Getting to grips with breastfeeding

Now that you’ve successfully gotten through the birth process, and you’re settled in hospital and ready to bond with and feed your newborn, what can you expect to happen next in hospital?

“When it comes to breastfeeding, the nurses on duty at the hospital should be ready to offer hands-on assistance, showing you how to help your baby latch and suckle correctly,” says midwife Cavim Knight. Many maternity nurses encourage new mothers to be patient with breastfeeding, as it takes time for your milk supply to build up and for you to pick up on your baby’s feeding patterns. Most hospitals allow breastfeeding consultants to visit you in your room and guide you through each feeding session, if you’ve pre-arranged it.

“The first fortnight of breastfeeding can be tough, but in many cases, persistence pays off,” adds Cavim. As much as extra help is always needed, it goes without saying that mothers know best when it comes to caring for and feeding their babies. This means that under no circumstances should any nurse take matters into their own hands and decide to bottle-feed your baby if you’re set on breastfeeding.

If you’re worried that the nurses will bottle-feed your little one, Cavim suggests labelling your baby’s crib in the nursery with clear instructions, stating, “No bottle, only breast,” to ensure that your message gets through loud and clear.

However, if you’ve made the decision to bottle feed, the nurses should also offer advice about everything from the types of bottles and teats you should start with and the quantity of formula your baby needs at each feed, to providing information about the various formulas available on the market. This information shouldn’t be subjective or based on the doctor’s opinion, but rather focused on your baby’s individual needs and your budget.





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