Seven Secrets To Savvy Breastfeeding

Knowing these game-changing facts makes all the difference

- Andrea Oakes

1 The let-down reflex only works when you’re relaxed

Shutting your eyes for five seconds and taking a deep breath before you start a feed can really help. Your let-down reflex— nature’s way of turning on the milk flow—works best when you’re relaxed, so by letting go of any stress, you let your hormones do their job. You can give them a head start too by having a skin-on-skin cuddle before you begin, as this stimulates the release. With practice, just thinking about your baby will be enough to trigger a response. Hormones also kick in as your baby starts to suck on your nipple, telling your mammary glands to produce and release milk. You can mimic this by massaging your breast gently, helping induce the tingling sensation that signals milk is on its way.

Breastmilk is 88.1% water

Yes, it may be packed with all sorts of natural goodies, but breastmilk is almost 90 per cent water. And this means that it’s vital that you keep your body hydrated. Have a medium-sized glass of water to hand while your baby’s feeding to rehydrate as you go. And your urine will indicate whether you’re drinking enough: pale yellow is good, but any darker means you’re not drinking enough.

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