullness in the breast.

Some mothers notice the reflex while feeding because their baby's sucking rhythm changes or milk is dripping from their nipple. The reflex can occur many times during a feed, but it is usually only during the very first feed that mums really notice it. Some women experience this reflex just by thinking of their baby or hearing their baby cry.

Establishing breastfeeding

The first hour

Research suggests that feeding your baby as soon as possible after birth increases the chance that you experience breastfeeding success. So as soon as your baby is born, they should be placed onto your stomach and not removed until they have had their first feed. Bathing, weighing, measuring and immunising the baby can wait until after the first feed.

Babies that are born naturally, and without painkillers in their system (from pain relieving drugs given to mum during labour) will make their way from their mother's stomach to the breast unaided. The baby takes about twenty minutes to make this journey and after finding the breast will search for the nipple. Mothers and babies who experience this uninterrupted contact appear to have greater success in establishing and maintaining breastfeeding.

Tips for new mums - breastfeeding in the first hour

When you are pregnant, at each contact with hospital staff, remind them that you intend to breastfeed as soon as the baby is born. Advise staff that you want bathing, weighing, measuring and immunisation to take place after the first feed and ask them to make note of this on your file.
If you want to breastfeed your baby it is best to try to not use painkilling drugs. If you want or need to take painkillers during labour, avoid pethidine, particularly in the last stage of labour. Pethidine passes from the mother to the baby. Babies with pethidine in their system have been found to have difficulty breastfeeding in the first hour.
It is also important to advise staff that in the case of emergency you want to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible and that you want separation from the baby to be as brief as possible. Also advise staff that you will express breastmilk for your baby during any separations and that you do not want your baby to be given formula.

The first week

The first week is a steep learning curve.
Establishing breastfeeding will be easier of you're as relaxed and comfortable as possible and feeding as frequently as your baby wants. The first week is not the best time to be trying to implement a routine. Babies are born with a strong desire to suckle and are soothed and relaxed by being held by you. Trying to change the behaviour of the baby in the first week will only put pressure on you and make the baby unsettled.

Tips for mums in first week

Throw away the clock and allow him or her unrestricted access to the breast. This will help to drain your breasts and increase your milk supply.
Do not time breastfeeds, let your baby feed until he or she finishes spontaneously.
It is normal for baby to feed 8 to 12 times a day in the first few weeks after birth.
Let the baby finish the first breast spontaneously before offering the other.
Get as much assistance and information on proper attachment and positioning as possible. Good attachment is the key to breastfeeding success.
Babies do need to be fed at night. Night feeds stop your breasts from becoming uncomfortable. Night feeds are easier if you have your baby in your room with you so he or she can easily be bought into the bed. Feeding your baby in bed allows you both to slip back to sleep. Co-sleeping is natural and is not harmful to your baby, and is the best way of lessening disruption to your sleep. If you don't feel comfortable sleeping with your baby, make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed while feeding.
All mums need to make up for lost sleep by taking a nap and resting as much as possible during the day.

Meeting your baby's changing needs: week 1 and beyond

Breastfeeding is a skill that mothers and babies learn over time. Sometimes breastfeeding can be a real challenge, so it is important to get as much support as possible. The Australian Breastfeeding Association is one source of support for mums. The association offers support from other breastfeeding mums in the community as well as trained counsellors. The association also has a comprehensive research library that covers every imaginable breastfeeding issue.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough?

If your baby is being fed only breastmilk you should feel confident that he or she is getting enough if:

They appear alert;
They have good skin colour and muscle tone;
They are gaining some weight and growth in length and head circumference;
They are reaching normal milestones; and
They have at least 6 to 8 thoroughly wet cloth nappies or 5 heavily wet disposable nappies in a 24-hour period. A very young baby will usually have 2 or more soft bowel movements a day for several weeks. An older baby will have fewer than this.

There is also a useful fact sheet from Queensland Health.

How do I know when to stop breastfeeding?

When and how you wean your baby off breastmilk is entirely up to you and your baby. Remember, it is recommended that babies are fed exclusively on breastmilk for 6 months, with the gradual introduction of solids after that. Even after introducing solids, you can continue to breastfeed your baby for as long as it is still working for you and your baby.

There is no evidence that breastfeeding your baby into early childhood is harmful in any way, as long as he or she is also getting other types of food after 6 months of age.

There are three types of approaches to weaning: mutual weaning, mother-led weaning and baby-led weaning.

Mutual weaning

As more and more solid foods are offered to babies their interest in breast milk begins to lessen and mums don't offer or insist that they take the breast. Over time, the length of time between feeds gets longer until babies are not having any breastfeeds at all. This weaning method is really flexible, and if at any time things change, such as the baby becoming ill, breastfeeding can be re-established.

