Breastfeeding Guide

Breastfeeding Guide: Your go-to guide for feeding with confidence, from first latch to last feed.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nurture your baby, but it can also come with its share of challenges and questions, especially in those first few weeks. This guide is designed to support you on your breastfeeding journey by providing clear, practical, and evidence-based information to help you feel confident and empowered. From understanding how breastfeeding gets started, to managing common hurdles, finding comfortable positions, and knowing when to seek support, you’ll find everything you need to navigate this special time.

Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, introducing bottles, or combining feeding methods, this guide covers key topics to make feeding your little one as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We hope this resource helps you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Breastfeeding Your Baby – The First Week Explained

When you first have your baby, it’s not uncommon to feel like there was so much hype around the birth (which is often over within 1–2 days, sometimes quicker if you are lucky) and not a lot of chat about breastfeeding. The first week can feel quite overwhelming and you can feel like you are not prepared for this part of your journey.

Here is some information so you can feel a bit more prepared and go into this part of your journey eyes wide open.

What to Expect:

  1. Ideally your baby will have had her first feed within the first hour of birth.
  2. Many babies are pretty sleepy for the first day so take the opportunity to get as much sleep as you can between feeds.
  3. You will be encouraged to demand feed. Colostrum is a sticky, yellow milk rich in antibodies. Wake baby if she isn’t feeding often.
  4. Make sure you get help with a deep latch each time to avoid sore nipples.
  5. By day 2, bub may feed more often, 2–4 hourly.
  6. Second night cluster feeding is common—this brings milk in and is normal.
  7. Watch for swallowing—this signals colostrum transitioning to milk.

Top Tip: Ask your midwife/LC for help to achieve a deep attachment each time, don’t try to fumble through on your own.

Day 2–3 is an exciting time as your milk will ‘come in’. You’ll see more frequent swallowing, bub’s poo changing from black to brown to yellow, and heavier nappies. Bub will start gaining weight. Allow upright time after feeding to help digest the higher volume of milk.

Normal weight loss is between 5–7% for a breastfed baby around day 3–5. If your baby has lost more than this, seek help from your LMC/LC/GP.

Red Flags:

  • Urine: <6–8 wet nappies in 24 hrs
  • Stools: <2 in 24 hrs
  • Jaundice: worsening or not improving
  • Lethargic baby or not waking for feeds
  • Poor tone, >10% weight loss
  • <8 feeds in 24 hrs
  • Baby on/off breast frequently or refusing
  • No change in sucking pattern or noisy feeding
  • Feeds <5 min or >40 min
  • No spontaneous release of breast
  • Baby unsettled after feeds
  • Misshapen or pinched nipples, sore nipples, engorgement or mastitis

Invest your time in lots of Breastfeeding . . . it will pay off! What to expect?

Feed, Sleep, Feed, Sleep, Feed, Feed, Feed!! 

1.

First 24 Hours
  • Alert and awake, primed for feeding.
    - If breastfeeding is effective, there is a period of sleep - this is a great time to recover and get a good rest.

2. 

2nd Night
  • Your baby may want to feed lots! This is normal.
    - Spend as much time skin to skin and be prepared - rest when baby is sleeping.

3. 

Day 3
  • The milk comes in: Feed baby as often as possible.
    - Baby blues: Huge changes in hormones take place. You may feel a bit teary and emotional for a day or two.
    - PKU test: A heel prick blood test that can pick up more than 20 metabolic disorders.

4.

Within the First Week
  • A health professional will do a full baby check including weight.
    - Your milk should have come in and baby is feeding by supply and demand. Feeding lots in the first few weeks will set up more prolactin receptors, resulting in long term milk supply. If you're not sure about feeding, get help as soon as possible.

 

Understanding the Let-Down Reflex

The let-down reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, is a natural response that enables breast milk to flow from the milk-producing glands (alveoli) through the ducts to the nipple. This reflex is essential for effective breastfeeding, ensuring your baby receives the milk they need.

