This week we'll be giving you hints and tips to help with breastfeeding. Though it's the most natural thing in the world, don't worry if breastfeeding feels tricky to get the hang of at first. That's totally normal. Just remember to relax – after all, this is a beautiful way for you and your baby to bond.
P.S. Not at week 2? Update your baby's birth date here.
You and your baby
Week 2 News
Remember breastfeeding is as new for your baby as it is for you, so it can take a bit of practice before you both get into a regular breastfeeding routine. You can talk to expert mums via our Careline if you'd like advice, as well as your GP or health visitor. Here are real mum's handy tips from their own experiences.
Contractions and bleeding are still normal at this stage, because your womb can continue to shrink for up to 2 weeks after birth. Your blood should be a brownish colour – but if it turns bright red again, tell your midwife or GP.
Need to know
Why is baby crying? Your little one might be hungry or tired, in which case you can help by feeding baby or settling them to sleep. Sometimes, your baby might cry for another reason and the best thing for you to do is soothe them as best you can. If you're worried that something more serious is going on, always speak to your GP.
Everyone wants to meet a new baby. Just remember, it's fine to keep visits short and limited to close friends and family in those early weeks. It's equally as fine to say 'no' if you're feeling overwhelmed. People will understand.
Tip: Sitting comfortably?
Your little one is probably very hungry a lot of the time, so find a comfortable position before you start feeding. Using a cushion on your leg to support your baby's head, for example, saves a lot of backache for you and lets baby snuggle right in!
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about breastfeeding or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The best way to feed a baby is to breastfeed, as breast milk provides the ideal balanced diet and protection against illness for your baby and also many non-nutritional benefits for both baby and mother. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional when deciding on your choice of feeding your baby. Professional guidance should also be sought on the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers choose not to breastfeed or if for some reason they are unable to do so. A decision not to breastfeed, or to introduce partial bottle-feeding, will reduce the supply of breast milk. If for any reason you choose not to breastfeed, do remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse. Using infant formula also has social and financial implications which must be considered. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label, in order to avoid risks to a baby's health.
