Welcome to The National University Hospital : Breastfeeding

	Gaining understanding about how to breastfeed through antenatal talks. (For enquiry on antenatal programme conducted at NUH, you may call 6772 2556 / 6772 2257).
	Obtaining information through books, brochures and the Internet on breastfeeding.
	Discussing it with your husband and talking with friends.
	For breast care, avoid soap on the nipples and areola region.
	Maintain a well- balanced nutrition during your antenatal period as well as during lactation.

Mothers often feel that they are not producing enough breast milk for their babies initially. During pregnancy, changes would have already taken place in the breasts, in preparation for breastfeeding. It is your baby’s suckling that stimulates breast milk production.

Strategy for Successful Breastfeeding

Early Start

At the delivery suite, you are encouraged to let your baby have the first breastfeed within 1 hour after birth unless medically contraindicated.

Post-natal Ward

Mothers who have had a Caesarean delivery can breastfeed lying down with help from the nursing staff. Once you are able to sit up, you can breastfeed using the football hold, which is nursing the baby in a side lying position supported by your arm.

Rooming-in

Having your baby together with you after delivery helps to build the mother-child bonding process.

Frequency of feed

		Newborns should be breastfed whenever they show signs of hunger, for example rooting reflex or increased alertness.
		There will be at least 8 to 12 breastfeeds per day.
		The frequent breastfeeds help to stimulate the milk production.

Helpful tips:

		It is important to note that your baby is well positioned, correctly latched on and suckling well when on the breast. A baby who is sleepy on the breast needs to be coaxed to suckle.
		Mothers often ask how do they know that their baby has finished the feed? Observe your baby's suckling cues. Your baby may take 15 to 20 minutes to finish a feed from the first breast before offering the second breast.
		Ensure you are drinking adequately.
		Have adequate rest.
		Breastfeeding is not always easy and sometimes, a lot of patience and perseverance is required as mothers may find that breastfeeding is a totally new learning experience.

How do you know if your baby is getting enough?

Observe the following:

	Baby passes light yellow urine at least 6 to 8 times in 24 hours.
	The frequency of your baby’s bowel movement may vary a lot. On the average, 3 or more bowel movements per day indicates that your baby’s milk intake is sufficient.
	Your baby is generally alert, contented and gaining weight. (There is some weight loss in the first few days of life. Your baby should gain back the birth weight by 7 to 14 days of life and should then gain weight weekly.)

	Breastfeeding
	Preparation And Strategy For Breastfeeding
	Working And Breastfeeding
	Storage, Thawing And Warming Up Of Expressed Breast Milk
	Support After Discharge