A pump is not essential if your baby can breastfeed well. If you want to express milk once in a while so someone else can feed the baby, you may find hand expression works just as well as pumping. Another choice is to use a manual hand pump. If you need to express milk for every feeding for a preterm or ill baby it may be easier to rent an electric pump. Waiting until your baby is born will help determine what you need. Click here for more information about pumping and hand expression.
Companies often advertise that their bottle or nipple is better for a breastfed baby. No research has proven that any bottle or nipple is 'more like breastfeeding'. Some babies can switch from breast to bottle and back with no difficulty while other babies have difficulty. Soother use should be delayed until breastfeeding is well established. If you give your baby a soother or bottle once in a while, watch your baby to be sure she continues to breastfeed well.
Most mothers worry about the size and shape of their breasts. Small breasts have less fatty tissue but they have enough cells that make milk for babies. Learn more about common breastfeeding concerns and myths.
Most babies learn to latch on to their mothers' nipples even if they are. If your baby is having difficulty latching on, hand express and use a cup or spoon to feed your baby the colostrum. For information on where to access breastfeeding support in your local community, click here.
You will know your baby is receiving enough breastmilk if you see and hear your baby is sucking and swallowing frequently, feeding 8 or more times in 24 hours and has enough wet and dirty diapers. Read more here about the signs of a good feed and how breastfeeding works.
Whether a baby takes one breast or both of your breasts depends on how much milk you make and how hungry your baby is. The most important thing is to watch your baby's behaviour and feeding cues. Feed on the first breast until the baby falls away from your breast. After burping, offer the other breast. If your baby is still hungry, he will latch on, suck and swallow.
If you are going to be away from your baby for longer than a few hours, it's a good idea to express breastmilk to prevent engorgement and so that there is breastmilk available to feed your baby while you are away. Learn more about storing and using breastmilk here.
It's important to follow proper safety practices when using frozen breastmilk. Learn more about thawing breastmilk and feeding it to your baby.
There is a lot of confusion about 'hind milk'. All breastmilk is good for babies. As a baby feeds, more fat goes into the milk. Usually, if you follow your baby's cues she will get enough milk and the right amount of 'fattier' (hind) milk. Learn more about the signs of a good feed and how to know your baby is getting enough milk.
Babies can’t be spoiled. Rocking and swaying with movement is soothing to babies. We know that babies who are carried cry less and that close contact promotes breastfeeding and a healthy attachment between mother and baby.
Breastfeeding helps the baby whose mother smokes. It is best if babies are not exposed to any smoke, but, breastfed babies are healthier than formula fed babies even when the mother smokes. Read more here about smoking and breastfeeding.
Alcohol in breastmilk may affect your baby's sleep or decrease the amount of milk your baby takes at feeding time, so it is best not to drink alcohol while breastfeeding. If you are going to have a drink that contains alcohol, it is recommended that you feed your baby first and then wait until the alcohol passes out of your breastmilk. Read more here about alcohol and breastfeeding.