All about baby

Are all babies capable of breastfeeding?

Most babies are capable of breastfeeding effectively, unless they are very premature or have health problems that can affect the latch. If your baby is healthy, a poor latch can be easily corrected, so get support as early as you can. If feeding from the breast doesn’t work you might want to consider expressing.
For more information, see:
How to Breastfeed
Expressing
Attachment or latching on

My baby wants to nurse for comfort. Is this OK?

Babies breastfeed for comfort when they are ill, in pain or feeling frightened. If your baby is ill, they will be feeding more often to quench thirst if they have a cold and ease tummy upsets in case of a bug. If your baby is teething, they might nurse more often to cope with pain – give them a teether before and after feeds and use teething gel away from feeds as it numbs your baby’s tongue and your breast. Some babies go straight to the breast if they have a fall or accident – which is common with crawlers and early walkers.

What do I do if my baby is too sleepy to nurse?

Newborns might be quite drowsy. Certain forms of labour pain relief, such as pethadine and diamorphine, can make your baby sleepy in the first days. As breastfeeding works on supply and demand, you will need to wake your baby so they can feed at least eight times a day. If your baby doesn’t breastfeed often, this will affect your supply, unless you express – the first week is crucial for your mature milk supply.

Should I sleep with my baby if I breastfeed?

Healthcare professionals discourage co-sleeping because of the risk of cot death, particularly in the first six months. However, UNICEF has issued guidelines for breastfeeding mothers in cooperation with the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. To get more sleep, consider moving your baby’s crib or cot near your side of the bed.

What is the best way to prepare my baby for moving from breast to bottles?

If you wish to combine breastfeeding with bottlefeeding, it’s best to only introduce bottles after six weeks from birth. If you are stopping breastfeeding, do so gradually to avoid breast pain and discomfort. A gradual introduction to the bottle will be easier for your baby, too. For older babies (from six months), it’s best to use a closed cup or beaker. Ideally children should be weaned off bottles at one year old for dental health. Cups and beakers vary in size - they can be non-spill or easy flow (the teat is replaced by a silicon or plastic spout) and will hold enough liquid for a feed (check the measurements marked on the vessel). Ensure that all equipment is cleaned and sterilised thoroughly before use.
For more information, see:
Moving from breast to bottle
Stopping breastfeeding

Does my baby need vitamins at six months if I continue breastfeeding?

A recent directive from the Department of Health recommends that all babies from birth to one year of age should get a vitamin D supplement as it’s essential for healthy bones. At six months babies need more iron – you can take a supplement if you are breastfeeding and concerned about your diet and include iron-rich foods in your baby’s meals, such as spinach, meat (including liver) and fish.

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

This is a common concern as it’s impossible to quantify how much milk your baby is getting from the breast. If your baby is healthy and gaining weight, all is well. Other positive signs include: four-six wet disposable nappies a day; yellow stools with mild smell and the consistency of scrambled eggs and good feeds without fretting or detaching from the breast all the time.

When should I wean my breastfeeding baby onto solids?

The Health Service Executive advises parents to introduce solid foods at six months in breastfed babies. Solids should be introduced gradually, bearing in mind that your baby is still getting most of his/her nutrition from breast milk. If you decide to stop breastfeeding, you should use formula until at least one year of age as cow’s, goat’s or soya milk are not appropriate for babies.
For more information, see: Weaning

Does breastfeeding my toddler decrease the risk of allergies?

It takes between two to six years for a child's immune system to mature. The longer you breastfeed, the better. Studies show that breastfeeding, even for short periods, is associated with lower incidence of wheezing, prolonged colds, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Eczema is less common and milder in babies who are breastfed. Many benefits extend well into adulthood.