Breastfeeding baby: the benefits

Breastfeeding baby: the benefits

If you decide you want to breastfeed your baby, you’re bound to have lots of questions.

‘What do I do?’, ‘How do I hold my baby up?’, ‘Why isn’t my milk coming out properly?’ are just a few. The best thing to do is read as much advice as you can before your little one arrives. 

Help is at hand

The really good news is that there’s plenty of support out there for you. As well as quizzing your friends and family, you may have a local antenatal or breastfeeding class – just ask your midwife for the details.

Buying the bras 

If you’re considering buying a few nursing bras, do this in the last few weeks of pregnancy so you have the most comfortable fit ready to go just after your little one arrives. We recommend you also have a couple of sleep bras to wear at night, so you can have the most comfortable snooze possible (though we can’t guarantee that it will last very long before your newborn calls!). 

Know the signs

When your baby is hungry, they’ll naturally squirm and wriggle until they find your milk, then fall asleep once they’re all full up. If you want to be sure they’re feeding correctly, here are some pointers: check baby’s nose is almost touching you, with at least half an inch of your breast/nipple in their mouth, you should be able to see your baby’s jaw working and hear quick sucks followed by slower, soft swallowing, you and baby should both be comfortable and relaxed; if it doesn’t feel right, get them to latch on again.  

Make life a little easier 

There are many useful accessories available that can help with feeding, for everything from expressing milk to mopping up leaks and soothing sore bits. Take your pick from: breast pads, muslin squares, breastfeeding pillows, nipple creams and soothing gel packs, nursing shawls or covers and breast pumps, bottles, teats and a steriliser. 

Take your time 

Lastly, don’t rush it – your baby will get there eventually! Breastfeeding can be tricky to get the hang of, so if it doesn’t work first time around, take a deep breath and try again. Your midwife or health visitor will always be happy to help you out if you need it.