Frequently Asked Questions (Part 1)

I have delivered today I don’t have milk’s?
The milk produced in the first 2-3 days (colostrums) is less in quantity but it is sufficient and very essential for the baby. The more the baby suckles the more milk will be produced. After first 2-3 days, enough milk is usually produced.

When should the baby be first put to the breast?
New born must be put to the breast within half to one hour of the delivery. Starting to breast-feed immediately after birth stimulates the production of hormones that help milk production. Early skin to skin contact even if the baby does not suckle stimulates milk production. It also helps in improving the mother child bonding.

Elders in the family want to give honey to the baby before I start breast-feeding Is it alright?
Prelacteal (any fluids given in the initial 2-3 days after birth) feeds should not be given as they replace the essential colostrums and the baby’s earliest feeds. Babies given prelacteal feeds are more likely to develop infections and allergies. Prelacteal feeds also interfere with sucking.

How often should I breast feed?
Babies should be fed on demand. (as and when they want to feed)

Advantages of demand feeding:

• Breast milk “comes in” sooner
• Baby gains weight faster
• Fewer breast problems such as engorgement
• Breast feeding more easily established

Feed at least 10 times in 24 Hours more if he/she is willing. You should let him suckle whenever he seems interested. The baby should also be breastfed during the night.

What should be the duration of one feed. Should I feed from both breast at one feed?
The baby should be allowed to feed from one breast till he/she is satisfied. Foremilk is the milk that is produced early in a feed. Hind milk is the milk that is produced later in a feed, this milk contains more fat with provides energy and satiety so it is important not to take the baby off the first breast till he had enough hind milk-otherwise he will not be satisfied after the feed. Let the baby suckle from only one breast at each feed. But if he wants more milk shift to the other part.