Feeding baby
Feeding your newborn can provide some beautiful moments to bond with your baby. How you feed your newborn is the first nutritional decision you will make for your child.
It is recommended by health professionals worldwide to put baby to the breast within hours of birth to gain benefit from the nutritionally rich and healing colostrum (first milk) and encourage ongoing milk supply.
That said, we understand that not all mothers can breastfeed, for a variety of reasons, and that this can be disheartenning for some, or a choice for others.
The intention of this page is to concentrate on providing information to help you with breastfeeding, to give baby the first milk/colostrum and provide support as you establish breastfeeding.
We know breastfeeding can be difficult, both mum and baby are learning something they have never done before! If you want to breastfeed and need more help than is offered here, there are plenty of places you can get additional support, see below. If you are planning to formula feed your baby, please refer to the Minsitry of Health guide below.
How to breastfeed your baby - booklet download
This booklet has been prepared by Northland District Health Board lactation consultants whi work from Whangarei Hospital. It is given to all new mothers birthing in Northland hospitals. Use this alongside your health professionals advice.
It contains excellent information on attaching baby to the breast, babys hungry cues, how often to feed baby, when to expect growth spurts, where to go for free breastfeeding support and more.
Click to download the NDHB booklet "How to breastfeed your baby"
Formula feeding your baby - booklet download
There are many reasons why some mothers don’t breastfeed. If you feel sad and/or disappointed that you are not fully breastfeeding your baby, it is a good idea to discuss your feelings with your midwife, doctor or nurse. If possible, try to maintain some breastfeeding as well as using formula.
Babies up to six months of age who aren’t breastfed must only have formula – other drinks can make them sick. However, babies over six months may also be offered drinks of water from a cup. Your baby will probably start eating some solid foods at around six months but will still need formula.
The Ministry of Health has produced a booklet which includes clear instructions on bottle feeding and how to choose an infant formula, use this alongside your health professionals advice.
Click to download the Ministry of Health booklet "How to formula feed your baby"
Starting to breastfeed
Like all new skills, breastfeeding comes easier to some than others. You and your baby may only take a couple of days to become good breastfeeding 'partners' or you may take up to six weeks. Most of us have seen women breastfeeding babies from time to time. It is important to remember that most of the women we see casually feeding their babies at bus stops or cafes have been feeding for quite a while – and like most things, practice makes perfect.
The first feed should be soon after the birth. Your milk supply will still be developing and when you put your baby to the breast he or she will be receiving colostrum – a yellow fluid which contains all the nutrition the baby needs for the first few days of life.
Colostrum is also full of antibodies which help to protect your baby from bacteria and make his or her immune system strong. No other food or fluid is required in these first few days.
Why start out breastfeeding?
- The early breast milk, or colostrum, protects baby from infections.
- Breast milk gives food and fluid for a baby in the most easily digested way.
- Breastfeeding helps bond with baby.
- Breastfeeding helps your organs return to their normal place/shape.
- Breastfeeding reduces your risk of immediate post-birth bleeding.
Remember it can take time for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed, if you’ve made it this far, you’re doing well.
Why keep breastfeeding?
- Breast milk helps protect your baby against colds, tummy-bugs, infections and allergies.
- Breast milk gives food and fluid for baby in the most easily digested way.
- It’s all your baby needs to eat and drink for about the first six months
- Baby’s organs are still very immature and not ready for other foods.
- Milk composition and supply matches baby’s changing needs.
- Breastfeeding helps bond with baby and helps baby feel safe and secure.
- No need to prepare bottles for night feeds.
- It’s cheaper.
- It gives you a chance to rest while you are feeding your baby.
Remember any breastfeeding is good for a baby, so if you’ve made it this far, you’re doing well.
Supply and demand feeding
The best way to build up and maintain your milk supply is to feed your baby as often as he or she needs it. This is known as demand feeding. The more the breasts are emptied the more milk is made. If the breasts remain full, milk is produced more slowly. Your baby will control their milk intake; therefore, feed for as long as your baby wants.
Your baby should have at least six feeds every 24 hours. A few babies swallow air but many don't. To bring up wind, hold your baby over your shoulder, or seated on your lap with your hand gently resting on their abdomen and the other hand supporting the back (read more on how to wind your baby).
Breastfeeding positions
There are different ways you can hold your baby to breastfeed – we list the common ways to hold baby, but it is easier to be shown, ask your midwife will help you and your baby get breastfeeding started.
Every women and baby will develop their own breastfeeding style - find one that is comfortable for you.
- lie your baby on its side with its body facing you
- support your baby’s back with your arm
- hold your baby close to your body
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Cradle position
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Rugby hold position |
Side lying position |
How to latch your baby to your breast
- Sit in a comfortable position upright in a chair with good support for your back & legs
- Hold baby around neck and shoulders (not on head) allowing baby’s head to tilt slightly backwards
- Turn baby’s body towards your chest (baby’s tummy against your tummy)
- Line baby’s nose up with your nipple by tilting head slightly backward (aim nipple towards the roof of baby’s mouth). Chin touching your breast, brush the underside of the breast/areola and nipple against baby’s lower lip.
- Wait for a wide open mouth (yawn like)
- Bring baby to breast swiftly wait a few sucks until attachment gets established. You should feel a strong pain free sucking.
