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Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding and Breast Milk

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Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding and Breast Milk

The term ‘breastfeeding’ doesn’t apply to everyone. There are many reasons why some people choose to use the term ‘chestfeeding’. For example, transgender or non-binary people and those who have experienced breast removal or past trauma. We will talk about both breast and chestfeeding throughout, in the hope that whoever you are, whatever your journey, you feel included.
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you will feed your baby. It’s up to you which method you choose, and you don’t have to make up your mind until your baby is born. Breastfeeding or chestfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby and your milk is tailor-made for them. The first milk you produce is called ‘colostrum’, It’s packed full of nutrients and protective factors. You might think of colostrum as a superhero version of breastmilk.
Colostrum helps to mature your baby’s gut. It has a laxative effect to make their poo soft. Lots of soft poo helps to minimise jaundice. You might hear us call the early baby poo meconium.

Colostrum is concentrated goodness, and it’s designed to be available in small amounts.

Benefits of Breastmilk

There are many reasons why breastmilk is amazing for both you and your baby:

  • It contains at least 34 ingredients not found in infant formula milk
  • It protects your baby from developing allergies or serious illnesses such as infections, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and obesity
  • It reduces the chance of tooth decay
  • It contains growth factors to help babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy with their development
  • It reduces the chance of cot death, which is sometimes referred to as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby
You can take it one day at a time, but the longer you breastfeed and the more breast milk your baby receives, the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding is good for your health too! It reduces your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and the longer and more exclusively you breastfeed, the better your protection.

Benefits of Expressing by Hand

Hand expressing during pregnancy can be helpful for you to get familiar with your breasts. Practise your technique and collect milk before your baby arrives.

Hand expressing when your baby is here can be useful in various situations:

  • If your baby isn’t feeding or latching onto your nipple well
  • To help stimulate your milk production
  • If your breasts become very full
  • If you need to unblock a duct – Milk ducts are small tubes that transport milk from the milk glands in the breast out to the tip of the nipple.

How to Hand Express

  • Wash your hands and prepare a sterilised container, cup, spoon, bottle, or bowl
  • Get comfy
  • It can be helpful to start by gently massaging your breasts
  • Cup your breast in a C-shape using your finger and thumb – 2cm to 3cm back from the base of your nipple
    • Your finger and thumb should be opposite each other
    • Imagine that your breast is a clock with your thumb at 12 o’clock and your finger at 6 o’clock
  • Gently press your thumb and fingers together
  • Release your fingers and repeat in a rhythmic movement
    • It may take a few minutes but gradually your breast milk (or colostrum) will be seen on the end of your nipple
  • When you notice your milk flow slowing down, move your hands around your breast, so you are expressing from a different area – position your finger and thumb at 11 o’clock and 5 o’clock and repeat the process.
  • Once you’ve expressed as much as you can from one breast, repeat the process on your other breast

Storing Your Breastmilk

When storing breastmilk, we recommend that you always store it at the back of the fridge and not in a fridge door as the temperature varies too much.

If the temperature in the fridge is less than 4 degrees Celsius, it can be stored for 5 days. If the temperature is 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, then it can only be stored for 3 days.

You can also store breastmilk in the freezer. If your freezer is at minus 18 degrees Celsius or lower it can be stored for 6 months.

You can defrost breastmilk in the fridge or at room temperature. Once defrosted, it’s important to use your breast milk straight away. If you have breast milk that you haven’t used and it’s no longer suitable for feeding your baby, you can always use it in the bath to give your baby a breastmilk bath.

If your baby is born earlier than expected, please speak to your midwife about breast milk storage.

What to Expect During The Golden Hour

Straight after birth, that first hour is an important time for bonding and undisturbed skin-to-skin contact. Doing this immediately after birth has so many benefits. We call it the ‘golden hour’.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact is calming and relaxing for both parent and baby and reduces the levels of the stress hormone – cortisol. Did you know that a friendly bacteria can be found on the mother’s skin that helps to protect babies against infection?

Other great benefits include:

  • stimulation of your baby’s digestion making them keen to feed
  • regulation of your baby’s breathing, heart rate and temperature, promoting a gentle transition to life outside the womb
  • stimulation of hormones that support breastfeeding and nurturing
Holding your baby skin-to-skin during the golden hour promotes strong instincts that help them adapt to life outside of the womb. Here are some of the behaviours you can expect to see:

Birth cry

Most babies will give a loud cry at birth to expand their lungs and initiate breathing, this will subside as skin-to-skin contact is started.

Relaxation

As your baby rests after the effort of birth, they will begin to calm down. You’ll notice their breathing becomes gentler and their hands are soft and open.

Awakening

Around 5 minutes after birth, your baby may start to move their head and shoulders and begin opening their eyes and mouth.

Activity

Your baby’s movements will increase and they will begin to show signs of ‘rooting’, – meaning they are looking for their first feed.

Rest

Your baby may rest again. Periods of rest in the golden hour are normal.

Crawl

Your baby’s stepping reflex will allow them to crawl on you, this instinct is there to help them find their first feed and they use it to make their way to the breast.

Familiarisation

Your baby will familiarise themselves with the breast through touching, licking and small sounds to gain your attention. This will raise the level of oxytocin in your body, a hormone which promotes positive feelings. It also creates a strong attachment with your baby and signals to your body to start milk production.

Suckling

Your baby will now feed.

Sleep

Now is the time for you both to sleep to provide rest and recovery after birth. However, if you choose to feed your baby, you may want to experience skin-to-skin contact after birth. If you’re unable to hold your baby straight after birth and you have a partner, they can have skin-to-skin contact with your baby until you are ready to take over. We understand that everyone is different, and your midwife will be there to support you in this first hour after birth.