How It Works 

When your baby suckles at your breast, nerve endings in the nipple are stimulated, sending signals to your brain. In response, the hormones oxytocin and prolactin are released. Prolactin stimulates milk production, and oxytocin causes the muscles around the alveoli to contract, pushing milk through the ducts toward the nipple.

This process typically begins within a minute or two of your baby starting to feed.

Signs of the Let-Down Reflex 

You may notice various sensations or signs indicating that the let-down reflex is occurring:

– A tingling or warm sensation in the breasts.

– Milk leaking from the opposite breast during breastfeeding.

– A sudden feeling of fullness or pressure in the breast.

– Change in your baby’s sucking pattern from quick sucks to slower, deeper gulps.

Some women may not feel any physical sensations during let-down, which is also normal.

Triggers for the Let-Down Reflex 

While your baby’s suckling is the primary trigger, other stimuli can also initiate the reflex: – Hearing your baby (or another baby) cry.

– Thinking about your baby.

– Touching or massaging your breasts.

– Using a breast pump.

Managing Let-Down Reflex Challenges 

Slow or Delayed Let-Down: Stress, fatigue, or pain can inhibit the reflex. Create a calm environment, practice relaxation techniques, and ensure a comfortable breastfeeding position.

Overactive Let-Down: If milk flows too quickly, your baby may cough or struggle during feeds. Try breastfeeding in a reclined position or expressing a small amount before breastfeeding.

Tips to Encourage Let-Down 

– Stay relaxed and comfortable during feed.

– Use warm compresses or take a warm shower before breastfeeding – Gently massage your breasts before and during feeds.

– Encourage frequent breastfeeding by feeding on demand.

Understanding and recognizing your let-down reflex can enhance your breastfeeding experience, ensuring both you and your baby are comfortable and content.

 

Combining Breast and Bottle – When and How to Introduce a Bottle While Breastfeeding

 

Bottle refusal is most likely to occur in babies who have been fed only from the breast past six weeks of age, or those given bottles prior to six weeks but not consistently.

The primitive sucking reflex weakens over time and typically disappears by four months of age. This is why the recommendation to introduce a bottle around four to six weeks of age makes sense. After this point, it becomes less likely a baby will accept a bottle.

If introducing a bottle will be necessary, take advantage of this window of opportunity by offering a bottle of expressed milk every couple of days. It doesn’t need to be a full feed, just an ounce is enough to help develop the skill without replacing a breastfeeding session.

Some babies accept a bottle easily even when it’s introduced later. But for those who resist it, early practice can help avoid difficulties later on.

Tips for Introducing a Bottle

– Try different caregivers.

– Try different milk temperatures: warm, room temp, or cold.

– Try at different times of the day or different hunger levels. First feed of the day often works well.

– Check that the milk hasn’t gone sour or soapy, this may indicate storage or lipase issues. Try fresh milk.

– Test different bottles, nipple shapes, and flow rates. Try to match the breast’s flow (Dr Browns Narrow Neck Bottle).

– Keep practice playful and low stress, don’t force it.

– Experiment with positions: mimic breastfeeding or try something totally different (side lying, upright, bathtub).

– Offer the bottle before your baby is very hungry, just waking from a nap is often ideal.

– Try breastfeeding briefly, then switching to the bottle.

– Touch the bottle to baby’s lips and chin and wait for them to open their mouth.

– Let baby suck for 30–60 seconds before tipping milk into the bottle teat.

– If baby is struggling, tip the bottle back so milk pauses until they’re ready to suck again.

– Leave a shirt that smells like mum near the person offering the bottle.

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Paced Bottle Feeding 

Paced bottle feeding is a baby-led approach that supports your baby’s natural sucking rhythm and instincts. It mimics breastfeeding to help babies feel calm and reduce the chance of developing a bottle preference.

This approach supports not just milk transfer but also connection, comfort, and communication.

