After safely delivering your baby and giving yourself some time to recover, it’s likely that one of the first things on your mind will be to start your journey with breastfeeding.

So, if you’re interested in learning about your breastfeeding journey after the birth of your newborn, then you’ve come to the right place!

First of all, let’s explore some basic facts about breastfeeding and the advantages of this way of feeding:

What are some basic facts about breastfeeding that I need to know?

Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from certain illnesses. Such as respiratory conditions, diabetes, stomach bugs, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

They are also likely to have higher IQs and be less likely to develop heart disease or obesity later in life.

Babies that are breastfed tend to have slower, more controlled feeding patterns. This, therefore, means that if a baby is breastfed, they are more able to regulate their appetites themselves. which, in turn, means they will gain weight at an appropriate rate. Although it’s not guaranteed, a baby is typically more likely to develop obesity in later life if they don’t learn to control their appetites early on through breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding means a mother will burn an extra 500 calories a day. This certainly helps to shed a little pregnancy weight. Other benefits for the mother include reducing their risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, and brittle bones.

Breastfeeding means your baby’s nappies won’t be as smelly as if you were to use formula!

Many mums find they need support to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Although most mothers (81%) start breastfeeding, this figure drops to only 17% by 3 months. Many of these mums stopped, not through a lack of desire to feed but due to a lack of appropriate support. So if you're finding it tough, reach out for skilled lactation support; it can make all the difference.

There are some common challenges in the early days that benefit from skilled support. These include latching and nipple pain. Editor’s Note: This information is covered in more depth by our lactation expert, Ms.Wendy Lever, on Unii’s Baby Feeding Journey.

Now, let’s explore some tips for latching on.

What are some tips for latching on?

If you’re wondering how to get your baby to latch on properly, then follow these steps:

Step 1. Sit comfortably on the sofa or bed, with your body well supported and preferably with a slight recline back (kind of relaxing in front of the TV position).

Step 2. Bring the baby in close to your body so that they are looking up to the breast. Try to have their tummy tucked close into yours.

Step 3. Let the breast sit in its natural position (as long as you can see your nipple that way!) and bring the baby in close so their chin is planted into the breast and the nipple is round about nose height. The chin touching the breast will 'anchor' your baby in and encourage them to open their mouth wide. At this point, you can gently push the nipple into their mouth. When they are well latched, their lips will be sticking out, but often you won't see this as they are nice and close. If you can see lips tightly pursed around this nipple, this is likely a shallow latch.

But how do I know that I’m breastfeeding correctly?

We understand that it can be anxiety-inducing to not know whether you’re breastfeeding your baby correctly. After all, there’s nothing more important than ensuring your little one gets a hearty meal! However, although there is no ‘exact’ way of knowing whether your baby is getting the right amount of breastmilk, there are signs you can look out for that signify that they are. For example, if they are being fed properly, Mum should be comfortable during feeds, and your baby will gain weight; they will seem sleepy and happy after a feed; and they poo at least a couple of times a day, with a total poo volume comparable to 4 x £2 coins at minimum.

In addition, it will be clear if your baby is latching on and sucking correctly, as their mouth will usually be wide open, their bottom lip will be sticking out, and their jaw muscles will be at work. However, if your baby appears to be making clicking noises instead of swallowing noises, has their lips pinched in a kissing shape, and their cheeks sucked in, then they cannot be latched on properly.

If you want to know that you are breastfeeding properly, then the best way to learn is to be shown exactly what to do by someone else. Although this might prove difficult in a busy hospital ward, persist in asking for help. Once you’re home from the hospital, ask your midwife for help if you need it. In addition, you can also join breastfeeding cafes, local breastfeeding support groups, see a lactation consultant, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline.

What if I find I can’t breastfeed my baby properly in an emergency?

If you find yourself in a situation where you desperately need to feed your baby and you’re not sure that you’re breastfeeding properly, then the best thing to do is to express some milk into a cup. Your baby can sip the milk from this cup until you are able to contact your midwife, a lactation consultant, or your health provider for help. Although many people will advise against bottle-feeding at this stage, bottles are most certainly okay to use in emergencies.

How do I breastfeed a newborn?

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