Friends of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding FAQ’s
Clare Boyle, BSc, RM, IBCLC

Page updated October 2011

Clare Boyle is a Registered Midwife and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She believes that through education, we can empower women to have a good understanding about how their (wonderful) bodies work and how breastfeeding works. Her goal is for women to be informed so they then can make the best choices for themselves and their babies. Clare’s website provides information on the extensive range of ways
that she is qualified to provide breastfeeding information.

Clare teaches breastfeeding classes in Cork and Dublin that aim to provide mothers with information on infant feeding that historically we would have learned from our mothers, aunts and other family members, which helps the mother to get breastfeeding off to a good start. For details of classes, go to www.anulife.ie.

Q. How do I know my baby is breastfeeding correctly?
A. Look at the Lips!
By looking at your baby’s lips you can see if they are folded out, this tells you that the baby has a nice big mouthful of areola and the nipple is well back in the baby’s mouth. Then check to see if the cheeks are full and rounded, the chin tucked into the breast and there are no sucking or slapping sounds. Also when the baby is latched on correctly breastfeeding should not be painful.

Q. How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?
A. The clue is in the poo!
After your milk comes in around three or four days after the birth your baby’s poos will change to a golden yellow colour. This golden yellow colour indicates that the baby is getting the hindmilk, which is the full fat milk that makes your baby grow and put on weight. Also your baby should be poo-ing at least three times a day and having six wet nappies a day. So by keeping an eye on the colour of the poo and the number of poo-ey and wet nappies you can reassure yourself that your baby is getting enough milk. You will also notice that your baby is getting bigger and gaining weight.

Q. How often and for how long do I feed my baby?
A. Often and often-er, trust your baby!
Your newborn baby has a small tummy, about the size of a large marble. Because the tummy is so small it fills up quickly and because breast milk is so easily digested the tummy empties fast too!
When your baby’s tummy is empty he or she will want to feed again, so your baby will need to feed on average every two to three hours or at least 8 – 10 times in 24 hours and sometimes it can be even more frequent, especially in the evening and at night. All babies are different and so they vary as to how long they will feed for; some will feed quickly and be done in 15-20 minutes others will take their time and still be feeding 40 minutes later. Some babies only have one breast others will want a little of the second and yet others will want both! You won’t know what your baby wants or
needs until you get going with the breastfeeding and let your baby lead the way – trust your baby to know how much he or she needs.

Q. How do I make enough milk?
A. The more the baby feeds the more milk I make
When your baby feeds he or she is sending a message to your brain to continue producing milk – your body is always one step ahead of your baby and is always making milk for your baby’s future needs. Your body and your baby work in close harmony, for example when your baby is about to have a growth spurt for the few days before the baby will feed more frequently to build up supply – amazing!! So by trusting your baby and allowing him or her to feed as often and for as long as baby wants to you will always have enough milk.

For more great Breastfeeding Information, Check out our Friends of Breastfeeding Info Packs here

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