Congratulations!
You have
just become – or are going to be – a grandparent and your daughter /in law is keen to breastfeed. You have a wonderful
opportunity to support her. You may have some concerns and questions about breastfeeding, this leaflet can help .
Why is breastfeeding so important?
A
mothers breast milk is unique to her own baby and is the only food a baby needs for the first 6 months. Breast milk is a “livingfluid”
which contains antibodies and other immune factors which help to keep a baby healthy and protect them from infection .
Benefits of breastfeeding:
Breastmilk increases the baby’s resistance to infection and disease and the health benefits can continue into adult
life.
Benefits to baby:
- Fewer visits
to the doctor, and less admissions to hospital with gastro-enteritis
- Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant DeathSyndrome
(cot death)
- Breast milk provides complete nutrition for a baby’s needs during the first 6 monthsof life –
after his other foods can be gradually introduced and breastfeeding can continuefor as long as the mother wishes
- Breastfed
babies suffer from less allergies,tummy upsets, asthma, eczema andear infections.
- Less likely to develop diabetes,
obesityand heart disease in later life.
- Breast milk is easily digested and makes baby less likely to suffer from constipationand
colic.
Formula milk is made from cows milk, which is more difficult for a newborn baby to digest.
Benefits to mother:
- Breastfeeding
lowers the risk of developing some types of cancer, and osteoporosis (brittle bones).
- Helps a mother to get back in
shape and lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding is free! It requires no special equipment or preparation.
Amazing milk!
Breastmilk is
easily digested, so breastfed babies need feeding whenever they show signs of hunger. This may be between 8-12 times in 24
hours. All babies are individual and a mother’s body adjusts the amount of milk she makes so that the supply meets what
her growing baby needs. Every time the baby feeds it stimulates the milk supply for the next feed.
What about routines?
In the
first few months rigid feeding routines are not helpful to breastfeeding and can be the cause of many new mums giving up.
Night time feeds are a very important part of establishing a good supply of breast milk, so we encourage mums to keep their
babies with them all the time. Lots of cuddles help to stimulate milk production, and make babies feel secure. Babies cannot
be “spoiled” with too many cuddles.
Babies can’t tell the time!
A baby should be allowed to feed at the breast as soon as he or she is hungry – signs of hunger in a newborn baby
include stirring, making sucking noises, licking his or her lips. Crying is the very last sign of hunger. A baby should feed
until he or she comes off the breast himself, they know when they have had enough. Some babies need to feed from both breasts
each feed, some don’t.
How can I help?
By choosing to breastfeed,
your daughter/ in-law is giving your grandchild the best possible start in life. Following the birth of a baby, some new mothers
feel emotional or overwhelmed by hormonal changes, they may also feel very tired
- Encourage her to have
plenty of rest.
- She may appreciate help with housework, cooking, shopping or taking care of older children.
- Try
and be sensitive to her feelings, the way you say something can be just as important as what you say.
- Offer her lots
of encouragement and tell her how well she is doing.
- Encourage her to eat regularly and to have a balanced diet.
- Respect
your daughter / in law’s feeding choices. Never feed your grandchild anything before checking with mum first
- Try
not to offer too much advice, sometimes simply listening can be the best help you can give.
- Reassure her that baby’s
appetite may vary, for example during a growth spurt, often around 10-14 days and again at 6-8 weeks.
- Offer to go
along with her to antenatal groups, Latch On groups, read the leaflets and watch the breastfeeding DVD from her midwife
- Remind
her how well she is doing and that you are proud of her!
Can I give the baby a bottle so mum can rest?
Not at first, sucking on a bottle or dummy requires a very different action to breastfeeding and is not advised during the
first few weeks as it may make breastfeeding more difficult. Wait until breastfeeding is well established, usually about 4
– 6 weeks. Expressed breast milk can then be offered from a bottle or cup.
Offering to give the baby a bottle
may seem helpful, but it can undermine a new mum’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed. It can also have a negative
affect on her milk supply.
Does my grandchild need anything else
Breast milk is all a baby needs for about the first 6 months of life. Even in hot weather there is no
need to give extra drinks, baby will quench his or her thirst by having more frequent feeds.
What happens if Mum or baby are finding breastfeeding difficult?
Breastfeeding is a skill, which a mother and baby need to practice. It is important that a
baby is positioned and attached correctly at the breast. The Plymouth Guide to breastfeeding has step by step illustrations
which you might find helpful. If your daughter / in law experiences pain, discomfort or difficulty with breastfeeding, encourage
her to seek help and advice from her midwife, health visitor or local Latch On Breastfeeding group.
Plymouth has an extensive network of “Latch On” Breastfeeding support groups, which welcome
all new parents, their babies, and pregnant mums too.
Breastfeeding friendly
We are
working to make Plymouth a Breastfeeding friendly city and want Mums to feel comfortable to breastfeed anywhere. Some mums
prefer more privacy than others when they breastfeed. Try to be sensitive to the individual needs of your daughter / in law.
We are working with Plymouth City council and local businesses to offer breastfeeding friendly venues across the City.
Look out for our breastfeeding welcome logo:
