Breastfeeding: how it works

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a new baby. It helps prevent illnesses, and helps your partner to get back into shape too. Journalist and father-of-two Gavin Evans explains what makes it so important - and offers a few tips on how you can help.

Either it's happened, or it's yet to come, but at some stage it will be drummed into you that breast is best for your baby. And your views and support can make a big difference to whether your partner is able to breastfeed successfully, so here's some background information to help you make up your mind.

How does breastfeeding work?

When the baby sucks, nerve endings in the nipples and areola (the dark areas around the nipple) are stimulated, sending signals to the brain to release two hormones, one to trigger the milk flow and the other to cause further production of milk.

Why is breast milk better than formula milk?

Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby will need, in the right quantities and at the right temperature, for the first six months of her life.

The composition changes over time.

• At first it is protein-packed, antibody-rich colostrum (the yellowish substance first produced in late pregnancy).
• After two to three days of breastfeeding it changes to transitional milk.

• After two to three weeks comes the mature milk.

Each of these stages caters for your baby’s needs as she develops - something bottle-milk can’t provide.

• Your changing partner

Why is breastfeeding better than bottle feeding?

• Better for baby: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of illnesses such as gastroenteritis, infections of the lungs, urinary tract and ears, eczema and early-onset diabetes. They’re also less likely to become obese - and they may even be smarter.
• Better for your partner: A breastfeeding mother has a lower risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She regains her figure sooner (burning 500 extra calories a day). It is also convenient, and instantly available.
• Better for the family: It’s free, saving you nearly £500 during baby’s first year. It's available pre-warmed at any time of day or night and gives mum and baby a chance to get close to each other.
    

What problems might we experience?

If your partner is experiencing pain when breastfeeding, help her to seek assistance. Pain may be common, but it is not normal and can indicate problems that carry risks to her and the baby. 

Pain can be a sign that the baby isn't attaching properly to the breast and your partner should immediately seek skilled support. Her Midwife, Health Visitor, GP or one of the breastfeeding helplines can help here.

If your partner is experiencing any of these problems, encourage her to seek skilled help immediately. The most common problems are:

• Cracked nipples – very painful, due to the baby not attaching properly.There are risks of breast infections, reduced milk supply and abandoning breastfeeding. She shouldn't have to suffer - seek help.
• Mastitis – caused by bacteria infecting a blocked milk duct, infecting the breast (often through a cracked nipple). It requires treatment with antibiotics. Continuing to feed can help clear it up.
• Thrush – if your baby has oral thrush it can be transmitted to your partner during feeding, causing pain for both. It usually requires treatment with antifungal drops, gel or cream.
• Feeding problems – your partner may be unable to produce enough milk or it doesn’t flow freely. Getting her position right is vital to make sure the baby is attached and feeding properly. It's also an idea to get to know how 'latching on' works and what it looks like when done properly - you might come in useful.

If you partner is finding breastfeeding difficult, encourage her to talk to her midwife, Health Visitor or GP, and to use the breastfeeding helplines (numbers in "Useful Links" box). And if she does decide to make a considered decision to stop breastfeeding, your support and help with adjusting to the new feeding system will help her to adjust.

• Moving from breast to bottle

How can I help?

You could win brownie points by getting your partner cushions, drinks and the remote, and if she's had a Caesarean section, she won't be able to do any lifting and you'll need to lift the baby into her arms for the first few weeks.

You may make it easier for your partner to feed your baby if you are able to reduce the stress around her. Protect her from visitors, and stay calm and relaxed yourself.

If your partner is able to master the dark art of expressing milk, you can feed your baby breastmilk from a bottle - handy if your partner returns to work early, or wants a break.

This can be done by hand, but most women find an electric or hand-operated pump easier and quicker. It sucks out the milk, after which you feed your baby by bottle.

Make sure your partner continues to express milk when its time for a feed, even if you're bottle-feeding the baby at the time. If she stops, she may have difficulty keeping the level of her milk flow up.

• Your newborn: do's and don'ts for the first few weeks

How do I feed a baby?

Get comfortable, cuddle your baby, and prop them up, supporting their head - chilling out, as it were - on the mini-sofa that is your arm. Remember that your baby will feed itself and show you how it's done.

Encourage the sucking reflex by touching her lips with the teat and then, when she lets you know, insert the teat into her mouth. Keep the bottle tilted at a 45-degree angle.

Let the little mite pause for air when she wants.

Author

Gavin Evans is a father of two daughters - aged 17 and 13 - and lives in North London. 15 years ago he changed gear from being a full-time reporter to full-time parent and part-time journalist. His writing on issues affecting fathers has been published in a wide range of publications including The Guardian, The Independent, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The Times and The New Statesman. He has written five books on sport, a chapter on men in Your Pregnancy Bible and is completing his first screenplay. Gavin also regularly posts blogs at www.gavinevans.net

Your tips

Have you found ways to support your partner while she's breastfeeding? What tips would you offer other dads? Use our comments system below to share your wisdom.