The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that you breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months. Mediclinic encourages breastfeeding and our nursing staff will help and support you to do so comfortably and successfully.
Babies have individual feeding requirements and we recommend scheduling feeds according to needs (feeding on demand). After a short while your baby will adopt a natural rhythm of drinking, sleeping and waking and you will be able to establish a routine.
Breastfeeding your child 6 to 8 times each 24 hours stimulates milk production and ensures you produce the appropriate amount. You can also breastfeed more often, should it be necessary.
If your baby falls asleep during breastfeeding, change the nappy. This will wake baby up and you can continue to feed.
During the main growing periods, between the 2nd and 3rd week, 4th and 6th week and 3rd and 4th month - frequent breastfeeding helps to increase milk production to adjust to the changing needs of your baby.
If you have difficulties breastfeeding at home, do not hesitate to contact the obstetrics unit or a Well Baby Clinic for support. It is recommended that you weigh your baby after the first week at home. It is normal for newborn babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight, but they must be back to their birth weight after 14 days. For more information about breastfeeding see the section on caring for your baby.