BREASTFEEDING

Most women will decide how they wish to feed their baby many months before the birth, however some women may be unsure and wait and see how they go with breastfeeding. The decision-making process is usually influenced by many factors.

Mothers who choose to bottle feed will need to find out if the hospital will provide bottles, teats and formula. Most hospitals tend to encourage the mother to supply her own. This is mainly because they wish to not promote a particular brand of bottle or formula and because they want to see that the parent/s know how to prepare the formula correctly and sterilise the equipment before they leave.

Breastfeeding is the most popular choice and although it may seem difficult at first, you will enjoy the benefits of having a ready source of food for your child on hand, and not preparing formula and sterilising equipment over many months. In addition to providing the best nutrient profile for your growing baby it contains factors that protect its little immune system against a wide range of illnesses and infections. It enhances the growth and development of healthy bacteria in your baby's digestive tract which may reduce their risk for allergies and asthma.

Breastfeeding can be a trying time. Some mothers say that it took them up to two to three months to get 'good' at it. The first few days that your baby breast-feeds the baby gets a substance called colostrum. This is a yellow concentrated fluid that is rich in infection fighting substances and is the only food your baby needs until your milk comes in 3 to 6 days after you give birth. It is essential for a baby's immune system. However, they only receive a small amount of this fluid - around one tablespoon in the first day and just a little more in the second and third days. Many mothers think that they need to supply the baby more and begin to supplement their feeds with formula. This is generally not necessary, it is worthwhile persisting, remaining relaxed about the situation (stress can inhibit your milk release) and realising that it is normal for a baby to lose some weight in their first week of life. For some women however, breastfeeding may not be possible and it is perfectly acceptable to switch to formula.

Remember that if you do supplement feed, you may need to express milk so that your milk supply does not 'dry up'. The more milk you release, the more will be made over the next 24 hours. For example if your baby is going through a growth spurt they may drink more often and then 24 hours later you will notice an increase in your milk supply to serve their needs.

The opposite can also happen such as if you skip a feed (and don't express) and supplement the baby with formula you will begin to produce less breast milk and not be able to keep up supply to the baby. It will then take a concerted effort on your behalf of feeding your baby and also perhaps additional expressing to increase you breast milk supply. If you feel you are having trouble and cannot keep up supply to your baby please contact a lactation consultant or your local community health centre in your area. They are a fantastic resource to help you get back on track.