Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for both the mother and child. In addition, a mother’s breast milk is the best and primary form of food source for an infant because it has the right nutrient content and ideal combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, cholesterol, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), taurine, many antibodies/antimicrobial factors and live cells, etc. Research has proven that breastfed babies are healthier. They are less likely to be stricken by infectious diseases, such as bacterial meningitis (infection of membranes in the brain), diarrhoea, respiratory tract infection, and urinary tract infection.

Although breast milk is undoubtedly the best for your little one, some mothers choose not to breastfeed their baby for various reasons. These include lack of support, misinformation, ignorance and a multitude of other reasons such as the ready availability of prepared formulas, paraphernalia of bottles and rubber nipples, and ease of sterilisation. In these cases, mothers resort to infant formulas or milk from dairy animals such as cows and goats. While these milk types may not be the best nutritional choice for infants, they may contain some nutrients and vitamins that breastfed infants receive from breast milk.

Infant formula as an alternative

Infant formula is an alternative to breast milk as it resembles mother’s milk in its nutrient content. However it can never be as good as breast milk. These formulas come in the form of powder, concentrated liquid or ready-to-use formulas and can be categorised into 2 main types - cow’s milk-based formulas and soy-based formulas.

• Cow’s milk based formulas are essentially made using cow’s milk that has been altered to resemble breast milk. This formula contains the right balance of nutrients and is easier to digest. Some babies do well on this formula, but others who are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk may need to take different types of infant formula.
• Soy-based formulas. Soy-based infant formulas may be an option for babies who are intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk formula or to lactose, a sugar naturally found in cow’s milk.

Though infant formulas have some resemblance to breast milk when it comes to nutrient content, they fail to match the complexity of breast milk, are expensive, and create more gas and cause constipation in babies. Most importantly, infant formulas lack the important antibodies found in breast milk to fight against infections and illnesses.

Is whole dairy milk good for my baby?

A baby under the age of one should not be given dairy milk but should be fed breast milk or infant formula. This is because cow’s milk and goat’s milk contain inadequate amount of iron, small amount of vitamin C, E. Cow’s milk also has higher sodium, potassium, chloride content compared to infant formula.

Once the baby reaches 1 or 2 years of age, whole dairy milk can be introduced to provide calcium, protein and carbohydrates. However, digesting the high concentrations of proteins and minerals in cow’s milk can tax an infant’s immature kidneys, while inadequate iron and vitamin C content can cause iron-deficiency anaemia in some babies. Whole cows’s milk can be given to a baby past the age of 1 year provided that he is also given solid foods.

Goat’s milk, on the other hand, is said to have high calcium content and is easier to digest than cow’s milk due to its protein make-up. However, the American Academy of Paediatrics discourages feeding infants this type of dairy milk as it could cause allergic reactions and life-threatening infections. In addition, goat’s milk does not have all the nutrients, specifically vitamin B-12 and folic acid, that a baby needs in order to develop and grow.

Human milk is specific for the human infant, just as the milk of other mammalian species is specifically designed for their offspring. However for mothers who for various reasons are unable to breast feed, then infant formulas are given as a substitute for growing babies, while dairy milk is discouraged for children under the age of one.

All mothers need to have accurate information so that they can make an informed decision whether to breastfeed or opt for bottle feeding. Consult with your paediatrician/lactation consultant even before your baby’s arrival. Remember breast milk is and will always be the ideal nutrition for human babies.

Author’s Note: The author is contributing this article to Positive Parenting as she is keen to provide evidence-based information to parents. However, as a baby-food company is a sponsor of Positive Parenting, the author has declined to accept any payment for this article from Positive Parenting as she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is bound by the Code of Ethics to not accept any kind of support from baby food companies.

"Perceived inadequate supply" is a common breastfeeding problem, as many mothers think they are not producing enough milk when they do have enough. This may be because many new mums lack the emotional wellbeing and self-confidence to feed their babies exclusively on breast milk. Furthermore, there is even a misconception that formula milk is "superior" despite the compulsory labelling on all infant formula products - "Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies".

Mothers often use the wrong signs to judge milk supply. In general, mothers can determine whether they have enough milk supply by the following indicators:

• Weight gain - Babies regain birth weight by two weeks; double the birth weight at 5-6 months, and triple at one year. Breastfed babies are leaner ie they are less likely to be overfed and are not as chubby as formula fed babies.
• Diapers - At least 4-6 pale, wet cloth nappies per 24 hours. Babies pass soft, yellow, curdy stools.
• Other signs - Babies with good skin tone, clear, bright eyes and have a period of wakeful contentment during the day.

