NO! If it does,
there's something wrong with the way the baby is latched on. Take him off and
begin again.
More information on this topic can be found in our leaflet
Breastfeeding – The Early Days.
Contact a local
La Leche League Leader for support and
information.
Email a
Leader
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How do I know my baby's
getting enough milk?
Once the milk comes in, the theory of
"what-goes-in-one-end-comes-out-the-other" works: 4-6 wet disposable nappies
(6-8 cloth nappies) and 3-4 bowel movements in 24 hours usually indicate the
baby is getting an adequate volume of your milk.
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Can I breastfeed without
exposing myself?
Absolutely! Its quite easy to nurse a
small baby discreetly if you wear separates. Wearing a loose fitting top or
shirt that can be lifted up from the waist works well. You can turn away
slightly for someone sitting opposite you until your baby is latched on. Once he
is nursing, your baby could be sleeping in your arms for all anyone knows.
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A smarter, happier baby who is less
likely to develop allergies and likely to avoid many infections. For mum there
is a reduced risk of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers and a wonderful,
enduring bond with your baby. So easy -- nothing to fix, buy or clean. Not to
mention getting back in shape faster.
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Yes! Size has nothing to do with milk
production. Changes in the breast during early pregnancy make it possible for
the breasts to make milk regardless of size.
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Not at all. For most mothers a well
balanced diet is all that is needed.
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Not really. During the first few months,
a breastfed baby is very portable! Just pack a few extra nappies and maybe a
change of clothes for the baby and you're ready to leave!
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Soon after the baby is born, feedings
usually take 15-20 minutes per side and most mothers offer both sides at each
feeding. If the baby falls asleep, start the next feeding with the breast that
didn't get nursed at the last feeding. Later, as the baby becomes more
efficient, an entire feeding may only take 10-15 minutes!
More information on this topic can be found in our leaflet
Breastfeeding –The Early Days.
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Your body makes milk especially for your
baby. Every time your baby nurses, he gets protection from exactly what you and
he have come in contact with. Plus exactly what he needs for brain development
and perfect growth.
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At birth, a baby is immune to everything
his mother is but has no functional immune system of his own, until at 6 weeks
the faint stirrings begin. By the time the baby is 6 months old, he will have a
functional, but still immature, immune system to help keep him healthy and
allergy free. Breast milk gives the baby all the immunities he needs until he
can make his own.
Returning to
work or
education need not be a reason to stop breastfeeding. Once
you return you
could either express your milk for your baby to use the next day or choose to give
him bottles while you're away. Although you might need to express for a few days
until your breasts don't feel so full anymore, your body will adjust just as it
will when the baby sleeps through the night.
More information on this topic can be found in our leaflet
Breastfeeding and Working.
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The human breast is designed to refill
the milk that is used: the policy of supply and demand. Before bottles were so
prevalent, we all assumed that every mother would feed her own baby and there
were no worries about this! Allowing the baby to nurse until he stops every 2-3
hours in the beginning will assure that you will make enough milk.
More information on this topic can be found in our leaflet
Breastfeeding – The Early Days
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There are lots of things fathers can do
with a baby besides feeding him. Bathing provides lots of skin-to-skin contact
and fun, too! Sitting by you while you nurse the baby and rubbing between your
shoulder blades usually gives the baby a milk mustache! Listen for the rapid
swallowing! Rocking, holding, cuddling and playing with the baby will make dad
feel a part of the action.
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Call your local
La Leche League Leader! If she doesn't know,
she can find out for you.
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Won't the baby bite me?
When a baby is properly nursing, he will
first bite his own tongue! Teeth usually do not appear until the baby is 5-6
months old, and it is still uncommon for baby to bite/by then you will be alert
to his cues.
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Further Breastfeeding Information, including frequently asked questions
arranged by topic is available online from
La Leche League International.
Of necessity the information on this page is of a general nature.
If you need help or support, or if you have a specific concern, contact your
local La Leche League Leader.
Although babies come in both genders, we have referred to
baby as "he", for clarity's sake, since mother is unquestionably "she".
You can read La Leche League of
Ireland leaflets here or get copies
from a La Leche League Leader or at any of our meetings.
Click here to find your nearest Group.
Do get in touch, we look forward to meeting you!
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