Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding should be recommended as routine but some mothers are unable to breastfeed or choose to bottle feed for a number of different reasons and should not feel ostracised for their decision.

Breastfeeding has many benefits.

  • Provides the nutrients required for the growth of your newborn
  • Cheaper
  • Sterile food
  • Prevents infection in the newborn through the passage of antibodies from the mother
  • Causes uterine contractions and reduces post delivery blood loss
  • Improves Maternal – Infant bonding

10 steps to successful breastfeeding (Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding: The Special Role of Maternity Services, a joint WHO/UNICEF statement)

  • Be aware that some drugs in labour can affect the baby with sucking e.g. pethidine
  • Correct positioning and attachment at the breast will ensure nipples will not be damaged, and also stimulates production and emptying of the breast.
  • Skin-to-skin with mothers immediately following birth for at least an hour will aid with bonding and helps mothers to recognise when their babies are ready to breastfeed. This maintains baby’s temperature and allows baby to sniff and smell around the breast.
  • Give newborn infant no other food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated
  • Practice rooming-in, mothers and infants should stay together 24 hours a day if possible
  • Breastfeeding on demand: the baby will demonstrate cues for feeding. Allow babies to breastfeed when they demand. This will also stimulate the breast milk production and prevent engorgement and jaundice in the baby.
  • Give unrestricted time at the breast, babies know when they have had enough and this will ensure that the breast is softened and prevents engorgement.
  • Try to avoid artificial teats and pacifiers
  • Attend antenatal and parenting classes
  • Try to exclusively breastfeed until 4-6 months of age

When breastfeeding is not recommended.

  • Galactosaemia in the baby
  • Severe cleft palate
  • Neurological problems in the baby e.g. severe prematurity
  • Anatomical problems e.g. pyloric stenosis
  • HIV positive mother
  • With certain medications taken by the mother
  • Chemotherapy

Buderim Private Hospital Maternity Unit takes part in the "Breast Friendly Health Initiative". Lactation Consultants with expertise in Breast Feeding are available to assist if you are having any concerns at anytime. There are also a number of Independent Midwives / Lactation Consultants on the Sunshine Coast - DR Kylie Isaacs will be able to give you further details if you require.