Stages of Breastfeeding
Immediately after baby is born (0-4 days)
This stage is when a mother has given birth, and is starting to breastfeed. This will give vital fluid, immunological factors and nutrients to the newborn (in the first milk called colostrum) and ‘latching on’ will enable the mother’s milk to begin to flow. This stage is often called the initiation stage.
The majority of new mothers will be in a maternity care facility for some of the time, however, some will be at home during this period.
Establishing (4 days to 8 weeks)
This stage is when a mother is likely to be back home and continuing to establish breastfeeding.
Establishment of breastfeeding includes:
- learning how to breastfeed successfully with the support
- the mother maintaining good health (including nutrition and rest)
- getting support and advice to overcome any breastfeeding problems
- developing problem solving skills to maintain confidence to breastfeed
- continuing the commitment to make breastmilk the only food and drink for the baby
- enjoying the breastfeeding experience and the closeness to the baby
During this period a mother is likely to face some challenges including:
- tiredness
- pain (including experiences of mastitis, cracked nipples, and breast engorgement)
- difficulty with latching
- perceived or actual lack of milk, and/or baby’s perceived or actual hunger
- balancing the demands of other children
- lack of health service and family support
Continuing (8 weeks to 6 months, and then beyond 6 months)
This is when a mother is likely to have established breastfeeding, she and her baby may have established a pattern for the day and night, and her baby is thriving. A baby should only have breastmilk, although this will not be the case for all babies. A baby will not be ready for or need other food until around six months of age.
When a baby is ready, introduce them to appropriate complementary foods (solids) and continue to breastfeed until they are at least one year of age, or beyond.
Increase the texture, variety, flavour and amount of food offered so that the baby receives a complementary intake of nutrients, especially iron and vitamin C, and is eating more family foods by about one year of age.
Challenges to maintaining breastfeeding can include:
- a need to return to paid work
- perceived or actual lack of milk, and/or baby’s perceived or actual hunger
- pressure or perception of need to stop breastfeeding baby, and introduce other foods
- pressure or perception of need to introduce other foods before baby is ready or needs them.