Can food help with milk supply?

"Drink this papaya and fish soup....it can help you produce more milk!"

Locally this is a common recommendation to young mothers from relatives and friends. Throughout history, mothers all over the world have used certain foods or herbs to enhance their milk supply. Most of them have not been scientifically evaluated, but traditional use suggests safety and some efficacy. The commonly used herbs are Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and Goat's rue (Galega officinalis).

For lactating mothers, taking a balanced diet with adequate fluid intake is crucial in ensuring adequate milk supply. It does not hurt therefore, to have fish and papaya regularly in the diet.

Facing feeding problems

At times, babies may drink more than usual or become fussy when drinking. This leads mum to think her milk supply has decreased. There are some reasons though, that contribute to low milk supply. Check if you may be going through any of the below, especially if your child is not gaining proper weight or does not have enough bowel movements.

• Improper latching: If your baby does not latch on properly, there will be insufficient breast stimulation, which is necessary for optimum milk production.
• Shape of nipples: The shape of nipples can influence whether or not your baby latches on successfully. Flat or inverted nipples may make it difficult for your child to nurse.
• Sore nipples: Pain caused by very sore nipples may inhibit letdown reflex; you may also tend to delay the feedings because of the pain and discomfort.
• Infrequent feedings: Nurse frequently; around 8 feedings (or more) in 24 hours would suffice in providing him with enough milk. This also stimulates your breasts to keep on producing enough milk.
• Use of formula supplements: Using formula to supplement can decrease milk supply, as formula babies tend to nurse less often.
• Stress: Almost all mothers undergo stress at some point, more so if they are new mothers. Stress may be one of the reasons for a reduced production of milk.

In some cases, when all other methods have been tried but to no avail, doctors may prescribe a drug, domperidone. This medication helps in stimulating the production of the prolactin hormone and thus increases milk output.

Even with all the steps taken above, it may still be possible to have low milk supply. Do talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist who is able to help you with your condition. While we recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed, mixed feeding ie breast milk and formula is better than not breastfeeding at all. So, don't give in to frustration or depression; you can find ways that work best for both you and your child.

Author's Note: The author is contributing this article to Positive Parenting as she is keen to provide evidence-based information to parents. However, as a baby-food company is a sponsor of Positive Parenting, the author has declined to accept any payment for this article from Positive Parenting as she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is bound by the Code of Ethics to not accept any kind of support from baby food companies.

Breastfeeding is a natural process between mother and child but it is not a naturally known process. It is a learned skill that both of them need many practices to know and understand the process.

Coming out fully prepared…

A baby goes through sucking motions in the womb; thus, a newborn baby is prepared with the necessary skills to obtain sufficient nutrition. With enough practice and patience, a baby can coordinate his movements well to suck, swallow and breathe in an efficient manner when breastfeeding.

In some instances, where babies are born prematurely, born with disorders such as cleft palate, or born with an oral motor problem, their ability to breastfeed and to eat solids in the future may be affected. There are also normal babies who develop difficulties due to birth injury which produces pain and causes the oral system to ’shut down’ to avoid further pain.

How is breastfeeding affected?

A baby with oral motor problems may experience a poor coordination of the suck-swallow-breathe pattern. Coupled with a weak oral muscular system and a limited range of movements, baby’s ability to breastfeed can be significantly hampered.

The clear tell-tale signs indicating the baby’s breastfeeding troubles include difficulty latching onto breast, milk dripping out of his mouth or nose, a consistent low weight gain and noisy feeding. Whereas mums will feel nipple soreness or pain while nursing, experiencing plugged ducts or mastitis, and persistent low milk supply.

Do note that anything consumed by breastfeeding mums has an effect on the baby. If you are actively breastfeeding, inform your doctor. This is to avoid side effects of medication (eg drowsiness) in the baby that may affect his ability to coordinate sucking during breastfeeding. Other factors leading to unsuccessful sucking include mother-baby separation after birth (in premature cases), which may lead to the early bottle teats exposure. These factors are more common and are easily correctable.

Drinking or not…?

