Breastfeeding
Getting started, feeding often enough, and how to know your baby is getting enough milk.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months
- Feed 8 to 12 times a day in the early weeks
- Sore nipples usually mean the latch needs adjusting
- Six or more wet nappies a day is a good sign
Breast milk is the complete food for your baby and protects against infection. Exclusive breastfeeding — only breast milk, no water, formula or food — is recommended for the first six months, with breastfeeding continuing alongside other foods afterwards.
Start within the first hour after birth if you can, with skin-to-skin contact. Feed whenever your baby shows early hunger signs such as stirring, turning the head or sucking the hands, roughly 8 to 12 times in 24 hours at first.
A good latch means a wide open mouth, more of the dark area below the nipple in the mouth than above, the chin touching the breast, and no sharp pain. Sore, cracked nipples are usually a sign that the latch needs adjusting, not a reason to stop.
Signs your baby is getting enough: at least six wet nappies a day after the first few days, regular soft stools, a settled baby after feeds, and steady weight gain.
If you are HIV positive, breastfeeding while taking your antiretroviral treatment correctly is recommended in South Africa — keep taking your medicine every day and attend your visits.
- A hot, red, painful breast with fever or feeling flu-like
- A baby feeding very poorly, very sleepy or difficult to wake
- Fewer than six wet nappies a day after the first week
- No weight gain or weight loss
See your clinic the same day for a hot painful breast with fever, or if your baby is feeding poorly or not gaining weight.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.