Establishing: 4 days – 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 and advice from a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) and others the mother maintaining good health (including nutrition and rest) getting support and advice from the LMC 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/whānau support. At around six weeks, there is a transition of care from the LMCs to Well Child/Tamariki Ora. Why keep breastfeeding up to 8 weeks? Breastmilk continues to protect baby from infections. Breastmilk gives food and fluid for baby in the most easily digested way - see also Benefits of breastfeeding – For baby. Baby’s organs are still very immature and not ready for other foods. Milk composition and supply matches baby’s changing needs. Breastfeeding helps bond with baby. No need to prepare bottles for night feeds - see also Is it ok to give my baby a bottle at night? on the Bottlefeeding question and answer topic page. It’s cheaper. Breastfeeding during immunisations provides pain relief for babies - see also I have heard people say that breastfeeding is a baby’s first immunisation, what do they mean? on the Immunisation question and answer topic page. Remember any breastfeeding is good for a baby, so mothers who have made it this far are doing well. See also: Question and answer index Back to top Back to Stages of breastfeeding Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last updated: 31 July 2008