Feeding your baby

Breastmilk is designed specifically to give your baby all the nutritional needs for the first six months of life and provides protection against some infections. 

How your body produces breastmilk 

The female breast anatomy consists primarily of mammary tissue, but it also contains milk-producing glands called lobules. These lobules hold tiny sacs known as alveoli and are linked by a network of thin tubes called ducts. The milk is made in the alveoli, when your baby feeds these alveoli contract pushing milk into the ducts and out via the nipple into your baby’s mouth. During the first days of breastfeeding the breastmilk is called colostrum, which contains a large amount of proteins and antibodies. You may have leaked a few drops of this thick, yellowish substance during the final weeks of your pregnancy (some women may have noticed this in the early months of pregnancy). The precious, easily digestible liquid is full of disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulins that strengthen your baby’s immune system. It also acts as a laxative, which helps to clear out meconium (the first dark-green motions) from the baby’s bowels.

Newborn babies take only a teaspoon or two of milk per feed in the first few days, since their stomach is very small and colostrum is a very rich food that is high in protein. After a few days colostrum begins its transition into mature breastmilk. Your milk is increasing in volume daily to meet your baby’s needs. This is an important time to demand feed. It takes 14 to 21 days before you have mature milk. 

Early initiation of breastfeeding is important for successful breastfeeding. You will usually be able to have skin to skin contact soon after birth. Most babies are alert and start to suck immediately. When your baby feeds, the nipple and areola are taken into the baby’s mouth. With suckling hormones stimulate the glands to let-down milk, baby will feed in bursts, pause and start again. Letting your baby finish the first breast and come off spontaneously helps your supply to establish in the early days. During the first days of feeding, you may feel some contractions in your abdomen as the baby feeds. The usually mild discomfort signals the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.

NOTE - If your baby is sleeping for long periods during the day, not waking for feeds, not feeding well, not having many feeds per day or is too tired to feed, it is important to contact your LMC, doctor or other health professional as soon as possible.

Breast size does not have an effect on the amount of milk or the quality of milk a woman produces. Supply and demand is a key concept when it comes to breastfeeding. It’s all about how your body produces the perfect amount of milk to meet your baby’s needs. When your baby latches onto your breast and starts suckling, both prolactin and oxytocin are released. Oxytocin helps the milk to come out of your breast. This is the demand part of the equation. The more your baby feeds, the more demand is placed on your body. Your body responds to this demand by producing milk through the release of prolactin. The supply part of the equation kicks in. The more frequently your baby breastfeeds and removes milk from your breasts, the more milk your body will make. It’s like a magical feedback loop. 

Don’t worry about timing your baby’s feeds. Like adults, babies may take different amounts of food at different times of the day. The volume of milk is higher in the early morning feeds and lower at night. The emptier the breast the higher the fat content. This is the rationale for baby’s feeding frequently later in the day to satisfy them for longer at night. 

• allow your baby to suckle until satisfied at the first breast. When your baby starts playing at the breast you can offer the other breast 
• if your baby does not want any more milk do not persist. Always start with the other breast at the next feed 
• if baby falls asleep in the middle of a feed, changing their nappy, taking off a layer of their clothing or stroking them may wake them enough to finish the feed 
• it is normal and very common for two-day-old babies to be very hungry and wakeful and feed constantly in short bursts 
• when the weather is hot you may find your baby wants to feed more often, your milk is all they need to keep them hydrated and quench their thirst 

For more feeding positions click here

Your position 

How you position yourself, how you hold your baby, and how you offer your breast all affect how baby latches on. This will determine how comfortable you and your baby will be during breastfeeding. Choose a comfortable well supported sitting or lying position to avoid getting a stiff back, shoulder or neck muscles, or cracked nipples from the baby poorly latching on to the breast. 

Baby’s position 

Babies as well as mothers should be comfortable during breastfeeding. Baby’s breastfeeding reflexes work best when baby is well supported with their body comfortably aligned. 

Position your baby across your front, hold them with their chest and tummy facing you (baby’s chest to your chest, baby’s chin to your breast) and their nose opposite the nipple and their arms either side of your breast. Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to your baby. 

Sore and cracked nipples 

The main cause of sore nipples is incorrect positioning of the baby at the breast. If you cannot improve their position yourself, or your nipples are not healing you can get help from your LMC, a lactation consultant or the La Leche League. 