- Check that baby’s cheeks are round during sucking, lips flanged (fish lips)
- Listen for swallowing
- Check your nipple shape after your baby has come off the breast. It should be rounded rather than pinched.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Breastfeeding video
An excellent video by breastfeedingnz, showing how to latch properly and why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK7-ftkOjJk&sns=em
When your baby is on your breast the right way
- your baby has a big mouthful of breast
- your baby’s chin is CLOSE in against your breast
- if you listen, you will hear your baby swallow
- it may feel a bit sore at the start of a feed but this should ease off
Breastfeeding should feel good
- If latch-on hurts, break the suction (by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your breast) and try again
- letting your baby suck the wrong way can cause problems
- if you feel pain in your nipples or breasts – get help quickly from your midwife, lactation consultant or doctor
How often you should breastfeed?
Frequently. The more you feed the more milk you'll produce. For new babies: feeding on demand, approx 8 - 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target. Some days your baby will need more feeds, see newborn baby Growth Spurts, below.
Remember that new babies need feeding during the night and that it can take up to six weeks for your milk supply to become properly established, so demand feeding over this period is recommended.
Baby's hungry signs
Your baby will show you early signs they are hungry:
- starting to wake
- moving head
- opening and closing mouth, licking
- putting thumb or fingers in mouth
- Crying is a late sign of hunger – ideally, you should start feeding your baby before she starts crying.
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Before a feed |
After a feed |
Baby hungry signs - with pictures
An excellent chart by Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital showing the stages of baby's hungry cues and why to catch them early:
Download baby hungry cues diagram chart
Feed-change-feed
Start feeding baby on the first breast. If your baby falls asleep during a feed, try changing their nappy, taking off some clothes or stroking them, to wake them enough to finish the feed. Once awake, continue the feed on the second breast. Baby will likely not feed for as long on the second side, or may not want the second breast, start the next feed with this breast.
Simplfied: Feed (boob one) - Change (or gently wake) - Feed (boob two).
Growth spurts
At different stages in baby’s growth he/she needs more milk, usually at around:
- 7 – 8 days
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 5 months
Your baby knows what to do to increase the supply and will feed more frequently sometimes 1-2 hourly for a few days to increase the amount of milk. Trust baby as long as they have a good wet nappy every 3 – 4 hours then just feed as demanded.
Between 4 – 8 weeks of age your baby may cry for prolonged periods. Research shows us that this is the period of time when baby’s cry more than at any other time of life. Your baby cannot be entertained easily – cannot read books yet, nor play with toys! But also does not want to just eat and sleep, so is unsettled.
Unfortunately mothers often think it is because their baby is not getting enough milk. This period coincides with a decrease in breast size, which is normal at this time. Enjoy your baby and remember if you have good wet nappies every 3-4 hours then baby is getting enough. Enjoy your baby, by 12 weeks things begin to settle.
Problems you may encounter
Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major physical or emotional hurdles. But many new mums find it hard to learn. If you're feeling discouraged, you're not the only one.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed by your baby's constant demands and exhausted from lack of sleep. And you may have questions: Is my baby getting enough milk? Should I have sore nipples? How long should my baby feed and how often? Should I wake her if she falls asleep feeding?
Although women have breastfed their babies for centuries, breastfeeding doesn't always come easily. Many women face difficulties early on. Some of the most common breastfeeding problems you may encounter in the first six weeks include:
- engorgement (breasts that are excessively full and uncomfortable)
- low milk supply
- latching incorrectly
- sore nipples
- mastitis (a breast infection)
- thrush
- nipple vasospasm
Don't suffer in silence. Call your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if you're suffering from any of the above, if you're in pain, if physical discomfort is getting in the way of nursing, or if you have any questions at all.
Other tips for the tits
- Lanolin nipple cream can be your best friend to help soothe and prevent cracked and raw nipples in those early days. Apply after each feed to help replace oils and keep the nipple and areola soft and supple. And be assured that, yes, after several weeks your nipples will become accustomed to breastfeeding, and eventually you will no longer need any niple cream!
- Massaging your breasts before a feed can help relieve engorgement and allow your milk to flow more freely. Download the booklet "how to breasfeed your baby" for more info.
- You'll also want to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol while you're breastfeeding, because it enters your breast milk and can affect your baby's health, brain and physical development.
Northland breastfeeding support
- Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)
- Breastfeeding Clinic – Breastfeeding support.
Child Health Centre, Gate 1, at Whangarei Hospital
Wednesday’s from 10:00-14:00
The Wednesday clinic is both drop-in or appointments can be made. Northland women and their whanau can come to discuss any breastfeeding questions or issues they have pre and post-birth.
Ph Janine 021851870 - La Leche League Whangarei
Meetings are held the 2nd Friday of each monthat
Whangarei Parents Centre - 13A Te Mai Road, Whangarei
Time: 9.45am - 11.45am (Shared morning tea) - La Leche League Kerikeri
Breastfeeding Support Group
Last Fri of month (does not run over Summer period)
at St James’ Hall, Kerikeri
10am-12pm
Contact Toni 021 144 5102 - Plunket Family Centre Whangarei
33 King Street
Kensington, Whangarei
Phone 09 437 1907 - Plunket Kerikeri
Clinic Mon & Weds, ph for appointment: 407 9488.
109 Kerikeri Rd (just down from New World). - Health Hotline 0800 933 922
- Ministry of Health and Breastfeeding NZ
http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/babies-and-toddlers/breastfeeding
