Baby and breastfeeding

Question 1

What is some advice for baby’s sleep

Answer 1

Generally, babies need between 12-18 hours of sleep.
For first 6 months, baby should sleep on their back in parents room to reduce SIDS.
Establish a bedtime routine at around 3 months old, such as having a bath, reading them a story, goodnight kiss, lullaby, brushing teeth etc

Question 2

How to prevent SIDS?

Answer 2

Prevent overheating
Don’t cover their head
Sleep on their back in parents room.
Don’t expose them to ciggarette smoke.
Avoid sharing bed with baby, especially if they are low birthweight, or you are impaired by drugs/alcohol etc.
Breastfeed and use a dummy when sleeping.

Question 3

How often should baby’s poo?

Answer 3

2-4 times a day in their first year.

Question 4

What to expect when changing a nappy?

Answer 4

Yellow/mustard colour
Breastfed: runny and odourless
Formula-fed: firmer, darker brown, odour. Can be green.
In girls: just after birth, may see discharge or blood - caused by mums hormones and goes away.

Question 5

Red flag nappy:

Answer 5

Pale stools - liver disease
Intense odour
Very watery
Very firm
Blood (after first)

Question 6

What are some common breastfeeding issues?

Answer 6

Sore/cracked nipples
Lack of breast milk
Breast engorgement
Latching issues
Mastitis

Question 7

What is the main cause of sore/cracked nipples when breastfeeding?

Answer 7

Baby being poorly positioned and attached.

Question 8

Advice for sore/cracked nipples?

Answer 8

See midwife who can help correctly position baby.
Wear a cotton bra so air can circulate.
Don’t shorten feeds to “rest” them - doesn’t help and can cause issues.

Question 9

What are some signs that baby is ready to feed?

Answer 9

Rapid eye movements
Putting their fingers in their mouths.
Restlessness
Rooting

Question 10

Advice on relieving breast engorgement and blocked ducts.

Answer 10

Wear a well-fitting breastfeeding bra
Apply warm flannels.
Gently massage.
Express milk by hand.
Look out for signs of mastitis such as heat and tenderness, red patch thats painful to touch, flu symptoms and generally under the weather.

Question 11

Can you drink alcohol while breastfeeding?

Answer 11

Yes. After the odd couple of drinks. wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding.
However, may want to plan ahead and express milk beforehand.

If you have >6 units, better to pump and dump.

Question 12

Can you have caffeine while breastfeeding?

Answer 12

Generally avoid, but you can have upto 200mg per day.

Question 13

What to do if a baby has a breath-holding episode?

Answer 13

Lie the child on their side.
Do not shake them or splash them with water.
Do not put fingers in their mouth or perform CPR.
Be reassuring, and don’t tell them off.
It usually only lasts a minute, and if they faint, they should regain consciousness within 1-2 minutes.

Call 999 if they have a seizure, do not regain consciousness, go blue.