To help heal sore and cracked nipples:

• express a few drops of breastmilk, gently spread it on the nipples, and allow to dry. This helps prevent against infection and is soothing. Ointments may be soothing and it works as a moist healing method 
• leave nipples uncovered or loosely covered between feeds to help them heal 
• some people find silver nursing cups may help to relieve the discomfort of cracked and sore nipples 
• if your nipples stick to your bra, a helpful tip is to moisten with expressed breastmilk or warm water so that you do not cause more damage or pain 
• avoid using soap on the nipple 
• pain may be helped by taking paracetamol every four hours, up to four times a day. Prolonged (for more than a couple of days) or excessive use may be harmful. See your health professional if pain continues 
• breast pain may also be caused by blocked ducts and/or nipple and breast infections 
• seek professional help 

Engorgement/ breast fullness 

Breast fullness can occur usually 3-5 days after birth. This means that the breasts have become distended and are hot and painful to touch.

To relieve breast fullness and engorgement you can try 

• frequent feeding. Make sure baby is attached well to avoid sore, cracked nipples 
• if the areola is too swollen, gently express enough milk to enable your baby to get onto the breast correctly 
• using different feeding positions or feed lying down 
• light touch lymphatic drainage massage techniques can help. With gentle sweeping motions up into the armpit, applying cool face cloths or cooling packs on the breast between feeds 
• wearing a comfortable, non-restrictive, supportive bra 
• using non-steroidal anti-inflammatories every four - six hours, up to four times a day for pain (see your health professional if pain continues) 

Blocked ducts and breast infections (Mastitis) 

Breast lumps while breastfeeding may mean that you have a blocked duct 

To help clear blocked ducts try:

• continue to feed from both breasts as usual 
• changing breastfeeding positions 
• lymphatic drainage massage can help to remove excess fluid away from the breast. Use gentle sweeping motions towards the armpit 
• cool compress after feeds 
• a painless, persistent lump should be checked by your LMC, lactation consultant or GP 

You may have a breast infection if you have aches and pains, fever, feel shivery like you have the flu, or have a painful pink or red area on the breast. If you have any of these symptoms contact your LMC or doctor as soon as possible. 

To help recover from a breast infection:

• keep breastfeeding baby as advised. The breast heals more quickly if kept from getting too full. The milk is fine. It is the breast tissue that is infected, not the milk 
• take two paracetamol (500mg per/tablet) and two ibuprofen (200mg per/tablet) every four hours, up to four times a day as required for pain and to reduce inflammation. See your health professional if pain continues 
• drink extra fluids 
• get plenty of rest. Try to sleep when baby sleeps 
• to help prevent breast infections and blocked ducts, avoid wearing tight clothing or poorly fitting bras 

If you are having problems or concerns with breastfeeding, talk to your LMC, lactation consultant or La Leche League. 

Some babies may require supplementation (extra milk) in their first few days, or possibly longer. This may be a result of insufficient maternal supply, illness or another reason. Supplementation may be mother’s own milk, expressed (MOM) or donated breastmilk from a donor. There are many ways to provide supplementation to your baby, these include but are not limited to finger tube feeding, using a teaspoon, open cup, or taping a narrow tube to your breast. Becoming informed about your options prior to birth is advisable and for those who are considering using donor breastmilk there are number of factors to consider. 

Breastmilk has many health benefits but it is important to be aware that it may contain viruses and/or traces of medications or foods that the donor mother has been exposed to. Most donors will have been screened for viruses in their first antenatal bloods and social screening is recommended to ensure you are happy with the donor(s) who will be providing milk for your baby. If you are interested in donating breastmilk or for more information to ensure your decision is well informed speak to your LMC or an LC. 

Supplementary feeding methods

SFT - This uses a small tube connected to a bottle of milk. The fine tube is placed at the nipple and goes into the baby’s mouth when they latch, allowing the baby to get milk from the breast and via the tube at the same time. This is best for low supply to provide the additional milk they need if they are able to latch. 

Cup Feeding - Using a small medicine cup or silver nipple cup, place it at the bottom lip of the baby, and they will gently lap it up, much like a cat drinking. It is important not to tip the cup back too far, as this can pour milk into their mouth. 

Finger Feeding - Use a clean finger inserted into your baby’s mouth with a fine tube connected to a bottle of milk. Your baby will cup your finger like a taco (just like in breastfeeding), and sucking will draw the milk through the tube and into their mouth. This is a great way to top up or offer breast milk in the first week of life if they are unable to directly breastfeed. 

Bottle - The most commonly used choice is a bottle. It is important to select the slowest flow bottle possible and consider the shape of the teat to ensure it supports moving between breast and bottle.