Sometimes, it is less obvious that the baby is not feeding properly. Some signs to look out for that may suggest oral motor issues in your child are:

• Preferring bottle to breast, or refusing to nurse.
• Contents of bottle running down baby’s chin.
• Emptying the bottle either too quickly or too slowly.
• Twisting the body while at the breast.
• Coughing, choking or changing colour during nursing or bottle feeding.
• Tongue clicking.
• Poor lip seal.

Your baby may show some of the symptoms above, but it does not necessarily indicate oral motor problems. You may look further into the matter and see a paediatrician to ascertain if the baby truly has those complications.

What treatments are available?

Even a minor refinement in a baby’s oral motor skills can make a huge difference to the success of breastfeeding. Treatment strategies may involve:

• Supporting the baby’s mouth by placing it into the correct position for feeding.
• Using corrective positioning techniques while baby sucks your finger.
• Positioning the baby more effectively for breast milk expression.
• Physically exercising baby’s oral and facial muscles.

Because babies’ nervous systems are flexible, changes can happen almost immediately. Every child is a unique individual and working together with a professional will help cater to your child’s needs therefore making recovery successfully. NEVER give up as breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be acquired and takes time. Give your baby time to adjust. If you still do not see any improvements, do refer your child to a paediatrician or lactation consultant.

Author’s Note: The author is contributing this article to Positive Parenting as she is keen to provide evidence-based information to parents. However, as a baby-food company is a sponsor of Positive Parenting, the author has declined to accept any payment for this article from Positive Parenting as she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is bound by the Code of Ethics to not accept any kind of support from baby food companies.

In our previous issue, we talked about the issue on expressing milk and its different methods. In this final part, we will walk you through how to store your expressed breast milk properly and to prepare them for your baby. Enforcing the proper storing and preparation techniques is important to uphold the hygienic and nutritional properties of breast milk.

Storage Containers

There are generally two options, in which you can choose to store your breast milk: Hard-sided containers. Usually made from hard plastic or glass, these are the preferred containers for long-term human milk storage. Choose one with an airtight seal. Plastic bags (specifically designed for breast milk storage). Only use this option for short-term use as they may spill, leak, or become contaminated more easily than hard-sided containers. Some important milk components may adhere to the soft plastic and deprive your child of it.

1. Wash your hands prior to expressing milk.
2. Store in small portions (2-4 ounces/60-120 mL) to minimise waste.
3. Consider storing smaller size portions (1–2 ounces/30–60 mL) each for unexpected situations. A small amount of milk can keep a baby happy until mom comes to nurse the baby.
4. You may combine breast milk expressed throughout the day to get the desired volume in a container. Chill the newly expressed milk for at least 1 hour in the main body of the refrigerator or in a cooler with ice or ice packs, and then add it to previously chilled milk expressed on the same day.
5. Do not add warm breast milk to frozen milk because it will partially thaw the frozen milk. Also, do not mix milk from separate days.
6. Leave some room at the top of a container because breast milk expands as it freezes.
7. Label containers clearly with the date using waterproof labels and ink, if possible.

Preparing to Feed Baby: Thawing or Warming the Breast Milk

1. Use the oldest milk first.
2. Baby may drink the milk cool, at room temperature, or warmed.
3. Thaw milk by placing it in the refrigerator the night before use or gently re-warm it by placing the container under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Do not let the level of water in the bowl or from the tap touch the mouth of the container.
4. Breast milk may be kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours after it is thawed.
5. NEVER use a microwave oven or direct heat on the milk. These may cause scald spots and will also destroy antibodies.
6. Swirl the container of milk to mix the cream back in, and distribute the heat evenly. Do not stir the milk.
7. Milk left in the feeding container after a feeding should be discarded and not used again.
8. As with all foods, do not re-freeze breast milk once it is thawed or partially thawed.

Author’s Note: The author is contributing this article to Positive Parenting as she is keen to provide evidence-based information to parents. However, as a baby-food company is a sponsor of Positive Parenting, the author has declined to accept any payment for this article from Positive Parenting as she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is bound by the Code of Ethics to not accept any kind of support from baby food companies.

In our previous publication, we talked about how new mothers can prepare themselves to uphold the important task of breastfeeding BEFORE returning to their full-time jobs. In this issue, we will give you a step-by-step guideline on how to resume that important role upon returning to work. While many presume that expressing breast milk is a difficult task, it is actually quite manageable with the right technique and motivation.

