| Feedings | 1 st week of weaning | 3 rd week of weaning |
| 1st | Breast or bottle feeding. | Breast or bottle feeding. |
| 2nd | Half breast or bottle feeding. Try one or two teaspoons of puree or cereal, then give remainder of feeding. | Half breast or bottle feeding. Two teaspoons of cereal. Remainder of feeding. |
| 3rd | Breast or bottle feeding. | Half breast or bottle feeding. Two teaspoons of vegetable or fruit puree. Remainder of feeding. |
| 4th | Breast or bottle feeding. | Breast or bottle feeding. |
| 5th | Breast or bottle feeding. | Breast or bottle feeding. |
Burping releases any air that has been swallowed during feeding. It’s unlikely that gas causes your baby discomfort, and many babies are not noticeably happier or more contented for having been burped. Swallowing air is more common in bottlefed babies, but you can prevent it to some extent by tilting the bottle more as your baby empties it so that the nipple is full of milk and not air. Disposable bottles cut down on the air the baby swallows, because air cannot enter the bottle as the baby sucks the milk.
The good thing about burping, whether you breast or bottlefeed, is that it makes you pause, relax, slow down, hold your baby gently, and stroke or pat him, and this is good for both of you.
It was a shock for both Petrina and Mike to have their baby a full three months before they’d expected him; Petrina, who likes to be in control of everything, was particularly disturbed. It was difficult for her to sit by her new baby so impersonally enclosed in an incubator, unable to hold and, most of all, to breastfeed him, something she longed to do.
Suckling your baby can cause soreness around the nipples, especially if you are fair-skinned. To minimize the possibility of any problems:
- Always make sure that your baby has the nipple and areola well into her mouth
- Always take your baby off the breast gently
- Keep your nipples as dry as possible between feedings
- Make sure your nipples are dry before putting your bra back on after a feeding
In one of your nipples does become sore, give that breast a rest from feeding for 24 hours, or until the soreness has gone. Express milk from the affected breast and feed your baby from the other one. To prevent the nipple from becoming cracked, apply a protective cream two or three times a day
Nipple shield This is made for soft silicone and fits over your nipple; the baby sucks through a small rubber nipple on the front. Sterilize before us.
An untreated blocked duct or mastitis can result in a breast abscess. You may feel feverish, and you may have a shiny red patch on your breast that is exquisitely tender. Your doctor should prescribe antibiotics; if this fails, the abscess will have to be drained surgically, but you may be able to continue breastfeeding even if you need this minor operation – ask your doctor’s advice.
If a blocked duct is not treated, it can lead to an acute infection, known as mastitis. The breast will be inflamed and a red patch will appear on the outside, as with a blocked duct. If you can, you should continue to breastfeed because you need to empty the breast. However, you may find nursing too painful. In any case, consult your doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics.
Tight clothing or engorgement can cause a blocked milk duct, resulting in a hard red patch on the outside of the breast. You can prevent this by encouraging your baby to feed often and empty your breasts, and by making sure your bra fits properly. If you do get a blocked duct, offer the affected breast first.
Toward the end of the first week, before breastfeeding has become fully established, your breasts may become overfull and painful and quite hard to the touch. If this happens, your baby won’t be able to latch on successfully. Make sure you wear a good bra to minimize discomfort, and gently express some milk before feeding to relieve the fullness. Having warm baths will also help relieve the discomfort by promoting milk flow.
If sore nipples are not looked after properly, they may become cracked. If this happens, you will feel a shooting pain as your baby suckles. You should keep the nipples dry with breast pads or clean tissues, and stop feeding from the affected breast until it has healed. Express the milk by hand instead; it can be fed to your baby by bottle or from a cup with a spout.
Your breasts will be working hard for the next few months, and problems may arise if, for instance, your baby is not latching on properly or if she drags on the nipple as she comes off. The best way to prevent this is to keep your breasts clean and dry and make sure your baby always empties them when she eats. You should also wear a supportive nursing bra. If your nipples do become sore or cracked, take action immediately or they will get worse.