Breastfeeding tips (part 2)

As the milk comes in, your breast may become engorged and sometimes you may develop blocked milk ducts. These symptoms can often be relieved by frequent feeding, massaging the breast and applying a warm compress or taking a warm shower prior to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding, at least initially, can be very demanding on your time; therefore, I recommend that you limit your activities as much as possible to baby care and enlist family and friends to help with other tasks. Often that two- to three-hour feeding schedule that you hear about will not apply to you. At times you may feel like you are constantly feeding.

I remember one exhausted mother commenting on having to feed her newborn every hour. Your aim is to feed baby on demand and that should be at least eight times in a 24-hour period. Therefore, if baby is crying or fussing you can attempt to feed her/him. This can be as often as a short feeding 15 minutes apart or a two- to three-hour stretch.

Breastfeeding a newborn can be quite frequent and unpredictable. It is difficult to find time to perform other activities. Don't be discouraged, however, because as your baby gets older, he or she will fall in a more regular and predictable pattern of feeding.

Another big concern for new mothers is if the baby is getting enough. A guide that can be used is the number of wet diapers or stools per day. For the first 24 hours, your baby may only have one to two wet diapers and pass stool only once. Although your first milk colostrums may look scant, as long as these criteria are met it is sufficient. This should increase to about six wet diapers and three to four stools per day when your milk has come in.

Watch baby's weight

Breastfed babies tend to pass stool more frequently than formula-fed babies. The scheduled visits to the paediatrician will also reinforce whether your baby is getting enough by his or her weight gain. Normal weight gain is about 155-241g (5.5 -8.5 ounces) per week. If you are concerned, you can plan an extra visit to have your baby's weight checked.

Breastfeeding may not be the best choice for every mother or newborn, but despite the initial difficulties, it can be very satisfying for both you and your baby.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.