How to Breastfeed your Baby

Breastfeeding your baby is the best way to give them the nutrition and energy they need. For some mums and babies breastfeeding comes naturally, but for others it may take a little more patience and practice. Hang in there and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you need it – you’re doing the best for your little one.

All babies are born with a suckling instinct, you may have noticed the moment you held your baby they instinctively started searching for food with their mouth. While breastfeeding is very natural, it takes time and practice for the two of you to get used to it and get into a routine. This may take at least a few weeks if not a few months until your baby gets into a better sleep, feed and wake routine; you heal and recover from the birth; and your hormones start settling back down. Be kind to yourself and allow time to adjust to being a mum, even if it’s not your first time, it can take time to get to know your new baby.

It is often encouraged to start breastfeeding straight away after delivery. Newborn babies are often very alert and eager to feed right after birth. Your milk won’t have come in, but this special substance you produce until then, referred to as colostrum, is full of infection-fighting antibodies. Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.

15 tips on breastfeeding techniques and how to breastfeed

Having a basic understanding about breastmilk, breastfeeding and your breastfed baby will help you enjoy every moment that you’re nourishing and nurturing your baby. Here are some tips on breastfeeding to get started:

1. Watch for hunger signs & feed on demand

When it comes to knowing how often to breastfeed, let your baby lead the way. Your little one will show you signs, which you’ll soon learn to read, of when they’re hungry and full. ‘Feeding on demand’ – a part of ‘responsive feeding’ – is important for helping your baby regulate how many calories they eat. There is no set schedule or amount for each feeding. We’re all born with the natural ability to tell when we’re hungry or full. By feeding on demand and watching for cues, you’ll help your little one maintain this natural ability, which helps promote healthy growth now and throughout childhood.

If you try to feed your baby when they are not hungry, distressed, or if they are too hungry you might find breastfeeding more difficult. Signs to look for include:

• Your baby will be awake and alert;
• Your baby opening and closing their mouth;
• Turning their head to look for the breast.

If you don’t notice their subtle cues, they may alert you by crying, however crying doesn’t always indicate hunger. 

2. No need to time your feeds

Just like there’s no set schedule for feeding, there’s no set time limit for a single feed. You may find your baby breastfeeds for around 15-20 minutes per breast but this can vary. If your little one seems full after a quick feeding, don’t pressure them to have more. Likewise, if your little one breastfeeds for a long period and is actively sucking, don’t stop them. Let your baby finish one breast completely before offering the other. That way they’ll get the fattier ‘hind milk’ that is released towards the end of a feeding. You may want to make a note of which breast your baby has fed from so you can start with the other breast next time.

3. Get your location right

Sit in a quiet room with the lights dimmed if possible. You will be sitting for a while, so choose a comfortable seat with your back and feet well supported. Try to relax, look at your baby, slowly stroke their skin, take some deep breaths and enjoy the breastfeed – as this will help the hormones to release and let down your milk. It’s all part of nature’s bonding process that helps the two of you have a deep emotional connection. Particularly when you are learning to feed your baby – it’s not the time to chat on the phone or be too distracted.

4. Get your feeding positioning right

1. Position your baby on their side facing them towards your breast. Hold your baby close to you supporting their head with one arm and position their nose near the nipple of your breast;
2. With your free hand, place your thumb on top of the breast away from the areola and nipple so your baby is able to take a big mouthful of breast;
3. Softly tickle your baby’s nose and lips with your nipple to encourage your baby to open their mouth wide;
4. Make sure your baby’s mouth is very wide (like yawning) and bring your baby to the breast;
5. Watch for a good attachment: their mouth should look a little like fish lips and covering most of your areola (the circle of brownish pink skin around the nipple) and their nose is right up against your breast;
6. Continue to support your breast until your baby is sucking and swallowing in a deep rhythmic pattern. Your baby should make some initial frequent sucks to stimulate your milk flow, and then become a slower, deeper, more rhythmical motion with short breaks in the cycle to swallow;
7. If your baby falls asleep during the feed, simply tickle them under their chin or feet to gently wake them. There is no need to remove them from the breast and reattach until they are ready for the 2nd breast;
8. If you experience pain once your baby has commenced swallowing take your baby off by placing a clean finger at the side of their mouth between their gums and breaking their suction seal, and slowly move your breast away, then position yourself again to re-attach.

5. Breastfeeding frequency

Breastfeeding your baby 8 to 12 times in 24 hours is perfectly normal. Most newborns will want to feed every two to three hours because their tiny stomachs can only hold so much breast milk at a time.

At birth your baby’s stomach is only very small and continues to grow a lot over the first year. It’s no surprise, then, that they need frequent refills! If your baby wants to feed more than 12 times a day, go with it. If your baby regularly feeds fewer than eight times a day (or doesn’t seem interested in feeding), you should speak to your healthcare professional.

For the first few weeks your baby probably won’t differentiate between day and night and may be ready to feed every two hours or so. Eating frequently is important so they can get the calories, nutrients, and fluids they need for healthy growth. If your newborn has slept for four hours straight, gently wake them for a feeding. You can do this by changing their nappy, holding them skin-to-skin, or massaging their back, belly, or legs. Once your baby is a month old and growing well, you can let them sleep longer!

6. Breastmilk changes

Colostrum, also referred to as first milk, has more benefits than most people realise. Your very first drops of colostrum are providing a boost to building a strong immune system for your baby. Each feeding over the first 3 to 5 days will be rich in proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and bioactive substances, especially suited for a newborn. Colostrum is a yellowish or creamy colour and thicker than the “next milk”. Colostrum turns into transitional milk, which lasts about 2 weeks. It has more energy, fat, and vitamins to keep up with your baby’s evolving nutritional needs.

“Mature milk” is the final, ongoing milk that you will provide to your baby. It has higher water content for hydration, but with the right balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates needed for growth. Breastmilk differs in the amount produced in each breast and the nutrient content adapts to what your baby needs.

7. Positioning pointers

Planning ahead with a few comfortable positions will make breastfeeding more enjoyable for the both of you.

• Being left or right handed may influence the feeding positions you choose when holding your baby to breastfeed. This may mean you use different holding positions depending on which arm you use to support your baby. Holding with one arm may get tiring, so have a favourite and second position in mind to easily switch, if needed;
• Comfortably seat yourself or lay down before getting your baby in position. This will allow them to start feeding right away without any awkward repositioning;
• Your baby’s head should not be tucked down or too far back; these head positions make swallowing more difficult;
• Position your baby for feeding when you see the first signs of hunger. If they are ready to feed they should be alert, calm and smacking their lips.  Don’t wait for your baby to fuss and cry;
• Breastmilk has three distinct stages, each providing the nutrition your baby needs when they need it.

8. Burping your breastfed baby

Though your breasts don’t have air in them, your baby may swallow air in the process of latching-on and off the breasts, or if they’re crying.

• Let your baby feed until releasing the breast then use that opportunity to see if they’re ready to burp;
• It’s important to give your baby the opportunity to burp, but don’t be alarmed if they don’t.

9. Counting the dirty nappies

Breastmilk has natural properties that help produce regular stools and clear out the meconium, a newborn’s earliest stool resulting from what your baby ingested during pregnancy.

• The first 48 hours will produce tarry black stools. One stool/poo within the first 24hours then two stools the next day is typical;
• By the third day, expect to change three poo nappies or more each day;
• Three or more yellow seedy poos, each day, during the first four to six weeks is one good sign of a well fed breastfed baby.

