Breastfeeding: the essential guide	Baby care back to basics

Breastfeeding: the essential guide

This book is perfect for women thinking about breastfeeding or interested in finding out more. It is easy to read, non-judgemental and above all realistic.

There is a staggering array of breastfeeding books on the market. Much is written about the reasons why breastfeeding is unsuccessful. I believe that the successful establishment of breastfeeding is greatly improved by providing accurate information within a supportive environment. All advice needs to be easy-to-follow, evidence-based, non-judgemental, realistic and above all enthusiastically presented and fun to experience.

In many ways my book's development is analogous to the process of pregnancy and birth. Its conception took place in May 2002 when my youngest son, at 29 months old, was still breastfeeding. I started to write down my thoughts and tips about breastfeeding and this quickly developed, so that within three weeks I had the embryo of a book.

Below are just some of the comments received from readers:
"I adored the photographs in the book - they are charming!".
Claire Rayner, Author and President of the Patients Association

"I read it all, as soon as I got it. I am now four months pregnant and am very confident about breastfeeding this baby, thanks to your help and support. I hope you will write more books."
Mother of two formula-fed babies, hoping to breastfeed this one

"A very clear, simple to understand and compelling read for anyone considering breastfeeding. It is as if the Author is talking just to you."
Midwife and mother of two breastfed babies.
"If I was new to it all again, I would definitely consider breastfeeding, after reading your book".
Mother of two formula-fed babies

"This book would certainly have encouraged me to persevere with my attempts at breastfeeding (which were not successful, due to a lack of help, information and encouragement). It's easy to read, light-hearted and full of good advice - you can't go wrong!"
Mother of three formula-fed babies

"When I saw the amount of pages, I thought I would find it boring and end up not reading it at all. However, it was totally the opposite; it was a really informative read that is enjoyable at the same time".
Mother-to-be (now a successful breastfeeder!)

"I couldn't put it down! Even though I didn't manage to breastfeed my son 35 years ago! I found it a very enjoyable read. I just wish it had been around for me, and then I may well have been more successful."
Mature mother of one formula-fed baby

Breastfeeding: the essential guide by Sharon Trotter
Published by TIPS Limited, 2004. £5.99
ISBN: 0954838106
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Follow this link for the picture gallery

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Baby care - back to basics

Introduction

Cord care

Cord care for the healthy term baby: Keep this area clean and dry. The best way to achieve this is to leave the area alone. After the first bath in plain water, pat dry with a clean towel. Fold the nappy back, at each change, until the cord falls off. In the first few days, it is advisable to only top'n'tail your baby to allow the cord to separate naturally. Wet cotton wool can be used if the area becomes soiled, otherwise leave it alone. There is no need to use antiseptic wipes or powders. The cord clamp may or may not be removed, depending on hospital policy. If the cord or surrounding area becomes red or smelly, notify a member of staff. This advice is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations published in 1999.

Cord care for the sick or premature baby: This may differ slightly, due to the increased risk of infection. Antiseptic solutions and/or powders may be used for the first few days. Otherwise cord care should be the same as for any other baby. Be guided by staff in the neonatal unit and they will advise you on the best possible care for your baby.
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Bath care

It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after carrying out any baby care.

Your baby’s first bath will be in plain water. This will help to protect the delicate skin while it is vulnerable to germs, chemicals and water loss. Wash cloths should be avoided as they can be harsh. Hand washing your baby, cotton wool (organic is better) or a natural sponge are gentler. A baby comb can be used to gently remove any debris from thick hair after delivery. Please bring a baby brush and comb set into hospital with you.

It is best to leave the delicate area around the eyes untouched. If it does become sticky, please notify a member of staff and they will advise you. The ears and nose should also be left alone and cotton buds should be avoided.

Vernix (the white sticky substance that covers your baby’s skin in the womb) should always be left to absorb naturally. This is nature’s own moisturiser and gives added protection against infection in the first few days.

Premature babies’ skin is even more delicate, so it is important to take extra care. Research has shown that massaging premature infants, using pure vegetable oils, can give some protection against skin infections. Be guided by staff in the neonatal unit. They will be happy to advise you.

If your baby is overdue, his / her skin may well be dry and cracked. This is to be expected, as the protective vernix has all been absorbed. Don’t be tempted to use any creams or lotions as this may do more harm than good. The top layer of your baby’s skin will peel off over the next few days, leaving perfect skin underneath. Continue with plain water only for at least the first month.
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Skin-to-skin contact and baby massage

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact cannot be overstated. It should be positively encouraged from birth. As well as promoting successful breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact stabilises your baby’s heart rate and temperature. Baby massage follows on naturally from this and is now widely practised. It is advisable to avoid nut oils, petroleum based oils, or oils with perfumes, if there is any history of allergies in your family. Choose a properly qualified massage therapist for your baby and ask for their advice on suitable oils.
Remember not to use any products on broken skin.

Remember not to use any products on broken skin.
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Handy tips

Continue bathing your baby with plain water for at least the first month before gradually introducing baby products. By this time the skin’s natural barrier will have developed. These products should be
free from sulphates (SLS and SLES), colours and strong perfumes.

Baby wipes should also be avoided for the first month. Once introduced, try to use ones which are mild and free from alcohol and strong perfumes.

It is safer to file nails with a soft nail file rather than use scissors, which can leave sharp edges. Baby nails that have started to come away, can be peeled off gently.

Shampoo is not necessary when your baby is under a year old. Once you have introduced baby bath products, simply rinse your baby’s hair in the bath water solution. If you use shampoo, this should be sulphate free (SLS and SLES).

It is advisable to use a thin layer of barrier cream on the nappy area. The ideal preparation should be free from preservatives, colours, perfumes, antiseptics, as well as clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of nappy rash.
If after a few weeks you wish to use a moisturiser, choose products that are emollient based. These will not dry out the skin, but they will give it some protection.

When washing your baby’s clothes and bedding, remember not to overload your washing machine to ensure thorough rinsing. Fabric conditioners, if used, should be mild and free from colours and strong perfumes.

Cloth nappies are as efficient as disposable ones and do not present a higher risk of nappy rash.
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Diet tips

Breastfeeding is obviously the best choice for your baby as it gives some protection against allergies developing.

Skin-to-skin contact in the period immediately after birth, as well as during breastfeeding, is an excellent way of helping to colonise your baby’s skin with friendly and protective bacteria. This in turn will reduce the risk of skin infections developing.

Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, remember to introduce weaning carefully. The World Health Organisation advises that weaning should not start before your baby is six months old.
Your health visitor or dietician will be happy to advise you on what foods to introduce and when. This is especially important if there is a history of allergies in your family. Like breastfeeding, weaning should always be ‘baby-led’.

From the age of six months babies should be encouraged to drink from cups without teats or spouts, these are often called ‘open top cups’. The Department of Health advises that babies over one year old should not drink from bottles.
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Cot death – how you can reduce the risks
cot death is sometimes called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS

• Avoid smoking in pregnancy - fathers too!
• Breastfeed your baby - health risks to your baby will be reduced
• Talk to your breastfeeding supporter about anything that makes breastfeeding difficult or painful, especially a tongue-tie
• Always contact your health professional if your baby seems unwell
• Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
  

How to keep your sleeping baby safe:

• Do not let your baby get too hot - the ideal room temperature is between 16 and 20ºC
• Use layers of clothing to maintain a comfortable temperature for your baby
• Make sure your baby’s head is uncovered
• Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot to prevent wriggling down under the covers
• Your baby should ideally sleep on their back
• Let baby sleep in the same room as you, day and night, for the first six months
• Sharing a bed with your baby may help breastfeeding succeed. Breastfeeding helps you tune into your baby’s needs and may be easier at night if you share a bed

Safety first....
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa, armchair or settee.
• Never share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:
- are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke)
- have been drinking alcohol
- take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
- feel very tired.

Using dummies - what you need to know

• Claims that dummies reduce the risk of cot death are not based on strong evidence. Brian Palmer DDS, internationally recognised researcher, has done extensive research on the possible increased risk of SIDS linked to bottle feeding and the use of dummies. For more information visit Brian Palmer’s website (www.brianpalmerdds.com)
• Remember that, when used a lot, dummies may permanently change the shape of a baby’s mouth and jaw, affecting its correct development. This may in turn lead to breathing difficulties for your baby. This is called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
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You may still receive free samples, whilst in the maternity unit or shortly afterwards. However, we recommend you do not introduce the baby skincare products until your baby is at least one month old.

This information is a guide and whilst every effort is made by TIPS Ltd to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, please seek the advice of your midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant or GP if you have any queries or concerns.
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References:
National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2006). Routine postnatal care of women and their babies. Quick reference guide. London: NICE.
Palmer B (2008). SIDS, dummies, sleep (article submitted for publication). Presented at the LCGB Conference, Breastfeeding - International perspectives, Leeds 29 March 2008. For more information go to www.brianpalmerdds.com
Trotter S (2004). Care of the newborn: proposed new guidelines. British Journal of Midwifery, 12 (3): 152-7
Trotter S (2006). Neonatal skincare: why change is vital. RCM Midwives Journal, 9(4):134-8.
Trotter S (2007). Baby products - it’s all in the labelling. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 17:2, 263-266.
Trotter S (2008). Neonatal skin & cordcare - the way forward. Nursing in Practice (January/February) Number 40 - (Dermatology): 40-45.

Sharon Trotter© 2008
This leaflet is sponsored by an educational grant from Ceuta Healthcare Ltd.

