Returning to full breastfeeding after the introduction of supplements
- It may be helpful to ask your Midwife or Health Visitor to help you to make an individual plan for you and your baby.
- Gradually reduce formula milk feeds and increase breastfeeds.
- Remember that every drop of breast milk counts and it may take time to return to full breastfeeding once supplements have been introduced.
- Check that your baby is correctly positioned and attached at the breast, as this is essential for effective milk transfer and milk supply. There should be no pain or damage to your nipples .
This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and how to help mothers deeply attach the baby to the breast.
- Breast compression can increase milk transfer - this video shows a mother steps to improve her milk supply and the baby’s feeding
• Responsive breastfeeding – offer frequent unrestricted breastfeeds– always offer both breasts. No dummies. The breast is like a tap not a jug and even soft breasts still have milk!
• Skin to skin contact will help to encourage natural behaviour and breastfeeding for your baby.
It will increase the milk making hormones (prolactin and oxytocin) in mothers.
• Express after breastfeeds to increase your milk supply.
• Hand expressing will stimulate the milk making hormone, prolactin (please see technique
below).
• A hospital grade double electric breast pump may be necessary and will be more effective than
a hand pump or a mini electric pump. This will reduce time spent pumping, and double
pumping (both breasts together) has been shown to increase milk yield. Pumps can be hired
at:
Ardo Breast Pumps Discount Code: CARUM20 or Medela Discount Code: MEDNICU
• Expressing bras are available for hands free expressing and can be bought in shops or online
• If top-ups are being given, paced bottle feeding will slow down the flow of milk and allow your
baby to regulate the feed. This will help with nipple-teat confusion. See video below
Signs that your baby is getting enough milk
Your baby is waking and feeding at least 8-12 times in 24hrs
Your baby starts feeds with a few rapid sucks and then deep rhythmic sucks
You can hear and see your baby swallowing.
Your baby's cheeks stay rounded, not hollow during sucking.
They seem calm and relaxed during feeds.
Feeds last from 5-40mins and your baby comes off the breast on their own
Your baby appears content and satisfied after most feeds.
Your breasts feel softer after feeds.
Your nipple looks more or less the same after feeds. Not flattened, pinched or white.
Your baby gains weight steadily after the first 2 weeks. It is normal for babies to lose some of their
birth weight in the early days.
They appear healthy and alert when they're awake.
Nappies: At least 6 heavy wet nappies in 24hrs
At least 2 dirty nappies in 24hrs, as least much as £2 coin size. Stools will normally be frequent, yellow
and runny. This may reduce after 4-6 weeks of age.
How to Hand Express
Stimulate Oxytocin to make the milk flow with massage and gently rolling your
nipples
Make a “C” with your thumb and first finger. Place them opposite each other
about 2-3 cm from the base of your nipple.
Compress and release in a steady rhythm without sliding fingers along the skin.
Adjust fingers forward or back a little if nothing comes.
Milk may take a few minutes to flow.
When flow subsides, rotate fingers around breast and repeat
This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.
Expressing your breast milk
Express after breastfeeding. Whether by hand or by pump, express until the flow stops (no set timing).
Aim to do this at least 8-10 times in 24 hrs and at least once in the night. For some mothers, supply
can be increased by “power pumping" which can mimic your baby cluster feeding. You might do this
for 1 hour in 24 and involves expressing several times. For example: express then rest for 10 mins,
express then rest for 10mins, express then rest….. continue this pattern for about one hour
Please note that the amount of milk expressed is not a measure of your milk supply. Your baby will
normally more effective at removing milk than a pump
Storing breast milk
You can store breast milk in a sterilised container or in special breast milk storage bags.
In the fridge for up to five days at 4°C or lower (you can buy fridge thermometers online)
For up to 6 months in a freezer or 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge