Breastfeeding Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about breastfeeding
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Isn't formula just as good as breast milk?
- How do I express milk?
- Will I be able to continue breastfeeding when I return to work?
Isn't formula just as good as breast milk?
No. While formula preparations aim to resemble human breast milk as closely as possible, they cannot reproduce the exact composition of human milk. Human breast milk is always superior in terms of nutritional benefit.
Explanation
Human breast milk is a complex, living nutritional fluid, containing hormones, essential fatty acids and live antibodies. Formula is designed to resemble breast milk as closely as possible. However, it lacks many of the useful nutrients that breast milk contains, such as antibodies, which help to protect your baby against illness and infection. Formula fed babies are known to have a higher risk of getting certain infections and medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and asthma, than babies who are solely breastfed for the first six months.
Although formulas may contain certain additives that are in breast milk such as fatty acids, they may not be in a suitable format for your baby to digest, so only a small percentage of them may be absorbed into your baby's body.
The nutritional content of a mother's breast milk is constantly changing, and some of these changes are stimulated by the needs of the breastfeeding baby. Your breast milk will contain the right balance of nutrients for your baby, at the right temperature and in the right quantities.
Sources
- Hoddinott P, Tappin D, Wright C. Breast feeding. BMJ 2008; 336:881-887
- Formula milk. National Childcare Trust. www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com, accessed 28 August 2008
- Gartner LM, Morton J, Lawrence RA et al; American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 2005; 115(3):496-506
How do I express milk?
Expressing milk means using your hands or a pump to squeeze the milk out of your breast.
Explanation
You may want to express your breast milk for a variety of reasons. It may be that you want someone else to feed your baby using your breast milk. For example, if you're going to be away for a short time or if you're returning to work and your baby is being cared for by a childminder. Or it may be because your baby isn't feeding well from your breast.
You can express milk by hand or with a handpump or electric pump. If you choose to use a pump, there are a range of products available. It's your own personal preference which type of pump you use - different pumps suit different women better.
Use the following guide to help you express by hand.
- Cup your breast and feel back from the end of the nipple to where the texture of your breast feels different. This is where your milk ducts are.
- Gently squeeze behind this nipple area using your thumb and index finger. This shouldn't hurt.
- Release the pressure and then repeat squeezing, until milk starts to flow. Move your fingers around the breast so that you express from all the ducts.
- When the flow slows down, express from the other breast. Keep changing breasts until the milk stops or drips very slowly.
- If the milk doesn't flow, try moving your fingers slightly towards the nipple or further away. Or try a gentle breast massage.
Learning how to express milk can be challenging, and it's common to only be able to express a few drops at first. You have to find a technique that suits you. Make sure you're relaxed and in a comfortable setting with no distractions before you try to express. Some mothers find it helps to connect with their baby in some way. For example, by phoning your childminder, looking at a photo of your baby or keeping a piece of your baby's clothing with you.
Sources
- Expressing your breastmilk. Department of Health. www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk, accessed 28 August 2008
Will I be able to continue breastfeeding when I return to work?
Yes. Employers have a legal obligation to support mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding once they have returned to work.
Explanation
Returning to work after having a baby doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding.
You have several options for continuing breastfeeding when you go back to work. You could arrange for childcare close to your work, so that you can breastfeed during breaks or before and after work. You could ask your employer if you could work flexible hours, to fit in around the times you need to breastfeed. Alternatively, you can express milk (take milk from your breast by hand or using a pump) so that someone else can feed your baby while you're at work.
Although it isn't a legal requirement, the Health and Safety Executive recommends that employers provide women who are breastfeeding with a healthy and safe environment in which to express and store milk. The toilets are not suitable for this purpose. Check with your employer if they provide a suitable place.
If you plan to express milk when at work, it's a good idea to practise a few weeks before you return to work. You may also find it helps to build up a store of expressed milk as a 'reserve', to take the pressure off you during your first few days back at work.
You should provide your employer with written notification that you intend to continue breastfeeding, ideally in advance of your return to work.
Sources
- A guide for new and expectant mothers who work. Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Breastfeeding factsheet
Visit the breastfeeding health factsheet for more information.
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