'I so enjoyed reading this refreshing, informative and dare I say exciting approach to breastfeeding by Sharon Trotter. Easy to read, it is packed with really useful, practical information for mothers, midwives or other health professionals, concerned with successful breastfeeding.
Sharon's approach avoids being zealous or patronising but rather persuades the reader that breastfeeding is wholly worthwhile and ultimately satisfying for mother and baby. I recommend it as a jolly good read'. Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE ( Immediate past President of the RCM) Dec. 2004

'I think it's a great book - with such an important message. I wish you every luck with it. Get it to as many publishers you can think of now. And, if it would help to have a quick 'foreword' from me (totally free obviously) then I'd be happy to write it.' Anne Diamond, writer and broadcaster

'You're right I am a breastfeeding supporter of enthusiastic proportions. If I meet anyone useful I will most definitely pass on your book. In the meantime, good luck!" Nigella Lawson, writer and cookery presenter

'I have managed to have a quick look through the book and I am sure you are aware there are so many different books and leaflets on the market, so it was lovely to see that you had actually taken the time to get informative information across to all of the people who are still uncertain about breastfeeding.'
Michelle G Mone, founder and co-owner of MJM International

'I thought it was very interesting and informative and I hope that it is not long before you find a publisher. I'm sure a lot of new mothers would find it very useful - lots of luck with the project.'
Eamonn Holmes, GMTV presenter

'I read it all, as soon as I got it. I am now four months pregnant and am very confident about breastfeeding this baby, thanks to your help and support. I hope you will write more books, as I would certainly buy it in the shops.'
Mother of two bottlefed babies, hoping to breastfeed this one

'A very clear, simple to understand nd compelling read for anyone considering breastfeeding. It is as if the Author is talking just to you.'
Midwife and mother of two breastfed babies

'We all thought it was a great idea to have a handbag sized reference book and thought it was very informative, especially for first timers.' Mother-to-be and friend

'If I was new to it all again, I would definitely consider breastfeeding, after reading your book.'
Mother of two bottle-fed babies

'This book would certainly have encouraged me to persevere with my attempts at breastfeeding (which were not successful, due to a lack of help, information and encouragement). Its easy to read, light-hearted and full of good advice - you can't go wrong!'
Mother of three bottle-fed babies

'A very interesting, humorous and informative read. You tell it, as it is, warts and all. I'm sure this would give mums the confidence and encouragement to stick with it.'
Friend - no children yet

'It brings back many happy memories. Your style of writing is refreshing, down-to-earth, realistic and is easy to read for all. I liked your 'Did you know' section and your personal feelings maintained my interest, making me keen to read more.' Midwife and mother of two breastfed babies

'When I saw the amount of pages, I thought I would find it boring and end up not reading it at all. However, it was totally the opposite, it was a really informative read, that is enjoyable at the same time.' Mother-to-be (now a successful breastfeeder!)

'I couldn't put it down! Even though I didn't manage to breastfeed my son 35 years ago! I found it a very enjoyable read. I just wish it had been around for me, then I may well have been more successful.'
Mature mother of one bottle-fed baby

'It was obviously written with a lot of passion for the subject and was very informative to one that has never been involved! I also found it humorous in bits and loved the bit about keeping a kitty for carry-out meals!' Friend-no children yet

'I was given a draft of your book from my friend. I have enjoyed reading it very much and my only wish being that you had written it a year ago, before I started to breastfeed my baby daughter.'
Mother of one breastfed baby

'I wish I'd had this, my first time around, breastfeeding back in 1975!
Mother of seven breastfed babies!

'I enjoyed reading your personal experiences. It made the reader feel that you were having a chat with them. Its not too long, so it keeps you engrossed until you've finished reading it.' Midwife and mother of one breastfed baby

'I think your book should be given to all pregnant women, so they can read it before the birth.' Mother of four breastfed babies

'I found it informally and warmly written. I liked the accessible language and it was direct and very easy to read. I like the way you personalised it (this makes it easier to identify with you and therefore your topic). There was a gentle humour which was good to see- some books on this subject can be a bit 'worthy', which, I think is off-putting.' Friend, social worker, and mother of one breastfed baby

I LOVE your book. The mixture of information and the personal touch is wonderful. I wish I had had this when my babies were born. You put the message across with passion and humour. It's a very easy read!
Midwife, friend and mother of three breastfed babies

As a first time breastfeeding Mum of twin boys, I found the advice, hints and tips in this book invaluable. If you are looking for all your questions to be answered simply and conclusively, then it's a must have. First-time mother of twins

Having now reached my goal of three months, for breastfeeding, and feeling it's the best thing; I have no intention of stopping, even though I am returning to work. My supply of breast milk is in the freezer ready, I know it's not quite the same, but my baby still gets the best milk. I have passed your book on to my friend, who is breastfeeding her premature baby (born at 28 weeks) and now four months old. She promises to write to you. Mother met in the postnatal ward, who I managed to help in the first few days

Have your read my book? I would love to hear from you. Email me to let me know what you think.