POST YOUR BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS HERE!

[NorfolkCYP]

This Thursday 10am - 11am, our breastfeeding champion will be answering all of YOUR breastfeeding questions. Post them in the comments of this post. #NorfolkCanBreastfeed

[anonymouseuser]

I saw we are going to have another sunny weekend and I’m worried my baby isn’t having enough milk on the really hot days. What can I do , should I give extra water?

[Hidden in reply to anonymouseuser]

Hi anonymouseuser, baby's feed on demand and in hot weather they will feed more frequently and for less time and your milk will adapt to heat conditions, the first let down is the low fat refreshing drink as well as a feed, there is no need to top up with water, just trust he is getting what he needs so long as you continue to demand feed

[MumofT185]

Love having somewhere to ask my questions! I've always wondered what is the best way to store breastmilk? Thanks

[Hidden in reply to MumofT185]

Hi MumofT185, you can store breastmilk in a sterilized container or in special breastfeeding bags, this can be kept in the fridge (at the back) at 4C or lower, two weeks in the ice compartment and freeze for 6 months, leave to defrost naturally and Top Tip, don't shake the milk as this can change the taste, it can be fed cold from the fridge or warmed to body temperature . The great thing is expressed milk still has all the wonderful properties of mothers milk.

[Simonavaick]

My LB nearly 5 months old. We always struggled with BF. At night time no problem to nurse as he is half asleep. At day time is so wiggly on the breast, pulling off, latching for few seconds and going off. Winding him is not helping. Is there anything to help to calm him down for a good feed?

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Simonavaick]

Hi Just wondering if you have accessed any support or face to face assessment, is he becoming distracted now he is older, are feeds comfortable?, is he latching on well and gaining weight well? Its great that he feeds well at night as you produce higher fat milk at night, he maybe adjusting to his growth stage and feeds efficiently in a short space of time. If he is distracted try to feed in a quiet environment, have skin to skin contact to soothe him

[Simonavaick in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I tried 1 to 1 session with HV, private session with lactation consultant, his latch is good, gaining weight okay, but it is just being a nighmare for me and for him and I cant understand whats the case. It has been like since the begging of our bf journey. 🤷‍♀️

[Simonavaick in reply to Simonavaick]

And yes, skin to skin, quite place to feed, but it just seems as much I want to feed him, he doesnt want it.

[Hidden in reply to Simonavaick]

Hi, we also have breastfeeding champions who can visit you in the home to assess further in your environment, be reassured that he is getting what he needs if his weight is steady, however, we understand how difficult this must be, does he also settle with a cuddle or skin to skin . it great that you are continuing to feed as we know its the best for him, also you will be looking to start some solids in the next few weeks.

[Simonavaick in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I will consider seeing FC. I was thinking, could it be something like slow let down, so he gets frustrated?

[Hidden in reply to Simonavaick]

Hi That's a possibility, it might be that your supply is better at night, have you thought about expressing in the day to stimulate more supply, this is probably best discussed in a face to face visit to properly assess

[Simonavaick in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for your time and answers xx

[LawsonLion]

Hi

My friend paid to see a lactation consultant/specialist, but it was so expensive. It’s a lot of money for a “feeding assessment” (I think that’s what they called it!). Can health visiting do anything, rather than paying all that money??

[Hidden in reply to LawsonLion]

Hi LawsonLion, there is a lot of great support and information in the community, some of this will be chargeable, however as the NHS The Norfolk Healthy Child Programme, we offer face to face, 1:1 clinics across the county of Norfolk, run by health Professionals such as myself, Breast Feeding champions and also support in the home from the same professionals Free of Charge as its NHS. to arrange this call Just one Number 03003000123, or access advice on Just one Norfolk and they have further links to other websites

[Rookie1]

Hi, a professional has advised me that I need to be topping up my feeds with formula milk if my baby is not feeding for long enough but I really don't want to and it's making me very stressed. I just want to do the right thing for my baby.

[Hidden in reply to Rookie1]

Hi Rookie1, I'm wondering how old your baby is, and what their weight gain is like and how many wet and dirty nappies they are having, did the professional complete a breastfeeding assessment , if this is all ok, you're baby should be establishing your supply still and topping up with formula will interrupt this process, lots of skin to skin time and frequent feeding, hopefully this will help you feeling a bit less stresses.

[Rookie1]

Thank you, my baby is just 2 weeks old.

[Hidden in reply to Rookie1]

Hi Rookie1, hopefully baby is back to birth weight, if this is the case, frequent on demand feeding will establish a good milk supply, keep in mind this can take 8 weeks, Skin to skin contact always helps with this and will also calm and reassure baby.

[Rookie1 in reply to Rookie1]

Just back to birth weight. I seem to be changing lots of nappies, both wet and dirty. Is that ok?

[Hidden in reply to Rookie1]

Hi Rookie1, Thats Great, this all sounds normal, I can't see you would need to top up, as said this will definitely affect your supply, particularly if the top up is at night, this is when we supply the best milk with the highest fat content and will satisfy baby to sleep better and for longer (hopefully) . further help can be accessed through Just One Norfolk, or by calling Just One Number for a face to face assessment 03003000123. Good Luck

[Rookie1]

Thank you reassuring me

[everyrose]

My baby is due in a few weeks and I am hoping to breastfeed. What supplies do I need to be prepared? How long do you need to wait before you can express? And are there any particular bottles that are better for breastfed babies?

[Hidden]

Hi everyrose, you don't need to prepare really, the key to establishing breastfeeding is patience, feeding often and letting your baby get what they need, they are able to do this naturally so go with their cues, best to wait for 4-5 weeks before expressing and if you plan to offer this by bottle at some stage a soft teat is best as it mimics the breast more than some of the more rigid ones. have your baby close and lots of skin to skin contact from birth will help. don't forget we have lots of support available face to face, and in the home if needed in addition to your standard visits. Good Luck