The advantages of mutual weaning are that;

The baby still receives the benefits of breastmilk;
The mother does not get painful engorged breasts; and
There is little emotional upheaval as the mother and baby have time to adjust to not having a breastfeeding relationship.

Mother-led weaning

Mother-led weaning involves the mother gradually stopping to offer the breast by replacing the breast milk with other foods and liquids. Mums using this method often start by cutting out daytime feeds, then night and morning feeds. This method can be unsettling for the baby and strategies to find alternative ways of comforting the baby need to be found.

Baby-led weaning

Sometimes babies lose interest in the breast before mums are ready to give up. As babies reach the end of their first year, it is normal for them to lose interest in the breast. For younger babies, or if your toddler seems unwell, then other reasons for breast refusal need to be investigated.

Signs of baby-led weaning are:

Not asking for feeds,
Fidgeting at the breast,
Refusing to take the breast.

If mums are not ready to wean, it is not uncommon for them to feel rejected, disappointed and angry. You might need some emotional support to adjust to the change in your relationship with your baby.

More thoughts from mums on breastfeeding

There are some important things for new mums to consider about breastfeeding. One of the mums we spoke to said:

"A friend wanted to breast feed, but found it too painful. She gave up very quickly. She hadn’t been taught that it hurts to begin with and that you’ve got to expect some initial discomfort. You just think that it’s all going to happen and it’s wonderful and it’s easy. Women need to know before they have a child that breastfeeding may hurt, but it’s worth it".

To find out more about breastfeeding and/or making a plan to breastfeed, check out the support services listed below.

Breastfeeding support in Caboolture

A partner's role in breastfeeding is an important one.

Approval and support are the two most important factors influencing the decision to breastfeed. Here are tips on ways your partner can support your decision to breastfeed.

Advice especially for partners

When your partner is pregnant you should:

Find out a little bit about breastfeeding. You're making a good start by reading this section of the CABOOLTURE mums & little ones website!
Encourage your partner to think about breastfeeding and tell her about all the benefits.
Encourage your partner to attend the breastfeeding education classes that are run through the hospital, and offer to go along with her.
Go shopping for a maternity bra with her

After your baby is born you can help your partner by:

Checking that the baby has attached properly, especially in the first week.
Removing negative influences from extended family (see below) or when nursing in public.
Getting your partner a glass of water and perhaps some food while she is feeding the baby.
Settling the baby after a feed by burping, cuddling or rocking him/her.
Changing the baby's nappies.
Picking the baby up when he/she cries.
Caring for the baby when your partner is taking care of herself. This includes when your partner is having a nap, taking a shower or wants to go for a nice walk.
Doing a load of washing or tidying-up a bit.

Family support is important too.

The support of family is vital and can make all the difference to the happiness and wellbeing of mums and babies.

It is important for family members to remember that over time our understanding of how breastfeeding works and its benefits has changed. Society's attitudes towards breastfeeding have also changed over time. It is really helpful to breastfeeding mothers when family members accept that what was once considered the best way to feed a baby may no longer be ideal. If you are concerned about what is happening, there is a huge amount of information available through Australian Breastfeeding Association and at most child health clinics and maternity hospitals.

When you come to visit the new baby, be prepared for the fact that the baby may need to be breastfed while you are there. Remember that breastfeeding is natural and healthy for mum and baby. If you feel uncomfortable, distract yourself, but most importantly for the well-being of the mother and baby, do not be critical of breastfeeding.

Advice for family and friends

When the baby is born it is best that mums and babies have a lot of quiet time together. New mums need time to get to know this new person in their lives. Having quiet time together will also help new mums learn how to breastfeed their babies properly.

Sometimes families put so much focus on the baby that mums get forgotten. Remember that happy mothers make happy, healthy babies, so always be positive. Avoid being critical of mums.

If you want to be a positive supportive influence in the life of mums and babies, here are a few things you can do:

If a mum is unsure that she is doing the right thing or best thing for her baby, tell her that you believe that she is doing a fabulous job.
If a mum seems a bit unhappy and hasn't been out of the house for days, pay her a visit and bring over some nice food and positive conversation to brighten her day.
Ask a mum how she is feeling and listen to her response.
Don't take over and tell a mum what to do. Show confidence in her abilities by letting her show you.
Show that you believe that she is a good mother by always speaking positively of her to others and always saying positive things to her.
Praise her for all the things she does for her baby every day.
Compliment her on her appearance from time to time.
On a practical level, helping out with meals and housework can really take the load off a mum.
Care for the baby while mum catches up on some sleep, or has a shower, or does some exercise.
Bring along some food to share when you visit or even cook her a meal for the freezer
Do a load of washing or tidy up a bit.
Take her a glass of water while she feeds the baby.
Always be positive about her decision to breastfeed.

Other sources of support in Caboolture

Caboolture Hospital.

Join our community forum and talk to other mums about breastfeeding.

Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Planning to breastfeed