Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice
for you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, you may find the experience exciting, empowering and occasionally confusing. In the end, however, please remember that it’s worth your effort.
We are here to support you with breastfeeding advice culled from healthcare professionals, lactation specialists and moms just like you:
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS
Never again will you be able to do so much for your child’s health than in the first few days and weeks of his or her life. Breastfeeding is the perfect nourishment for your baby’s body and soul. And breastfeeding means safety, security and lots of protection for your little one.
Mother’s milk – the best thing for your baby
Breastfeeding contains simply everything that your baby needs in the first few months to flourish and grow. Breast milk is particularly practical, too: both the composition of the milk and the quantity will always adapt itself perfectly to the requirements of your child.
Well-protected right from the beginning
Breast milk also offers your infant protection against infections and illnesses and it can also reduce the risk of allergies by up to 50% if you exclusively breastfeed your baby in the first six months. Numerous studies have also shown that breastfed babies suffer less frequently from infections of the middle ear, diarrhea, and infections of airways and urinary tracts than babies that are bottle-fed.
Healthy long-term benefits for your little one
Long-term studies prove that breastfed babies are still reaping the benefits in adult life. The incidence of obesity, infection-related illnesses and Type 2 diabetes is lower than in adults who were bottle-fed as infants.
Promoting development of speech
Breastfeeding, even at this early stage, lays the most important foundations for your baby’s speech development. Sucking at the breast promotes the development of the mouth muscles and the formation of the jaw in an ideal way.
Plus points for body and soul
Breastfeeding is good for your soul and helps you to feel more confident in your new role as a mother. From the very first time you put your baby to your breast powerful hormones are emitted, which strengthen your maternal feelings even more.
Helping the uterus recover
Breastfeeding also has major benefits for your health. It helps the uterus to contract more quickly to its original size and helps to prevent post-natal infections. The latest research shows that the risk of developing breast cancer with breastfeeding mothers is less than with non-breastfeeding mothers and it helps you burn more calories and lose weight gently and gradually.
PREPARING TO BREASTFEED
Healthcare professionals agree: breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby in the first few months. From the biological point of view, we know that virtually any woman can breastfeed if they wish to, if they are well informed about breastfeeding and if they are given the support of a healthcare professional.
Whether or not you opt to breastfeed your baby is predominantly a decision made on instinct. It has been shown that if you are well-prepared for breastfeeding and if you are aware of what actually happens while you are breastfeeding, then you will be in the best possible position to help your baby suck and feed properly.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask a nurse, doctor, midwife or lactation consultant
BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS
Positioning your baby properly during breastfeeding will help you and your baby relax and fall into a rhythm. Many moms find the following positions to be comfortable and effective:
The cradle position
The cradle position is the most familiar feeding position.
- Rest your little one’s head in your arms with your hand supporting baby’s bottom and baby’s tummy turned toward you.
- Support your arm with a cushion.
- Putting your feet up will help you relax even more.
The reclining position
If you are recovering from a Caesarian or a difficult birth, this feeding position is to be recommended.
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Your upper body is supported with a pillow, so that you are slightly propped up.
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To ensure that no pressure is put on your tummy, baby lies beside you on a pillow on its side
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In this position you support baby’s back with your arm.
The football hold
This is the best position for twins and also works well with larger babies that want to lean against you.
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Lay your little one under your arm, hip to hip, supported by cushions.
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Support baby’s head with your lower arm and bend slightly to put baby to your breast.
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Once baby begins feeding, lean back and relax.
Side-lying position
This position is best for nighttime feeds or when mom needs to relax.
- Both you and your little one should lie on your side, tummy to tummy, so that baby’s mouth is level with the nipple.
- Your arm and shoulder will be flat with your head supported by a pillow.
- Remember to support baby’s back with your arm or a rolled up towel.
BREASTFEEDING Q & A
How often should I breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby to suit both of you. This can mean on demand or when baby becomes restless or when your breasts become full and need relief. As a guideline, 8 feeds per day are normal for the first few weeks. But if your baby asks for one or two more or less feeds, there is no cause for concern.
How long should a feed last?
In the first two to four days after the birth I recommend that you put your baby to the breast little and often. This is the best way to stimulate milk production yet still being gentle to your nipples. A few days after the milk comes in at the latest, your own personal feeding rhythm will develop. You should feed for as long as it suits you both. Take your time, as a feed can take between 20 and 45 minutes at both breasts, depending on your baby’s sucking rhythm. Your baby should feed at each breast for at least five to ten minutes, as this will ensure that it also receives the fat-rich and filling milk.
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Your baby will lose weight before putting it on again. Despite getting enough nourishment and feeling full and satisfied, a newborn baby may lose up to ten percent of its birthweight in the first four to six days. This is completely normal and occurs with most infants, as the metabolism has to change and adapt completely after the birth. After one week at the latest your baby’s weight will then rapidly increase, regaining the original birth weight at about two weeks old.
You can be sure that your little one is drinking enough milk, if he or she:
- is feeding regularly every two to three hours
- has a rosy complexion
- is alert and content when awake
- has six to eight wet nappies each day
- is steadily gaining weight
- has regular bowel movements
What is a breastfeeding crisis?
We often talk about a “breastfeeding crisis” when the supply and demand principle suddenly goes out of synchronization. After around 14 days, then after about six weeks and then again after around twelve weeks your baby will go through leaps in development, both physical and mental. During these phases your baby will need noticeably more milk and may want to feed up to twelve times a day or even more. These restless phases often unsettle mothers and are therefore also known as “breastfeeding crisis”. Even if the days are not so calm now, be patient and avoid top-up bottle-feeds at this point. You can be pleased that you and your baby are mastering this together – getting the supply and demand equation just right.
How do I relieve pain caused by blocked milk ducts?
Cold compresses relieve pain caused by plugged milk ducts and breast infections. They should be put in the refrigerator and never in the freezer compartment. Cold compresses should only be used after breastfeeding, as warmth is required before feeding to ensure optimum milk flow. NUK Warm or Cool Relief Packs offer a double benefit: it can be used both as a cold compress and as a heat pad for stimulating milk flow.
My breasts are leaking and it is embarrassing, what do I do?
The breasts continually leak fluid during the breastfeeding period. Breast pads absorb this milk, keeping clothes dry. NUK offers comfortable breast pads for different requirements. In order to prevent nipples from becoming sore, you should choose a breast pad that traps the fluid in the inside of the pad. Provided you change the pads after every feed, you will be able to prevent breast infections.
My nipples are chapped, how do I relieve the pain?
This is a very common problem. The best solution is a moisturizing balm.
What is the best way to store breastmilk?
Every nursing mother has different needs. Breast pumps like the NUK Gentle Flow Ergonomic Manual Breast Pump are a great way to be able to continue breastfeeding even if you are away from your baby. Milk storage is simple. In the NUK Store’n Go Breast Milk Container Breast Milk can be refrigerated for up to 5 – 8 days at 3.89°C (do not place in the refrigerator door), or up to 6 months at 0°C or below in the freezer.
Do you have questions about our breastfeeding products? Contact us and we will do our best to help you.
Making the right decision : All benefits at a glance : This is how it works : Solving problems :