Mayo General Hospital

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Breast Feeding Policy

We are delighted to know you are going to breast feed, breast is best, it is the mothers natural way to feed your baby. The encouragement, advice, help and support you need will be available from midwives so that you will be able to breast feed your baby in a satisfactory and satisfying manner.

Breast feeding has many health advantages for you and your baby:

For Mothers

Breast milk is free, at right temperature and readily available for baby
There is a special contact between mother and baby.
Breast feeding helps mother to loose weight naturally
Breast feeding stimulates the mothers endorphins and so gives her a sense of well being and relaxation.
Total breast feed can prevent ovulation in 98% of mothers, in this way family planning is facilitated.
Mothers who breast feed are at a reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer.
Breast feeding prevents some forms of ovarian cancer.

For Baby

Provides colostrum, Babies first Milk
Unequalled nutrition is provided in breast feeding.
Breast feeding gives reduced risk of infection
Babies receive vital immunity they need to protect them from illness
Breast fed babies have a reduced risk of middle ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illness, in particular gastro-enteritis.
The risk of later childhood illness is reduced such as Insulin Dependent Diabetes also allergies such as eczema.
Breast feeding has a protective role against polio during the first six months of life.

Breast feeding increases a woman's confidence in her own ability to meet the needs of her infant.

Guidelines for women wishing to Breast feed

Baby will be encouraged to breast feed as soon as possible after birth as early introduction of baby to the breast will stimulate a good milk supply.
Breast feeding mothers will be assisted by a midwife to position their babies effectively at the breast.
You will have your baby with you at all times and you can feed your baby on demand. Frequent feeding in the early days is necessary to establish and maintain the supply of your breast milk.
Do not worry about the amount of breast milk your baby is getting in the first days after birth, your baby will get sufficient nourishment from the colostrum. Wet nappies and stools will show you that your baby is getting enough nutrition.
No extra fluids will be given to breast fed babies unless medically indicated.
No teats, dummies (soothers), will be given to breast fed babies.
In case you need to leave your baby at any time you will be shown how to express breast milk which can be fed to baby.
Information will be given to you on leaving hospital on a support group in the community that you can contact. Also your public health nurse will be available for advice and support.
If at any time you feel embarrassed feeding your baby in front of your visitors, simply ask them to leave. You and your baby comes first.
By breast feeding, mothers are contributing to the health and well being of tomorrow's adults.
Generally there is no need to alter your diet, everything can be eaten in moderation unless medically contraindicated
It is normal for your baby to lose up to 10% of birth weight in the first week of life.
When feeding your baby, get into a comfortable position and make sure that your baby is well positioned feeding should not hurt.
Feed your baby on demand, day and night. The baby may want to feed up to ten times per day. Your baby should feed at least every 4 - 5 hours.
There is no need to use creams or sprays. Do not be afraid to seek help or advice from the midwives in hospital or the public health nurses following discharge