Questions New Moms Ask on Breastfeeding

1) How do I get started on breastfeeding? You are encouraged to initiate breastfeeding soon after birth if both mother and baby are well. Steps to breastfeeding:

i)	wash your hands with soap and water
ii)	clean the areola and nipple with water especially if mother is sweaty
iii)	massage breast in circular motion over the entire breast and press gently towards the centre of the breast
iv)	you may squeeze a drop of colostrum or milk to smear over the nipple with the index and thumb
v)	Gently insert the areola into baby's mouth

2) How do I ensure that baby is latched on properly?

Your baby is latched on properly if your baby’s mouth is covering most of the areola and nipple, and baby’s tongue is not rolling upwards.



Tips on breastfeeding:

• baby’s nose must not be blocked and chin must be touching breast
• allow baby to suckle for about 10-15 minutes on each breast or till satisfied
• practise room-in with baby whenever possible
• feed baby upon demand or wake baby for feed if there is a lapse of 4 hours since the last feed during the day
• detach baby from breast by inserting your finger into baby’s mouth to release suction
• air or apply breastmilk, nipple cream on sore and tender nipples
• always start with a different breast for each feed

3) How do I handle breast engorgement?

Breast engorgement usually occurs during the third or fifth day after baby’s birth due to the ‘coming in’ of milk supply.

• Uncomfortable engorgement can be minimized or prevented if baby is latched on properly and breastfeeding is carried out regularly 
• If breasts are engorged or feel firm and heavy, massage breasts gently in a circular motion to soften breasts and stimulate letdown
• Breast milk may also be expressed manually or with a breast pump to reduce engorgement.
• Cold compress (Eg. gel pad) or cold cabbage can be used to reduce discomfort for severe engorgement

4) How do I store expressed breast milk?

You can store expressed breast milk under the following conditions:

• 4 hrs at room temperature; about 25 0C
• 48 hrs in a fridge; about 4 0C
• 2 – 6 mths in a two-door freezer
• 6 mths to 1 yr in deep chest freezer; -20 0C

You should not refreeze thawed breast milk, nor microwave or boil expressed breast milk. Suggested methods of thawing include:

• Thaw in a jug of warm water –use within 1 hour; discard leftover
• Thaw in a jug of cold water- pour out the amount needed; put the remainder back into fridge which should be used within 24 hours; discard leftover
• Thaw in the fridge; should be used within 48 hrs; discard left over

5) How do I know if my baby is full after each feed?

• You will know that your baby is full when your baby appears satisfied and settled after the feed.
• Breasts should also not feel hard after breastfeeding.
• A well-hydrated baby (after 4 days old) will also wet about 6 to 8 diapers each day.
• Bowel movement will appear yellowish and watery. Baby should also return to birth weight by the time he/she is 7 to 10 days old.
• Subsequent weight gain is approximately 150g to 200g per week.

6) What are the different positions for breastfeeding?

3 common positions are:

•  Football hold

•  Cradle

•  Lying down

7) How do I manage sore and cracked nipples?

Possible solutions include:

• Airing sore nipples
• Vary breastfeeding positions
• Use manual expression
• If breast pump is used, engage the short and gentle cycle.
• Sore and cracked nipples can be avoided or minimized by having the correct breastfeeding positions and correct latch.
• You may also rest and air extremely  sore nipples from breastfeeding for a day and apply a nipple cream to encourage healing.
• Manual expression or breast pumps may be used instead during this rest period.
  

8) Can I drink alcohol or DOM if I am breastfeeding?

• You may do so but in moderation, about 10ml to 15 ml if consumed directly.
• Greater amount may be used in cooking but you are encouraged to boil the soup longer to ensure that the alcohol evaporates.

9) Can I breastfeed if I am having a fever or flu?

• Yes, you can. However, you are encouraged to put on a mask if you have a running nose, cough while breastfeeding.
• If you are on medication, do ensure that the medicine is safe for breast feeding mothers. You should check with your doctor if unsure.

10) How frequent and how long should I feed my baby in the early days after delivery ?

• Offer unrestricted breastfeeding 8-12 times a day
• Nurse baby 2 to 3 hourly or when baby shows signs of hunger
• Allow baby to suckle till satisfied - usually 10 to 15 minutes on each side
• During the day, wake non-demanding baby in early weeks to suckle when there is a lapse of 4 hours from the last feed

Disclaimer:

Information shown is to serve as a guide and for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or seek help from medical professionals when in doubt. Thomson Medical Centre Ltd and its affiliates will not be liable for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the content provided. The information is owned by Thomson Medical Centre Ltd and cannot be copied or reproduced in any form without the written consent of Thomson Medical Centre Ltd.