Month 1 to 6

Even if you haven't had any trouble breastfeeding, it's always good to be in the know should something go wrong. We take a look at some of the most common concerns new mothers have with getting their infants to take to this new form of nutrition

Month 1

I've heard that getting a proper latch is essential for successful breastfeeding. Is it really that important?

Yes, it is that important. If you don't get a proper latch, your baby may not get enough milk and you could develop cracked and bleeding nipples. Follow these tips from Louise Goosen, certified lactation consultant at Mowbray Maternity Hospital in Cape Town and a member of the Fit Pregnancy advisory board:

• Position your baby on his side, his belly tightly against yours.
  
• Prop him up with a pillow and hold him up to your breast.
  
• Don't lean over towards him: it's not necessary and uncomfortable.
  
• Place your thumb and fingers around your areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple).
  
• Tilt his head back slightly and gently brush him with your nipple just above his upper lip. When his mouth is wide open, place him on your breast, making sure that his lower jaw is well below the nipple. Then tilt his head forwards, placing his upper jaw deeply on the breast.
  
• Make sure he takes the entire nipple and at least 3,5cm of the areola in his mouth.
  

Month 2

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

The best way to tell is by monitoring his weight (your clinic sister will watch it closely, especially in the first few weeks) and his stools: they should be dark and sticky until about three days of age, after which they should be seedy and mustard-coloured.

You also need to pay attention to the number of wet nappies he makes. After the third day of breastfeeding, a well-fed baby will produce at least four wet nappies a day; six to eight daily by seven days.

As long as your baby is gaining weight and his nappies show that he is eating enough, he's getting enough milk. If you're still worried, take him for a weigh-in.

Month 3

I'm going back to my full-time job in a few weeks. What do I need to know about expressing?

Now is the time to tell your employer that you plan to continue breastfeeding. It will help make things go more smoothly if you can figure out where and when you will express before you go back to work.

You should already have begun expressing, both to get your baby used to taking a bottle and so that you'll have a supply of breastmilk stored in the freezer. If you haven't started, get going! You either can rent a multiuser pump from the Breastfeeding Association for R10 a day or buy a hand or electric pump (expect to spend R150 to R700 for a hand pump and R1 000 for a single-user electric one).

How often you need to express will depend on your baby's demands and how long you will be away from him during the day.

"Do keep in mind that the more frequently you express, the more milk you will produce and the less frequently the less milk you will produce," advises Goosen.

Month 4

Is it okay for me to have a glass of wine yet?

An occasional drink one serving or less of alcohol per day isn't harmful to a breastfeeding baby, according to La Leche League International. However, moderate or heavy drinking can have a negative effect on your milk production and baby's weight gain. If you do have an occasional glass of wine, it's best to drink slowly and on a full stomach.

Month 5

Should my breastfed baby be sleeping through the night yet?

First, keep in mind that sleeping through the night at this age actually means five or six hours, not eight or nine. Second, every baby is unique. Some will start sleeping through at three months; others won't until much later. Babies sleep through the night when they're ready, whether or not they're breastfed, says Goosen. That said, because breastmilk is digested more quickly than formula, breastfed babies do tend to eat and wake more often than formula-fed babies.

Month 6

My baby seems ready for solids. How and when do I introduce them?

Breastmilk is still the most important part of your baby's diet at this age, so breastfeed right before you offer cereal or other food. Start with either rice cereal, cooked or mashed fruit or vegetables. Wait three to five days before introducing a different food so you can trace the cause of any allergic reaction.

Month 7 to 12

Month 7

Can I take the Pill if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes. You can start taking it soon after your baby's birth but opt for a progesterone-only mini-pill, since pills containing oestrogen can decrease milk supply, warns Goosen. Depo-Provera, a quarterly injection, is safe.

Month 8

I keep getting clogged milk ducts. What causes them, and what can I do to treat them?

Clogged ducts can be caused by a change in baby's feeding pattern. Milk stasis when the milk sits in the breast can cause clogging, so if your baby is nursing less frequently because he's eating more solids, your breasts can become overly full. The best way to treat clogged ducts is by nursing or pumping often from the affected breast, applying warm compresses and getting plenty of fluids and rest. If you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, see your doctor; you may have mastitis, an infection that requires antibiotics.

Month 9

My baby keeps biting me! How can I make him stop?

Take him off the breast as soon as he starts to bite, say, No biting! and keep him off the breast until the next feed. Biting usually happens towards the end of a feed so, if you can tell that your baby is almost done, take him off the breast before he bites.

Month 10

My baby seems uninterested in nursing. Help!

This is no cause for concern it's completely normal at this age, says Goosen. Babies are curious about their world and this is when they start exploring. Noises will distract him, as will the urge to explore by crawling around. While this might be frustrating for you, it will pass.

Month 11

My baby is eating more solids. How many times a day should he be nursing?

About three times a day, says Goosen. A baby this age should be getting about 500ml of breastmilk per day.� At the end of the first year, half of a baby's kilojoules should be coming from breastmilk.

Month 12

Should I breastfeed for longer than a year?

The longer you breastfeed, the longer your breastmilk will be able to protect your baby from illnesses and help him recover if he does get sick. And don't forget the unique bond that forms during breastfeeding. Cherish it.

More info: Call the Breastfeeding Association on 021-6868363 or visit the La Leche League's website on www.lalecheleague.org www.lalecheleague.org