Explore our full pumping section here

Expressing milk 

If you are going to be away from your baby when a feed is due, you can express breastmilk and leave it for them. It is best to express after a breastfeed so that more milk will be made by the time your baby wants their next feed. Usually the easiest time to express is in the morning. The amount you express may vary and differs between mothers. Milk can be expressed by hand, or with a specially designed breast pump. 

To hand express: 

• gently massage round your breast, alternating between light strokes and circular motions. Also massage over the nipple to stimulate oxytocin 
• form a c-shape with your thumb and index finger about 2-3 cm away from your nipple 

• press your fingers back toward your chest wall keeping the c- shape 

• roll your thumb and finger forward toward but not over the nipple and hold for one second. Continue this process trying to get into a rhythm, you can alter your hand position around the nipple. 

You might find a hand pump or an electric pump easier and more effective than expressing by hand. Remember nothing is as effective for your baby than getting milk from your breast. 

Pumping

Breast pumps can be a helpful tool for many breastfeeding mothers, whether you're planning to express milk regularly or occasionally. There are various types of breast pumps available, each suited to different needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of the main types:

Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are hand-operated and don’t require electricity or batteries. They are ideal for occasional pumping or when you need a portable option.
Advantages: Lightweight, portable, quiet, and affordable.
Disadvantages: Requires more effort and can be tiring if used frequently. Slower than electric pumps.
Best For: Mothers who need to pump occasionally or want a discreet and portable option.

Single Electric Breast Pumps
Single electric pumps use a motor to express milk from one breast at a time. They are faster than manual pumps and offer a more efficient way to express milk.
Advantages: Easier and faster than manual pumps. Adjustable suction and speed settings.
Disadvantages: More expensive than manual pumps. Can be less efficient than double electric pumps.
Best For: Mothers who pump once or twice a day or occasionally.

Double Electric Breast Pumps
Double electric pumps express milk from both breasts simultaneously, which makes them more efficient and time-saving. They are often used by mothers who need to pump regularly.
Advantages: Efficient and quick, saving time by pumping both breasts at once. Adjustable settings for comfort.
Disadvantages: Bulkier and more expensive than single electric and manual pumps. Can be noisier.
Best For: Mothers who pump regularly, need to return to work, or want to build a milk supply.

Wearable/Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Wearable or hands-free breast pumps are designed to fit inside your bra, allowing you to move around freely while pumping. These pumps are typically cordless, making them convenient for multi-tasking.
Advantages: Discreet, portable, and hands-free. Allows you to pump on the go or while doing other activities.
Disadvantages: Can be more expensive. Suction power may vary compared to traditional pumps.
Best For: Busy parents who want to pump discreetly or while on the move.

Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps
Hospital-grade pumps are the most powerful and efficient type of breast pump. They are designed for frequent, long-term use and can help build or maintain milk supply. They are often rented rather than purchased due to their higher cost.
Advantages: Strong suction, efficient, and reliable. Designed for frequent use and can support mothers with low milk supply or difficulties with breastfeeding.
Disadvantages: Expensive and less portable. Usually needs to be plugged in.
Best For: Mothers who need to express milk frequently, have low milk supply, or have premature babies who are not yet able to breastfeed.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump
When selecting a breast pump, consider your lifestyle, how often you plan to pump, and your budget. It's also a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider, who can guide you on the best option for your needs.

Explore our full pumping section here

How long can I store expressed breastmilk?

• freshly expressed milk can be stored in the fridge in a sterile container for 4 days 
• defrosted milk can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours 
• if frozen it can be stored for 6 months in a freezer, or 6-12 months in a deep freezer 

These time frames are given as a guide but please discuss them with your LMC or LC before you discard any breastmilk. 

Keeping breastmilk in the fridge 

Put the expressed breastmilk in a clean bottle or plastic container with a tight fitting lid. It will keep at room temperature for 4 hours and in the fridge for 4 days. Milk should be stored in the back of the fridge where it is the coldest. Do not add freshly expressed breastmilk to cold expressed milk, store in a separate container. Once the milk is at the same temperature you can combine them however always go off the oldest date. 

Keeping breastmilk in the freezer 

Expressed milk will keep in a freezer box inside the fridge for 2 weeks, freezer for 6 months (stored as far back as possible), or deep freeze for 12 months. The milk will probably separate into layers but when thawed can be mixed again. Do not add freshly expressed milk to already frozen milk as it warms the frozen milk.

Thawing and heating breastmilk 

Place expressed milk in a tightly covered container. Defrost in the refrigerator or by placing the container of milk in warm water until the milk has thawed. An alternate way is to thaw under running luke warm water until thawed and at room temperature. Use the milk immediately and throw away any left over after the feed. It is not safe to reheat or refreeze milk.