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Breastfeeding

Support from day one, and for as long as you need it

Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization for at least the first six months of your baby’s life, with continued breastfeeding alongside other foods thereafter. It is the natural way to feed your baby, and our midwives, lactation consultants and public health nurses are here to support you, before, during and after pregnancy.

Most women can breastfeed, but most also experience a learning curve. The first days are the hardest. With good support, the great majority of women who want to breastfeed go on to do so successfully.

Why we encourage breastfeeding

Breast milk is uniquely suited to your baby. Among many benefits:

  • It provides all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months, in exactly the right balance.
  • It contains antibodies that protect your baby against infections, particularly chest, ear and gut infections.
  • It reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • It supports your baby’s brain and immune development.
  • It is linked to lower lifetime risk of allergies, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and being overweight.

For you, breastfeeding helps your womb return to its pre-pregnancy size, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and helps with bonding through the release of oxytocin.

What to expect in the first hours and days

The first hour

Skin-to-skin contact straight after birth, where possible. Your baby will instinctively look for the breast. The first feed may be slow and exploratory; that’s normal. The colostrum (the first milk) is rich in antibodies and exactly what your baby needs.

Days 1 to 3

Frequent feeding (“on cue” rather than by the clock), often 10 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby’s stomach is small, so feeds are short and often. Your milk supply is being established by every feed.

Days 3 to 5

Your milk “comes in.” Your breasts may feel full or even uncomfortable. Frequent feeding helps you and your baby settle. Wet and dirty nappies increase.

Weeks 1 to 6

Feeding becomes more efficient. Most babies settle into a pattern over the first six weeks. Your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. By six weeks, most women feel they have found their rhythm.

How to tell feeding is going well

A good latch

  • Baby’s mouth is wide open.
  • More of the areola is in baby’s mouth below the nipple than above.
  • Baby’s chin touches the breast and the nose is clear.
  • Feeding feels comfortable, with no nipple pain.

A good feed

  • You can hear rhythmic swallowing.
  • Baby’s jaw is moving, and you can see the temples moving.
  • Baby is calm during and content after the feed.
  • The breast feels softer after the feed.

Wet and dirty nappies

  • From day 5: at least 6 wet nappies per day.
  • From day 5: at least 2 dirty nappies per day (typically more, often after each feed).
  • Stools change from black (meconium) to greenish-brown to yellow/seedy by around day 5.
  • Baby is back to birth weight by 10 to 14 days.

Common challenges, and how to handle them

A few of the most common hurdles, and what helps:

  • Sore or cracked nipples. Usually a sign of a less-than-perfect latch. Ask your midwife, lactation consultant or public health nurse to watch you feed. A small adjustment in positioning often fixes it.
  • Engorgement (around day 3 to 5). Frequent feeding, a warm shower before feeds, and cold compresses afterwards help. Avoid skipping feeds.
  • Blocked duct or mastitis. A sore, hot, red area on the breast. Feed from that side first, massage gently towards the nipple, rest, and contact your GP if you feel unwell, develop a fever, or it doesn’t improve in 24 hours.
  • Worry about supply. Most women produce plenty of milk. Frequent feeding is what tells your body to make more. Watch wet nappies and weight gain, not the clock.
  • Feeling tired and emotional. Normal in the first weeks. Accept help with everything except the feeding itself, so you can rest and feed.

Frequently asked questions

What if I cannot breastfeed?

Some women find they cannot breastfeed for medical or personal reasons. Your baby will be well-nourished and well-loved on formula. Your midwife and public health nurse will help you find what works for your family.

Wet and dirty nappies, weight gain, and your baby’s behaviour are the clearest signs. Not the duration of feeds, and not how full your breasts feel.

Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before stopping, starting, or assuming a medicine is safe.

Expressing is a useful tool, particularly for returning to work or sharing feeds. Most women find it easier to introduce expressing after about 4 to 6 weeks, once feeding is established.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside other foods thereafter, ideally up to 2 years or beyond. Any amount of breastfeeding has benefits.

Your community midwife, public health nurse, and lactation consultants at UHG. National support: Cuidiú (cuidiu.ie) and La Leche League Ireland (lalecheleagueireland.com) offer peer-led support.