Prep for Baby
This is where good advice matters most. A little knowledge before birth protects your baby from the most common early mistakes.
No, never. In many homes the thick yellow first milk is wrongly thought to be dirty or stale and is squeezed out and discarded. This is a serious mistake. Colostrum is the most valuable milk your baby will ever get: it is packed with antibodies and is often called the baby's first vaccine. Give every drop of it.
The first hour is a golden window. The baby is alert, the first feed helps your milk come in, and early skin-to-skin steadies the baby's temperature, sugar and breathing. Ask your birth team and near family to help you feed as soon as possible instead of separating the baby.
This is normal. Full milk usually comes in around day two to four, and colostrum is enough until then. The way to bring milk in is frequent feeding and keeping the baby close, not giving up. Do not panic and reach for ghutti, honey or formula; if you are worried, let us check the latch and weight.
No. A breastfed baby does not need water, ghutti or any drink, even in our hottest weather; breast milk gives all the fluid they need. Water and ghutti fill the tiny stomach, reduce feeding, and carry a real risk of infection. Feed more often in the heat instead.
Hugely. A new mother is recovering and exhausted, and constant advice and pressure make feeding harder. The best support is practical: bring the baby for feeds, handle burping and nappies, feed the mother well, protect her rest, and shield her from unhelpful pressure to give formula or ghutti.
Usually no. Keeping formula at home makes it tempting to give up on breastfeeding at the first difficulty. Most mothers who plan to breastfeed do not need it. If there is a genuine medical reason, we will guide you.
Not for the early weeks of breastfeeding. Bottles and teats can confuse a newborn's latch. If you later need to express or supplement, we will advise on bottles and safe, hygienic feeding.
Not straight away. A pump is useful later if you return to work or want a small store of milk. In the first days, your baby is the best pump. Buy one only when you have a real need.
With a good latch the baby takes a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple; the lips flare out, the chin touches the breast, and you hear soft swallowing. Feeding should be comfortable. Pain that lasts through the feed means the latch needs fixing, not that you should stop.
Do not forget the one thing that ties it all together, our printable checklist to tick off before the big day.
Choosing your paediatrician before the birth is one of the best things you can do. Book a consultation with Dr. Sethi, or send us a message.