Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is feeding a baby with milk from the mother’s
breast.
 

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby,
including:

• Infants who are breastfed experience fewer cases of infectious
  and noninfectious diseases than do formula-fed infants. 
• Infants who are breastfed experience fewer cases of diarrhoea,
  respiratory infections and ear infections than do formula-fed
  infants.
• There is less incidence of overweight or obesity in children
  who were breastfed as infants.
• Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of type 1 and type 2
  diabetes, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood
  cancer and asthma.
• Women who breastfeed experience less bleeding after the
  birthing process, an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight and a
  reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast
  cancer.
• Breastfeeding is cost-beneficial to families.

The World Health Organization recommends that mothers
breastfeed exclusively (without adding other foods) until their
infant reaches the age of 6 months. After the infant reaches the
age of 6 months, it is recommended that complementary foods be
introduced along with breastfeeding, which should continue up until
the age of 2 years and beyond.

Women can begin breastfeeding their infant soon after delivery. In
the first few days after delivery of the baby, the mother’s
breastmilk contains colostrum, which is a high-caloric,
high-protein, thin yellow fluid that contains nutrients and
antibodies that protect against infection.
 

When NOT to breastfeed: 

• Women with HIV should not breastfeed or express milk because of
  the risk of transmitting the disease to the infant.
• Women with human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) should
  not breastfeed because of the risk of transmitting the disease to
  the infant.
• If you have hepatitis C, if you are taking any illicit or
  pharmaceutical drugs, ask your Doctor for advice before you
  breastfeed. 
• Some infants who have been born with metabolic disorders cannot
  metabolise lactose and cannot be breastfed.

In no way is this information intended to replace the advice
of a medical practitioner. Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis
and advice.
 

Most problems with Breastfeeding are easily resolved with time
and practise. Such problems include:

• Cracked or bleeding nipples usually result from poor
  attachment. Ensure the baby has the entire areola (the dark area
  surrounding the nipple) in its mouth, not just the nipple itself.
  Your Child Health Nurse or Midwife can help you with positioning
  and attachment. Some creams may provide relief. After each feed,
  expressing a few drops of milk and rubbing them into your nipples
  may help.
• Engorgement occurs when your breasts become too full with milk.
  It usually occurs in the first few days after birth, when your milk
  comes in. A little engorgement is normal, but excessive engorgement
  can be very painful. Cold compresses or ice packs between feedings
  can relieve your discomfort and reduce swelling. Cold cabbage
  leaves placed on the breasts can also help. Prior to feeding, place
  warm compresses on the breasts and gently massage from under the
  arm down toward the nipple. This will help reduce soreness and ease
  milk flow. Most importantly, keep breastfeeding. Engorgement is a
  temporary condition and will be most quickly relieved by effective
  milk removal. 
• Mastitis is an infection of the breast that occurs when a milk
  duct gets blocked and bacteria infect a portion of the breast.
  Signs and symptoms of mastitis include swelling, burning, redness
  and pain – usually in just one breast. You may also feel feverish
  and generally unwell. See your Doctor if you experience these
  symptoms. Do not stop breastfeeding while you have mastitis since
  the infection will not spread to your milk. Keep the milk flowing
  in the infected breast. Expressing extra milk from the affected
  side may also be necessary.
• Low milk supply is usually a result of infrequent feeding or
  inadequate nutrition. Often feeding or expressing more frequently
  will help to increase supply. Offer alternate breasts at each feed
  so both are drained equally. Drink plenty of fluids; water is best.
  A nutritious diet with adequate protein intake ensures sufficient
  ‘building blocks’ to facilitate milk production. See the
  Breastfeeding Diet topic on the Healthpoint.

METHOD

• Support your breast with your hand. Your thumb should be on top
  of your breast and your fingers below. Your fingers should not
  touch the areola.
• Using your nipple, tickle your baby’s lip until s/he opens
  wide. Then pull your baby on to the breast quickly. 
• Your baby should be on your nipple and most of the areola. The
  tip of your baby’s nose should be touching the breast. 
• If the latch on is painful, your baby is probably on the
  nipple. Pull your baby off by inserting your little finger between
  your baby’s lips and your breast to break the suction. 
• Next time you breastfeed your baby, start on the other
  breast.
• Don’t breastfeed your baby for more than 20 minutes on a side.
  The baby should empty your breast in the first 10-15 minutes.

ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian Breastfeeding Association topic on the
Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Some Pharmacies have a registered Nurse available who will help
   with any queries you may have.
2. See the Breastfeeding Diet on the Healthpoint.
3. Breast milk should be stored at refrigerator temperatures for
   no longer than two days. Storage for longer periods or at colder
   temperatures causes the milk to lose antioxidant activity.
4. Before taking any medication ask your Pharmacist whether your
   milk will be affected.
5. Ask your Pharmacist about nursing pads that can be placed
   inside your bra to catch milk if the nipples leak.
6. See the other Breastfeeding topics on the Healthpoint,
   including Breast Pumps and Breastmilk – Expressing/Storing.