Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish and bond with your baby, and it comes with several

advantages and some potential disadvantages. It's important to note that the decision to breastfeed
should be made based on what works best for both the mother and the baby, and individual
circumstances can vary. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding:

Advantages of Breastfeeding:

1. Nutritional Benefits:

 Breast milk is tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of a newborn, providing
essential nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies that help boost the baby's immune system.

 It contains the ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for a baby's growth and
development.

2. Immunological Protection:

 Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby against infections and
illnesses, reducing the risk of diseases like respiratory infections, ear infections, and
gastrointestinal issues.

3. Bonding:

 Breastfeeding promotes bonding between the mother and baby through skin-to-skin
contact and the release of oxytocin, a hormone that enhances maternal-infant
attachment.

4. Convenience:

 Breast milk is always readily available and at the right temperature, eliminating the need
for preparation or sterilization of bottles and formula.

5. Cost:

 Breastfeeding is cost-effective since it doesn't require the purchase of formula or

6. Environmental Benefits:

 Breastfeeding has a lower environmental impact compared to formula production and

7. Reduced Risk of Certain Health Conditions:

 Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of certain health conditions for both the
baby (e.g., obesity, diabetes, SIDS) and the mother (e.g., breast and ovarian cancer).
Disadvantages of Breastfeeding:

1. Physical Demands:

 Breastfeeding can be physically demanding for the mother, especially during the early
weeks when establishing a feeding routine and managing engorgement or sore nipples.

2. Time-Consuming:

 Breastfeeding can be time-consuming, as it often requires more frequent feedings

3. Limited Freedom:

 Breastfeeding may limit the mother's ability to leave the baby for extended periods or
share nighttime feedings with a partner unless she pumps and stores breast milk.

4. Potential Pain or Discomfort:

 Some women may experience pain, discomfort, or nipple soreness while breastfeeding,
especially if there are latch or positioning issues.

5. Dietary Restrictions:

 Breastfeeding mothers may need to pay attention to their diet, as certain foods or
substances (e.g., caffeine, alcohol) can pass into breast milk and affect the baby.

6. Public Discomfort:

 Some women may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public due to societal norms or a
lack of suitable spaces for nursing.

7. Supply Issues:

 Some women may face challenges with milk supply or latching problems, which can be
frustrating and may require additional support or interventions.

Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed should consider the mother's and baby's needs and preferences,
as well as any specific health considerations. Many mothers find that breastfeeding offers numerous
benefits, but it's also important to respect and support those who choose not to breastfeed or are
unable to do so. Every baby is unique, and what works best for one family may not work for another.
How to attach your baby

There are 2 ways to attach your baby:

 baby-led approach

 mother-led approach

Baby-led approach

The baby-led approach lets your baby use their natural instinct to latch on.

How to do it:

1. Relax in the laid-back position.

2. Lay your baby tummy-down on top of you, with easy access to the nipple.

3. Let them find your breast and attach on their own.

Mother-led approach

If the baby-led approach does not work for you, you can take a more active role in helping your baby to
attach. This is called the mother-led approach.

Attachment is key to successful breastfeeding

The following steps can help your baby to latch well:

1. Hold your baby close with their nose level with your nipple.

2. Let your baby’s head tip back so their top lip brushes against your nipple - this should help them
open their mouth wide.

3. When your baby’s mouth is wide open, bring them to your breast.

4. Aim your nipple to the roof of their mouth.

6. When your baby is attached properly, their chin will be pressed into your breast.

7. Your baby's nose should be clear for easy breathing. Ideally, the nose should be at a tilt when
attached correctly.

8. Newborns are nose breathers. If they cannot breathe freely, they will come off the breast.

9. In the correct position, your baby will be able to suck, swallow and breathe comfortably.

10. If your baby's nose appears to be blocked, move their bottom closer to you. This will create a
head tilt and free up their nose.