How to Express Your Milk

There are two methods to express - by hand or by pump (hand, electric or battery operated). Regardless of the method, it is important to follow these steps before you start:

• Be hygienic. Wash your hands thoroughly, wash all containers, bottles and pump pieces with hot soapy water.
• Relax. Tension may inhibit the milk ejection reflex. Try listening to music, looking at a picture of your baby, or thinking about feeding your baby.
• Massage. Gently massage the breast, towards the areola, for a minute or two, roll your nipple between your first finger and thumb. This encourages the release of hormones which stimulate your breast to produce and release the milk.

Expressing by Hand

1. Position the thumb (above the nipple) and first two fingers (below the nipple) about 1” to 1–1/2” from the nipple, though not necessarily at the outer edges of the areola. Use this measurement as a guide, since breasts and areolas vary in size from one woman to another. Be sure the hand forms the letter “C” and the finger pads are at 6 and 12 o’clock in line with the nipple. Note the fingers are positioned so that the milk reservoirs lie beneath them. These can often be felt as small pea-like structures underneath the skin.
   
   
2. Using your thumb and index finger, gently squeeze this area – this shouldn’t hurt. It may take a minute or two before any drops appear, so do not be disheartened. Once the milk starts to flow you will no doubt pick up a natural rhythm.
3. Release the pressure and then repeat continuously, building up a rhythm. Avoid sliding your fingers over the skin. Milk should start to flow. If it doesn’t, try moving your fingers slightly towards the nipple or further away. Or try a gentle breast massage.
4. When the flow slows down, express from the other breast. Keep changing breasts until the milk stops or drips very slowly.

Expressing Using a Breast Pump

Most pumps work on a similar principle of creating a vacuum when the funnel has been placed over the areola. In most models, the suction strength can be altered as well. However, more powerful suction isn’t necessarily the best. Too strong a suction can damage nipples, so find the lowest effective suction rating to suit you. Milk will often not flow immediately. Make sure the funnel of the pump is not too small when the nipple is brought into the narrow part of the funnel, as this could damage the nipple.

Hand or Pump?

Whether you choose to express by hand or pump, it is still a good idea to do a bit of both as a pump only ‘sucks’ the breast but hands ‘milk’ the breast. The combination will be similar to your baby feeding.

In the final part next issue, we will share on how to store your expressed breast milk properly and to prepare them for your baby.

Author’s Note: The author is contributing this article to Positive Parenting as she is keen to provide evidence-based information to parents. However, as a baby-food company is a sponsor of Positive Parenting, the author has declined to accept any payment for this article from Positive Parenting as she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is bound by the Code of Ethics to not accept any kind of support from baby food companies.

Women have always worked, in both formal and informal sectors. So, how can women continue with breastfeeding if they work away or are separated from their babies?

Most women return to work while still breastfeeding their babies. To combine breastfeeding and employment successfully, one must plan ahead of time. A mother must be comfortable with breastfeeding and confident of her milk supply.This can be achieved by breastfeeding her baby frequently and exclusively (giving no other liquids or food in the weeks before returning to work). When the mother resorts to give her baby artificial milk or formula, this will reduce baby’s consumption of milk from the breast, and the mother’s milk supply will decrease. Breastmilk is essential for the health of both mother and the baby. In this 3-part article, we will discuss what breastfeeding mothers can do BEFORE she returns to work.

Before You Return to Work…

Discuss your breastfeeding plans with your employer prior to returning to work, what you will need and how she or he can help. Maternity leave in our country is for a period of not less than 60 days, so negotiate with your employer to stay at home for as long as possible after your baby is born. You may also discuss the possibility of working part time the first few weeks and ask for 2-3 flexible breaks during your work day.

Meet with your caregiver. Discuss your plans and how you want your baby fed when you are at work. It is important that your caregiver understands and supports your commitment to breastfeeding.

• Some mothers breastfeed during their lunch break. Is it possible to go to your baby or have your baby brought to your workplace?

• Some mothers want their baby to be fed expressed milk when they are at work. Show your caregiver how to store and handle the breastmilk properly. Written instructions are helpful.

• Many mothers like to breastfeed as soon as they are with their babies. Your caregiver must know your expected time of arrival so she doesn’t feed your baby just before you return.