10. Skin-to-skin breastfeeding

Skin to skin, also referred to as “kangaroo care”, is well recognised as beneficial for mum and baby. Laying your naked baby (in just a nappy) on your bare chest has been shown to have many benefits. As well as giving you a precious moment to enjoy your special bond, it can help regulate your baby’s body temperature, encourage their readiness to feed once awake, and increase your milk production. Just look at the upside of skin-to-skin feeding:

• Supports stabilising your baby’s heart rate and body temperature;
• Improves baby’s breathing pattern;
• Improves deep sleep time so they’re better rested and prepared for feedings;
• Decreases your stress response and has a calming effect on you both;
• Increases your milk supply.

11. Signs of a healthy breastfed baby

Not being able to measure how much your baby is eating may make you feel a little concerned. But here are some simple ways to know that you’re supporting every nutritional need:

• Feedings are comfortable for both of you;
• Your baby feeds eagerly but calmly;
• After feeding, your baby has more relaxed arms and hands;
• Your little one has three or more dirty nappies each day for the first four to six weeks;
• Your breasts will feel softened and less full after feedings. 

12. Keep up your energy

Breastfeeding requires more energy from you. You’ll need about 2000 extra kilojoules and additional fluid intake each day to keep up with the demands of producing milk. Choose the kilojoules wisely by adding nutrient dense foods to your diet. Quick healthy snacks might include:

• Whole grain crackers with low fat cheese and sliced tomatoes or fresh fruit;
• Yoghurt or a fruit smoothie;
• A hardboiled egg or half of a tuna salad sandwich;
• A mix of almonds or walnuts and dried cherries or cranberries.

13. Only offer breast milk

Breast milk contains everything your baby needs. Breastfed babies only need breast milk until around six months when solid foods are introduced. Continue breastfeeding during and after the introduction of solids. Breast milk works on a ‘supply and demand’ basis and your milk supply is established based on how much and how often your baby breastfeeds. 

14. Support their natural defences

Breast milk contains unique prebiotics called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) which support your baby’s immune system – their natural defence system. As well, breast milk contains friendly probiotics that feed on these HMOs which helps strengthen their gut and digestive health.

15. Feel confident

Aside from the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for both mum and bub, it’s extremely convenient. All you need is you, your little one, and some pointers to help you feel comfortable whenever you breastfeed away from home. Practicing at home will give you both the opportunity to get comfortable with breastfeeding. Once you’ve got the hang of latching and de-latching, you’ll be able to do it without even thinking about it. Some healthcare providers recommend waiting six to eight weeks after birth before exposing your baby to large crowds so you’ve got time to perfect your techniques.

The key to successful breastfeeding in public spaces is confidence:

• Confidence boost 1: In Australia it’s your right to breastfeed in public. Feel proud to give your baby the best. 
  You are giving your baby the best nutrition by breastfeeding them when they are hungry and the law will protect your right to breastfeed in public. If you are away from home, choosing a place you’re familiar with, or breastfeeding with other mums, may help you feel more comfortable.
• Confidence boost 2: Breastfeeding is just feeding a hungry baby. It’s that simple.
  Some mums say they feel embarrassed or worry about a negative reaction from other people when they breastfeed. Try to think of breastfeeding in public as simply feeding your hungry baby. It might take a few times for you to feel relaxed but this is very normal.
• Confidence boost 3: Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby – and provides the best nutrition!
  If you’re not feeling confident, remind yourself that you’re doing what’s best for your baby. You’re bonding with your little one while providing the perfect source of nutrition.
• Confidence boost 4: Your breasts are uniquely designed to feed your baby. Believe in your body.
  Feeling unsure? Ask other breastfeeding mums for advice – you might even invite one of them to join you the first time you breastfeed away from home. Wear clothes with easy access to your breasts and consider using a breastfeeding blanket, nursing cover or sling if it makes you and your little one feel more comfortable.

If you are having any difficulty with breastfeeding talk to your lactation consultant, local community nurse, GP, and even your breastfeeding friends for further advice. With the right support, there will be a solution to many breastfeeding problems.