breast

feeding

As well as helping to protect your little one from illness, breastfeeding is great for bonding, and it's hassle-free, too. It does take a bit of practice - but you'll soon be a natural.

Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor. A nursing pillow or
cushion will help raise your baby to the right height. Hold her so
that her head and body are in a straight line, with her tummy
facing you and your nipple pointing to her nose.
Gently touch your baby’s nose and top lip with your nipple. When
she opens her mouth, quickly bring her towards you so she takes
a large mouthful of breast, with your nipple towards the roof of
her mouth.
Make sure she’s taken all the nipple and some of the areola
(the darker area around it). Her mouth should be wide open,
with her tongue down and bottom lip curled back towards her
chin (you should be able to see more of the areola above her
mouth than below).
Your baby should take some quick, shallow sucks to start with,
then settle into a longer rhythm once your milk starts flowing.
Her cheeks should look rounded, not pinched (you can tell if
she’s getting any milk by watching to see if she’s swallowing)
and her chin should be against your breast – if it hurts, chances
are she’s not latched on properly.
She should finish the feed of her own accord. If she still
seems hungry, offer her the other breast. If for some reason
you need to unlatch her before she’s ready, pop your little
finger in the side of her mouth to break the suction.
Your baby’s tummy is tiny, so she’ll be feeding every two to three
hours at first. It can feel like a full-time job – so rest up as much
as you can.
 
You may experience some of these – here’s what to do.
soreness
Some soreness is normal
as your nipples adjust to
your baby’s suck for the first
few days. But if they’re
unbearably sore, cracked or
bleeding, there could be a
problem with your
positioning, so ask your
midwife for advice.
engorgement
When your milk comes in,
your breasts may feel hot,
sore and swollen. It will
pass, but you can try feeding
your baby every two to three
hours to empty the breast,
taking a warm, soothing
shower, or popping cooling
breast gel pads in your bra.
mastitis
If, in addition to the above
symptoms, you have a fever
and feel unwell, you may
have mastitis – an infected
milk duct. This may require
antibiotics, so see your GP.
leaking
It's normal to leak at first, so
you'll need plenty of breast
pads (you can buy washable
ones). When you're feeding,
the breast you're not using
may leak, so be prepared!
blocked milk ducts
A swollen, painful lump on your
breast is likely to be a blocked
milk duct. The best way to
relieve it is to keep feeding your
baby from that side, massaging
the lump towards the nipple.

you may also be interested in these products...

2 Pack Maternity Nursing Sleep Bras - Black/White£ 20.00
Mothercare Small Muslin Top 'n' Tail Squares - 50pk£ 7.99
It's Your Body Nipple Cream 75ml£ 4.99