You should breastfeed your baby to suit both of you. This can mean on demand or when baby becomes restless or when your breasts become full and need relief. As a guideline, 8 feeds per day are normal for the first few weeks. But if your baby asks for one or two more or less feeds, there is no cause for concern.

In the first two to four days after the birth I recommend that you put your baby to the breast little and often. This is the best way to stimulate milk production yet still being gentle to your nipples. A few days after the milk comes in at the latest, your own personal feeding rhythm will develop. You should feed for as long as it suits you both. Take your time, as a feed can take between 20 and 45 minutes at both breasts, depending on your baby’s sucking rhythm. Your baby should feed at each breast for at least five to ten minutes, as this will ensure that it also receives the fat-rich and filling milk.

Your baby will lose weight before putting it on again. Despite getting enough nourishment and feeling full and satisfied, a newborn baby may lose up to ten percent of its birthweight in the first four to six days. This is completely normal and occurs with most infants, as the metabolism has to change and adapt completely after the birth. After one week at the latest your baby’s weight will then rapidly increase, regaining the original birth weight at about two weeks old.

You can be sure that your little one is drinking enough milk, if he or she:

• is feeding regularly every two to three hours
• has a rosy complexion
• is alert and content when awake
• has six to eight wet nappies each day
• is steadily gaining weight
• has regular bowel movements

We often talk about a “breastfeeding crisis” when the supply and demand principle suddenly goes out of synchronization. After around 14 days, then after about six weeks and then again after around twelve weeks your baby will go through leaps in development, both physical and mental. During these phases your baby will need noticeably more milk and may want to feed up to twelve times a day or even more. These restless phases often unsettle mothers and are therefore also known as “breastfeeding crisis”. Even if the days are not so calm now, be patient and avoid top-up bottle-feeds at this point. You can be pleased that you and your baby are mastering this together – getting the supply and demand equation just right.

Cold compresses relive pain caused by plugged milk ducts and breast infections. They should be put in the refrigerator and never in the freezer compartment. Cold compresses should only be used after breastfeeding, as warmth is required before feeding to ensure optimum milk flow. NUK Warm or Cool Relief Packs offer a double benefit: it can be used both as a cold compress and as a heat pad for stimulating milk flow.

The breasts continually leak fluid during the breastfeeding period. Breast pads absorb this milk, keeping clothes dry. NUK offers comfortable breast pads for different requirements. In order to prevent nipples from becoming sore, you should choose a breast pad that traps the fluid in the inside of the pad. Provided you change the pads after every feed, you will be able to prevent breast infections.

This is a very common problem. The best solution is a moisturizing balm. NUK has a Gentle Moisturizing Balm that helps soothe tender nipples.

Every nursing mother has different needs. Breast pumps like the NUK Gentle Flow Ergonomic Manual Breast Pump are a great way to be able to continue breastfeeding even if you are away from your baby. Milk storage is simple. In the NUK Store’n Go Breast Milk Container Breast Milk can be refrigerated for up to 5 – 8 days at 39°F (do not place in the refrigerator door), or up to 6 months at 0°F or below in the freezer. NUK also offers Seal’n Go Storage Bags that are pre-sterilized and freezer safe.