Feeding the baby whilst you are away. Babies don’t necessarily need a bottle. Introducing a bottle in the first few weeks of a baby’s life can interfere with breastfeeding and establishing a good milk supply. Babies can be fed expressed breastmilk in various ways: by cup, spoon, or feeder cup. If you need help with these feeding methods, contact a breastfeeding counsellor or ask your paediatrician. However, if you plan to give your baby a bottle, begin after 6 weeks old to avoid breast refusal and/or nipple confusion. Ensure that the bottle is bisphenol (BPA) free as there is evidence to suggest the chemical can interfere with the healthy growth and body functions of your baby.

Stock up expressed milk. To feed your baby expressed breast milk when at work, start storing your milk 2 weeks before returning to work. Ask dad or someone else to try giving your baby expressed milk. This allows the baby to associate its mother with direct feeding and expressed breastmilk with others.

Breast pump for work. If you plan to use a breast pump to express milk when at work, select a pump that is best suited for your particular needs. Practice pumping to get familiar with how the pump works, the time taken to pump and how your body feels when pumping.

Wardrobe check. Two piece outfits or clothes that fasten in the front are more convenient if breastfeeding or expressing your milk. Washable patterned clothing can hide wet areas if you are concerned about milk leakage.

Trial run. Choose a day to practice what returning to work will be like. Get yourself and your baby ready for the day. Breastfeed, leave your baby with the caregiver, go out for the day and express or breastfeed as you will when you return to work.

In coming issues, we will look into concerns of working breastfeeding mums WHEN she is at work, and HOW mums can express, thaw and store the milk for the baby.

Breastfeeding is a normal physiological human activity which has countless benefits for mother, child, family, society and the environment as a whole. This is especially so in the health of mother and child. Are you aware that breastfeeding is more than just nutrition for your baby? It is not only excellent for your child’s physical development but it also nurtures the mother and baby emotionally and strengthens the bonding between them.

Breastfeeding increases the emotional and psychological growth of mother and child. The act of suckling at the breast has an impact on both child and mother. Breastfeeding calms and provides analgesia to infants, as evidenced in reduced heart and metabolic rates and a reduced ability to perceive pain during suckling.

The Calming Effect

There are several reasons for this calming and analgesic effect.

• Suckling at the breast stimulates the infant’s oropharyngeal tactileand mechanoreceptors and focuses attention on the mouth, reducing outside influences.

• Suckling and intestinal absorption of fat from milk stimulates the release of the hormone cholecystokinin which activates the nerves that induces relaxation and pain relief.

• The sweet flavour of milk stimulates the release of opioids in the midbrain of infants, which act on receptors that decrease the perception of pain.

• Breastfeeding involves maternal skinto- skin contact which stabilizes blood glucose levels, body temperature and respiration rates and also reduces stress hormone release and blood pressure.

• Finally, breastfeeding involves intimate social interaction between mother and child (bonding), which may result in the release of the anti-stress hormone oxytocin.

These mechanisms of relaxation and analgesia work synergistically and while research has thus far focused on newborns, the experience of mothers is that the calming, analgesic and relaxing effects of breastfeeding remain for as long as breastfeeding occur.

Emotional Connection

The mother-child bonding refers to the powerful emotional connection between a mother and her child. Breastfeeding increases the mother-child bonding due to the increased skin-to-skin contact that occurs as a mother holds her child close and looks at her child while nursing. A breastfeeding mother becomes sensitive to her child’s needs and learns to be more responsive to them.

Plasma oxytocin was found to be elevated following birth in women who held their infants skin-to-skin; notably the oxytocin peaked after expulsion of the placenta. After one or two suckling periods, the blood oxytocin became elevated with each breastfeeding. These increased levels may enhance the bonding of the mother to her infant as well as contract the uterine muscle to prevent bleeding. These findings help explain the observation made by nurses in France in the 19th century, when they noted that mothers who breastfed their babies for at least 8 days rarely gave up their infants.

When a mother breastfeeds her child, her sensory nerves in the nipples are stimulated by the touch of the baby’s lips which leads to the release of two very important hormones in the mother’s brain involved in breastfeeding, prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin (the mothering hormone) apart from helping in the production of breastmilk helps the mother to relax and feel more affectionate towards her baby. Oxytocin (love hormone) is responsible for milk ejection and also for the euphoric feelings in the mother and lifting her mood.

Mothers need to be encouraged and supported immediately after the birth of the baby through early skin to skin contact and breastfeeding. This is important not only for the physical gains for both the mother and baby that breastfeeding brings but also for the emotional benefits that result from this relationship.

