August 1st to 7th is World Breastfeeding Week. This is a special time every year to remember how important breastfeeding is for our babies. However, for many mums it might not always be simple.

Globally, less than half of babies are breastfed right after birth, and even fewer are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The United Nations wants to see more than half of babies exclusively breastfed to help fight against poor nutrition and help babies grow strong.

The breast benefits

  • Immunity: Breast milk is packed with nutrients that fight off germs, allergies, and sicknesses like ear infections, chest problems, and tummy bugs. Think of it as your baby’s own baby’s first immunity shield!
  • Perfect food: It has just the right mix of fats, proteins, carbs, and vitamins that are vital for your baby’s growth and brain development. And it changes as your baby gets older, always giving them what they need.
  • Easy on the tummy: Breast milk is super easy for your baby to digest. This means less fussiness and fewer tummy troubles.
  • Long-term benefits: Studies show that breastfed babies might be less likely to get serious health problems later in life, like being overweight, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.
  • Good for Mum: Breastfeeding isn’t just for your baby; it helps you too! It helps your womb go back to its normal size faster, reduces chances of bleeding after birth, and can lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and weak bones. It also burns calories, which can help some mums lose baby weight.

Simple tips
Every mum and every baby are different, but here are some tips to help you out:

DOs:

  • Get help early: Don’t be shy to ask for help from nurses who specialise in breastfeeding, support groups, or friends and family who’ve breastfed before.
  • Learn your baby’s hunger signs: If your baby is rooting around, smacking their lips, or putting their hands to their mouth, they’re probably hungry. Crying is usually the last sign the last sign but first check if the nappy is dry.
  • Make sure your baby latches well: A good latch means your baby is attached properly to your breast. “Breastfeeding is breastfeeding, not ‘nipple feeding’. You need to have a good, deep, comfortable latch and this should not hurt. If it is hurting, the latch is not right,” advises Hettie Grové, a midwife and certified lactation specialist.
  • Feed when your baby wants: Babies usually feed often, especially newborns. Let your baby lead the way, don’t stick to a strict schedule.
  • Drink and eat well: Breastfeeding uses a lot of energy and fluids. Drink lots of water and eat healthy meals (such as fruit and vegetable). Eat your spinach and green leafy vegetables rather than bread.
  • Do skin-to-skin: Hold your baby directly on your bare chest. “Skin to skin and breastfeeding help your baby to adjust in the transition to the extrauterine life,” explains Grové. She also adds, “Sniffing your baby will help your body to start the lactation process.”

DON’Ts:

  • Don’t compare yourself: Every mum and every baby is unique. Focus on what works for you and your little one.
  • Don’t think pain is normal: Some tenderness at first is okay, but if it really hurts, there’s likely a problem with the latch or something else. “If it hurts, call a lactation consultant. Don’t wait till everything starts going south – the sooner your latch can be fixed, the easier the road ahead for breastfeeding,” Grové observes. Also clean the breast and use Vaseline to avoid cracks.
  • Don’t ignore problems: If your breasts feel too full or you have lumps, deal with them quickly to stop bigger problems. Should your nipple be flat and you are struggling to breast feed, then express milk into the bottle and feed your baby. At times it is a lot to keep in the fridge. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you produce when eating healthy.
  • Don’t feel pressured: If exclusive breastfeeding isn’t working, it’s okay to use formula if you need to.
  • Alternating between breast and bottle can cause problems: Introducing formula can reduce your breast milk supply, and babies may struggle with breastfeeding because the sucking action required for a bottle is different from that for the breast. Hence it’s wise to get a proper teat for your child.

How to switch to formula if needed:

  • Always consult the clinic nurse or doctor when starting a formula to ensure you avoid allergies. Some babies are lactose intolerant.
  • Introduce it gradually to allow your body to adjust its milk production, which helps prevent engorgement or mastitis.
  • If you’re returning to work, start introducing formula a few weeks in advance to give both you and your baby time to adapt. An alternative is expressing breast milk for later use.
  • If your baby is 6 months or older and can drink from a cup, you might not need to introduce a bottle at all.

Don’t forget yourself: Get rest when you can, and make sure you’re feeling good emotionally.

Breastfeeding and work
Going back to work can be tricky when you’re breastfeeding. But with some planning and support, you can make it work. Many workplaces have rules that protect your right to pump at work and give you time and a private space to do it.

  • A reliable breast pump is key to keeping your milk supply up and storing milk for your baby.
  • Be open and professional about what you need. Most bosses are understanding and supportive of working mums.
  • Make sure whoever looks after your baby knows how to feed expressed breast milk, and how to store and handle it safely.

Even with all the good reasons and best intentions, for some mums, breastfeeding just doesn’t happen. This can be for many reasons: medical problems for mum or baby, not enough milk, trouble with latching, pain, a lot of stress, or simply personal choice.

It’s important to know that you are not a failure if you can’t breastfeed or if you choose formula feeding. It’s okay to feel disappointed, sad, or even angry if breastfeeding didn’t go the way you hoped. These feelings are real, and you have every right to them.

Your love, your presence, and making sure your baby is fed – whether from your breast or a bottle – are what truly matter. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, please get help. Talk to a doctor, a counsellor, or a trusted friend. A healthy, happy mum is the best gift you can give your baby.