Your midwife will offer to weigh your baby and do an initial examination to ensure all is well. This can all be done after this initial hour unless there are any concerns.

Remember, babies need a lot of love and attention as they get used to their new world and it’s not possible to spoil them. Your baby has been close to you during your whole pregnancy so being held and comforted will help them feel safe.

CHIN-

Close

Hold your baby’s whole body close to you.

Head Free

Place your hand along your baby’s back with your hand on their shoulders so their head can move freely.

In Line

Ensure their head and body are in line.

Nipple to Nose

Your baby’s nose should be in line with your nipple this will allow them to latch effectively

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Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding Myths

Breastfeeding Myths

You may have heard some myths about breastfeeding. We are here to bust some of those myths, and give you some expert advice.

Breastfeeding Myths

You may have heard some myths about breastfeeding. We are here to bust some of those myths, and give you some expert advice.
Myth 1: Breastfeeding hurts

Some people can experience discomfort in the first few days of breastfeeding. This is normal, as both you and your baby are learning how to feed. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort during feeding, you can ask your health visitor or the infant feeding team for support. There are plenty of positioning and attachment techniques that can help.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding mothers get less sleep

However you choose to feed your baby, your sleep will be disrupted at some point. Some babies sleep for longer periods, and others for short bursts. How you choose to feed your baby does not influence how long they sleep.

Myth 3: Breast size affects milk supply

Breast size or shape does not impact the amount of milk your breasts produce. Regular feeding with good positioning and attachment will have a positive impact on your milk production.

Myth 4: My partner wont be able to bond with baby

Yes, your body is making and delivering milk, but there is lots your partner can do too.

They can bring baby to you for feedings, Keep you stocked up on healthy snacks and ensuring you stay hydrated. Burping the baby, changing nappies, and settling them ready to sleep – to name but a few important bonding activities.

Myth 5: You can't get pregnant while Breastfeeding

While it’s true that breastfeeding prevents ovulation in some women, this is not the case for all, therefore breastfeeding it is not a reliable form of birth control. Talk to your GP about suitable contraception while breastfeeding.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your breastfeeding journey, talk to your midwife the Infant feeding team or your health visitor.
Download infograph as PDF

You may have heard some myths about breastfeeding. We are here to bust those myths and give you some expert advice and top tips.

Myth 1: Breastfeeding hurts

Some people can experience discomfort in the first few days of breastfeeding. This is normal, as both you and your baby are learning how to feed.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort during feeding, you can ask your health visitor or the infant feeding team for support. There are plenty of positioning and attachment techniques that can help.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding mothers get less sleep

However you choose to feed your baby, your sleep will be disrupted at some point. Some babies sleep for longer periods, and others for short bursts. How you choose to feed your baby does not influence how long they sleep.

Myth 3: Breast size affects milk supply

Breast size or shape does not impact the amount of milk your breasts produce. Regular feeding with good positioning and attachment will have a positive impact on your milk production.

Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have very similar questions so you’re definitely not alone in wanting answers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions:

How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?

There are lots of signs that you can look out for to make sure your baby is getting enough milk during feeding:

  • Their cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking
  • You can hear and see them swallowing
  • They seem calm and relaxed
  • They come off the breast on their own
  • They appear content and satisfied
  • Their mouth looks moist
  • Wet and dirty nappies
  • Your breasts feel softer and your nipple looks more or less the same – not flattened, pinched or white

Do I need to take supplements when breast or chest feeding?

You should continue the 10mcg of vitamin D you have been taking during pregnancy for the duration of breast or chestfeeding.

What does my ‘milk coming in’ mean?

Around day 2-4, you may notice that your breasts begin to feel fuller. This is often described as your milk ‘coming in’. Your colostrum is all your baby will need until this change happens.

What is responsive feeding?

Responsive feeding involves you responding to your baby’s cues, as well as your own desire to feed them. Feeds are not just for nutrition, but also for love, comfort, and reassurance. Feeding your baby this way ensures their emotional needs are met, supports brain development and improves their health.

How long should I breastfeed?

Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is individual, and you can continue to feed your baby for as long as you wish to.

It is recommended that exclusive breastfeeding should continue for 6 months. After this, breastfeeding alongside solid foods is best.

How can my partner help?

We would encourage your partner to attend any classes with you so they understand what will get your breastfeeding journey off to the best start.

There are so many other ways your partner can help you, such as skin-to-skin time, nappy changing, bath time or even making you something to eat or drink. Feeding your baby isn’t the only part of being a parent – although it can sometimes feel like that!

Do I need to wind my breastfed baby?

Babies who breastfeed create a different suction to those who bottle feed, which means less air is swallowed. Often a breastfed baby will not need winding, but if they do they’ll soon let you know.

Why does my baby feed so often?

Your baby’s tummy is tiny! At birth it’s the size of a cherry and will hold about one teaspoon of milk so they feed little and often. At 3 days it’s the size of a walnut. At 1 week it’s the size of an apricot, and at 3-4 weeks it’s the size of an egg.

Stomach Size of a Newborn Baby

Cherry

1 day

Walnut

3 days

Apricot

1 week

Egg

3 – 4 weeks

Download infograph as PDF
Take a moment to think about everything you have eaten and drunk today.

You might have started your day with a cup of tea, and then an hour later had breakfast. Add in some extra glasses of water or juice, or a coffee mid-morning, maybe even a snack.

You will find that if you count everything you have eaten or drunk in a day it might be 10, 12 or even more items.

You are supplying everything you eat and drink to your baby, and there’ll be a few extra feeds in there for comfort and just because they love you!

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