• Fats – Breast milk contains greater levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid), which play a significant role in the development of the brain (e.g. synaptogenesis, membrane function, and potentially, myelination).
• Cholesterol – This is also found in high concentrations in breast milk. Cholesterol is important to facilitate myelinisation of the central nervous system and the brain, which has a high lipid and cholesterol content.
• Taurine – Taurine is an important amino acid found in great concentrations in breast milk and plays an important role in the development of brain tissue. It is also crucial for the synthesis and release of the brain neurotransmitters. Because a baby’s body is unable to form taurine on its own, it is vital that what they eat provides an ample supply.

More Benefits from Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding protects babies from illnesses that can cause malnutrition, learning, and hearing difficulties.
• Breastfeeding ensures frequent interaction and exposes babies to language, positive social behaviour, and significant stimuli.
• Breastfeeding enables better visual development and visual activity, leading to reading and learning readiness.

“Excellent Brain Food,” Says Research

A substantial body of research has demonstrated the benefits of breast milk on brain development. Some of the prominent ones are shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Studies on Breastfeeding and Children’s Intelligence

Source	Findings
Rodgers, 1978	Higher scores for intelligence, reading, mathematical attainment, and verbal ability were obtained by the breastfed children.
Horwood & Fergusson, 1998	Increased IQ, increased performance on standardised tests, higher teacher ratings, and high school achievement.
Mortensen et al., 2002	Average IQ score of 104 if breastfed for over 9 months compared with 99.4 for less than 1 month.

Give Your Child the Best

The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a full 6 months. Thereafter, breastfeeding is continued with the addition of appropriate complementary foods to 2 years and beyond. It is important that you should consider the recommended duration of breastfeeding as this can make a difference in brain development during the early years of life. For information and tips on effective breastfeeding, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org.

“Help! My milk flow is diminishing!”
To keep your milk flowing, you need to breastfeed frequently and properly. A good start will be about once every two hours once you are in the postnatal ward. Once you return to work, it is advisable to continue breastfeeding and if you must, express your milk while at work. The giving of top up feeds of formula milk, water, other food and drinks during the first 6 months of life and the use of pacifiers all reduce suckling of the breast, which will in turn affect milk production.

“How will I know if I am producing enough breast milk for my baby?”
He has had enough milk if he is contented for about 1 hour after a feed. In addition to that, your baby will also put on at least 20 grams a day after the first week of life if fed sufficiently. Another way to gauge this is by checking baby’s excretions. Your baby will pass urine about 5 to 6 times a day and pass stools 3 to 8 times a day during the first month.

Breastfeeding Your Twins
Breastfeeding is an intimate moment between you and your newborn twins.
Here are some tips on how you can make the most out of this precious time.

By Associate Professor Dr Poh Bee Koon, Nutritionist.

Breastfeeding Step-By-Step
Breastfeeding is about the best initial feeding and bonding with baby.

The pictorial guide helps you get started. There are also tips on
how to strengthen your bond with baby.

Saying “I Do” To Breastfeeding

By Assoc Prof Dr Poh Bee Koon, Nutritionist

Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed your baby. Now is the time to find out more about breastfeeding and make the necessary arrangements.

Find out all you can about breastfeeding once you have decided to do it. This article recommends websites and books you can read, and guides you in making the necessary arrangements with your spouse, family members and healthcare team.

Clear your mind
Breastfeeding is as much psychological as physical. Here are some preparation tips:

• Adopt a positive attitude and be confident that you can and will succeed.
  
  
• Plan how long you want to breastfeed.
  
  
• Talk to your spouse and attend breastfeeding talks or antenatal classes where breastfeeding is taught, together if possible.
  
  
• Surround yourself with supportive people. Do not be discouraged by negative comments made by people who may misunderstand or have misconceptions about breastfeeding.

Make the arrangements
Inform your spouse and family members of your decision to breastfeed:

• Request that baby not be given water or infant formula unless medically indicated.
  
  
• Baby should not be given teats or pacifiers as these may confuse him and make him reject the breast.

Also, remember to inform your healthcare team:

• Make sure they know that you would like to breastfeed baby as soon as possible after birth.
  
  
• Ask that baby rooms in with you in the hospital so that you can be with him and breastfeed whenever he is hungry.

Find out more

• Speak to your doctor about breastfeeding.
  
  
• Chat with mothers who have breastfed successfully.
  
  
• Talk to breastfeeding support groups and lactation consultants.