11. The deeper the attachment the more comfortable you will feel and the better your baby will
feed.

12. More of your areola will be visible above their top lip than below their bottom lip.

13. Their cheeks will appear fuller.

14. They’ll suck quickly at first, followed by longer sucks.

15. You will hear them swallowing.

Breastfeeding positions

Before you start breastfeeding, find a comfortable position. Like any new skill, this takes practice. There
are very few rules but it is important that you and your baby are sitting or lying comfortably.

Try the following positions to see which works best for you and your baby.

Laid-back

Laid-back is a fantastic breastfeeding position. It lets you relax while your baby is able to attach easily to
your breast. This is very important in the early days when you are both getting used to breastfeeding.

Laid back position

Here are a few tips to help you get your technique just right:

1. The movement needed to get into this position is from your pelvis. Shift your hips forward in a
chair or bed to create a semi-reclined position. Laying your baby down on your semi-reclined
body ensures they connect with your body without any gaps.

2. Lay your baby on top of you with their tummy down and their cheek resting near your breast.

3. Allow your baby to self-attach. They will find the breast and attach themselves. You can also
guide or help your baby to attach.

4. You can use your arms as guard rails to support your baby on top of your body.

5. You can also use pillows and cushions to provide support wherever you need it.

Important

Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair as this increases the risk of sudden infant death
syndrome (cot death).

Cross-cradle

Cross-cradle position

 Hold your baby close and facing you. You may find a pillow on your lap helpful to support your
baby.

 Gently support your baby’s neck, back and shoulders. This will allow them to tilt their head back
easily.
  Do not hold or cover the back of your baby's head. This can result in them pushing back or
arching leading to a failed attachment to the breast. It is important to create space for baby to
tilt head back without obstruction for a successful attachment.

 Sometimes it helps to shape your breast, making sure your fingers and thumb are well back from
the areola. This creates an oblong shape and allows your baby to attach easier to your breast.

 The palm of your other hand can support your baby’s back.

Koala-hold (straddle-hold)

Koala-hold position is good for babies with reflux, an ear infection, tongue-tie, low muscle tone, hip
dysplasia or oversupply of breast milk.

Koala-hold position

This position is easier for babies who can sit unaided. You can use this position with a newborn if you
give your baby plenty of support.

To do koala-hold:

 Your baby sits straddling your thigh or on your hip.

 Their back and head is upright while breastfeeding.

Mother and baby face each other either upright or semi reclined.

Football hold
This is a good position if you have had a caesarean birth.

Football hold position

 Support your baby’s neck, back and shoulders with your hand and wrist.

 Let your baby’s back lie along your arm. Your baby should be facing you with their nose near the
nipple.

 Support your breast with your other hand.

 Guide your nipple towards the baby's mouth.

 Your baby will then snuggle up close and begin to breastfeed.

Side-lying

Side-lying involves lying down. It is good for night feeds

Side-lying position

 You and your baby lie down facing each other.

 Make sure your neck and back are supported and comfortable. Your baby's chest should face
your chest.
  Take the arm that you're lying on and either place it under your head or use it to support your
baby by placing it under their head or around their body.

 You can use a pillow or rolled-up blanket behind your baby's back for support.

 Your baby’s nose will be near the nipple.

 From there, your baby will smell the breast milk, open their mouth wide and find the nipple.

 Make sure your breast is deep in your baby's mouth (ideally at the junction of the hard and soft
palate).

How to know your baby is attached correctly

Signs that your baby is attached correctly:

 Your baby should have a wide mouthful of breast in their mouth.

 Their chin should be touching your breast.

 You may notice their top and bottom lips curled out.

 Their cheeks should be full and rounded - you should not see the cheeks dimpling when your
baby sucks.

 Their jaw should be moving, you may also see their ears twitch as they feed.

 They will start with short quick sucks, then change to long deep sucks with pauses to breathe.

 You should hear them swallowing as your breast milk volume increases.

 You should not hear smacking or clicking sounds.

 They should feed calmly and not move on and off the breast.

 Your baby finishes feeding and seems satisfied.

 You will feel comfortable during a feed and your nipples should not be sore.