Breastfeeding Information

Being an accredited Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) facility, our Child & Family Health Nursing service shows our commitment to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. 

• Breastfeeding images and more tips: How-Breastfeeding-Works-2023-English.pdf  
• Breastfeeding videos: Global Health Media https://globalhealthmedia.org/topic/breastfeeding/ 
• Our service suggests a feed/play/sleep routine: Baby Routine Guide: Newborn to 12-Month Schedules | Karitane 
• Information on mastitis click here

Breastfeeding Support Appointment  

To make an appointment please phone 1300 244 288. These appointments will last for about 30-45 minutes. Your baby can also be weighed in this appointment.

Establishing Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby however establishing it can take some time. It can take up to six to eight weeks to establish your lactation and feel confident.  If you think you have a low supply please speak to your Midwife, Child & Family Health nurse or Lactation Consultant. Click here for more information on increasing your supply.

How often should you breastfeed your newborn? 

When women have babies, they produce breast milk. By six weeks after giving birth, the body starts making milk based on a "demand and supply" system. This means the more the baby drinks, the more milk the body will make. 

How often a newborn baby feeds can be different for each baby. It depends on how well they drink and how much milk the mother produces. 

It's normal for a newborn to feed every 2-4 hours. Each feeding can take 45 minutes to an hour. 

In the first few weeks, babies usually feed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Sometimes, babies may want to feed more often, especially in the afternoon, when they may "cluster feed," or feed a lot in a short time. Your baby feeds often to ‘tell’ your body to make the milk he/she needs. 

Breastfeeding Your Newborn baby: How often and for how long

When you start breastfeeding, it’s important to learn how to position your baby and help them latch on properly. 

1. Get comfortable: Sit in a comfy chair or on a couch where your back is supported. Let your breast fall naturally. 
2. Unwrap your baby: Take your baby out of their swaddle. This makes it easier to hold them and lets you have skin-to-skin contact. Your body will make them feel cosy and warm. 
3. Hold your baby: Lay your baby across your lap. Put your arm behind their neck and shoulders to support them. Make sure your baby is facing you with their tummy on your tummy. Their ear, shoulder and hip should be in a straight line. Your baby should be able to reach your breast easily, without having to stretch or twist. 
4. Align your baby’s head: Position your baby’s head so that their top lip is lined up with your nipple. Their chin should be touching or close to your breast. 
5. Body position: Your baby’s body should be a little lower than your breast. Their lower arm should be under your breast. 
6. Help your baby latch: With your other hand, hold your breast and point your nipple toward your baby’s nose. Rub the nipple along the baby’s top lip to “tell” them to open their mouth. When your baby opens their mouth wide, gently bring them to your breast. Aim your nipple toward the roof of their mouth, with their chin touching your breast. 

What are signs of good attachment? 

When your baby’s mouth is wide open, their lower lip should be curled outward. 

At first, your baby may suck quickly for a short time. After that, the sucking will become slow and steady, with breaks and deep jaw movements. 

In the first few weeks, your breast might feel less full as your baby feeds. 

You might hear your baby swallowing, especially at the beginning of breastfeeding, as they drink the milk when it "lets down" in larger amounts. If you watch your baby’s neck, you may be able to see your baby swallowing but this can sometimes be hard to see. 

Is Breastfeeding Painful? 

When you're getting used to breastfeeding, it’s normal to feel some sensitivity or discomfort around your nipple and the darker area around it (called the areola). If your nipple feels sore at the start of a feeding, it should feel better after a minute or two if your baby is latched on correctly. 

If the pain doesn’t go away after a few minutes, it might mean your baby is not in the right position, which can hurt your nipple. In that case, gently take your baby off the breast and try again. 

To take your baby off the breast, gently place your finger in the corner of their mouth. Then, push down on your breast to break the suction. 

It’s important not to keep feeding if you’re in pain because it could cause long-term damage. This can make breastfeeding harder. If you are not sure about your baby’s latch then we encourage you to call us and book a breastfeeding support appointment on 1300 244 288. 

How Do I know if my Baby is Hungry? 

Early hunger signs: Your baby might smack or lick their lips, open and close their mouth, or suck on their lips, tongue, hands, fingers, or fists. 

When your baby is more hungry, they might start to fuss, breathe fast, or move around on the person holding them. They might try to get into a breastfeeding position by lying back, squirming, or fidgeting a lot. They might also make a fist or clench their fingers on their chest or tummy. 

Late hunger signs: If your baby is really hungry, they might cry or move their head back and forth quickly. 

How Do I know if my Baby is Full? 

Some babies might pull away from the breast quickly and stop feeding as soon as they are full. For other babies, the feeding process is slower. They may suck more slowly until they are full. 

What do I do if my baby vomits? 

Babies tummy's develop over time. Sometimes, babies can vomit after a feed because they have had a bit too much milk or because their tummy is young or “immature”. Both of these are normal. 

If your baby vomits then you can offer the breast again if you think your baby is showing hunger cues. If they don’t want to latch then they may have vomited because they drank a bit too much and you can continue to follow the feed/play/sleep cycle. 

If your baby vomits often and is not gaining weight please book in to see your Child and Family Health Nurse. We will refer you to a GP if we are concerned. If your baby projectile vomits call health direct on 1800 022 222, see your GP or present to your local emergency department. 

How to safely store breastmilk