Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in the first year
Looking after yourself
Practical support
Involve your family and friends who can provide a network of help with babysitting, social activities and ‘time out’ for you.
Personal support
Talk to friends, family and support groups about how you are feeling.
Information support
Seek information from health professionals, books, websites etc. It can be challenging for you to identify what information is based on the latest recommendations, so be wary of the source of information.
Ways to take care of yourself
- sleep when your baby is sleeping
- limit outside activities and visitors in the early weeks
- drink water when you are thirsty and eat healthy foods
- try to get exercise and fresh air every day
- join a breastfeeding or new mother support group
- talk about your feelings with your partner or others
- let family and friends help with chores
- take as much time off work as practically possible.
Family planning
The return of the menstrual cycle is different for every woman.
Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you can start ovulating. That means you can get pregnant again without even knowing that it has happened.
Ask your healthcare professional about your family planning options and if they are compatible with breastfeeding.
Work and breastfeeding
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has useful information on breastfeeding and work.
Newborn sleep and settling
Crying is an important means of communication for young babies. Babies always cry for a reason. These include:
- tiredness
- hunger
- pain
- discomfort, such as being wet, too hot or too cold.
Parenting and adjusting to a new baby is rewarding, but it can also bring significant changes and challenges.
If you or your partner are struggling to cope, there is help available. Call and talk to a relative, friend or visit your Child Health Centre, GP, or health professional.
More information:
- Beyond Blue – Pregnancy and new parents or call 1300 22 4636
- Queensland Health – Mental wellbeing during pregnancy
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) or call 1300 726 306
When will my baby sleep through the night?
Most baby’s wake and feed at night until about six months of age.
There is a large variation of what is ‘normal’. Prolactin (milk making hormone) levels are highest at night, so night feeds are important to ensure adequate stimulation and milk removal from the breast.
Night feeds are important because they:
- provide up to one third of a baby's nutritional needs in a 24 hour period
- help to maintain your breastmilk supply
- can help to prevent engorgement (full and painful breasts)
- can help delay ovulation (return of period)
- can help mothers and babies relax and feel drowsy, due to the hormone cholecystokinin.
In this guide:
- Breastfeeding 101
- In pregnancy – planning for breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding – the first few days
- Signs of hunger
- Breastfeeding – the early weeks
- Positioning and attachment
- Signs of an effective attachment
- Breastfeeding positions
- Common breastfeeding questions and concerns
- Common breastfeeding issues
- Breastfeeding in the first year
- Important points about breastfeeding