How to Do It: 

– Use a narrow-neck, slow-flow teat (newborn or preemie).

– Sit comfortably with your baby upright, snug and supported.

– Brush the bottle teat on baby’s lips or chin to trigger rooting.

– Hold the bottle nearly flat, milk should only fill the tip of the teat.

– Let your baby draw the teat in at their own pace. A deep latch usually means the teat reaches the screw cap.

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Follow Your Baby’s Cues:

– Let your baby pause as needed. Tip the bottle back to stop milk flow when they pause.

– Offer when baby is calm, just waking or sleepy works well.

– No need to finish a set amount, when they’re done, they’re done.

Final Tip: Make feeding time warm and connected. Talk softly, cuddle close, and enjoy eye contact.

Breastfeeding Your Baby: Latch with Confidence

A secure, deep latch is one of the most important factors in successful breastfeeding. It helps your baby transfer milk efficiently and protects your nipples from damage. When the right technique is used and support is available, breastfeeding can be effective and pain-free.

Why Latch Matters 

A deep, asymmetrical latch allows your baby to compress the milk ducts and stimulate milk flow effectively. It also prevents common issues like nipple pain, shallow attachment, and inadequate milk intake.

What a Good Latch Looks Like 

– Baby’s mouth is wide open, with lips flanged out—not tucked in.

– More of the areola is visible above the baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip. – Chin is pressed into the breast, and the nose is close but not buried.

– Cheeks are rounded and full, not dimpled or sucked in.

– You hear rhythmic sucking and poor, not clicking or smacking sounds.

– Nipple appears round and unpinched after feeding.

– Most importantly: you feel comfortable. Some initial tugging is normal, but ongoing pain is not.

 

How to Help Your Baby Latch Well

– Hold baby close, with their chest facing your chest. Keep their head, shoulders, and hips in a straight line.

– Start with nose-to-nipple alignment. This encourages your baby to tip their head back and open wide.

– Wait for a wide mouth before bringing your baby to the breast, chin first.

– Avoid pushing baby’s head—instead, guide their body in close and let them latch on.

When to Get Support 

Reach out to a lactation consultant, midwife, or GP if:

– You’re experiencing sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples.

– Baby feeds for long periods but still seems unsatisfied.

– You notice clicking sounds or frequent detaching during feeds.

– Baby’s weight gain is slower than expected.

– You feel anxious, discouraged, or unsure about feeding.

Remember: A good latch helps make feeding easier, more comfortable, and more successful over time. reduces discomfort, and supports a positive, sustainable breastfeeding relationship.

 

Breastfeeding Your Baby – Common Breastfeeding Problems Nipple Pain

 

Nipple pain

Did you know nipple tenderness is common for the first 7–10 days and peaks between day 3–6? If you are experiencing nipple pain after 14 days, this is not normal and you should seek help.

The most common reason for sore or damaged nipples is an incorrect latch at the breast. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill and can take time.

It’s important to get your LMC or LC to check your baby’s mouth and latch to rule out other causes like tongue tie, thrush, infection, milk blebs, or Raynaud’s.

Working out the cause is REALLY important as this can help determine how to correct the pain.

Here are some tips to help:

  1. Aim for a deep latch – nipple to nose, chin to breast.
  2. Use nipple cream after each feed in the early days.
  3. Count to ten after latching – if pain persists, break the seal and try again.
  4. Try different feeding positions like football hold if you have larger breasts.
  5. Offer the breast when baby shows early hunger cues.
  6. Break suction with a clean finger before unlatching.
  7. Nipple shape should look unchanged post-feed; if lipstick-shaped, aim for deeper latch.
  8. Keep nipples dry – change breast pads often.
  9. Wear a good fitting bra.
  10. Use the lowest pump setting to avoid damage.
  11. Avoid nipple shields unless advised. Consider nipple rest with expressed breastmilk feeds if pain is severe.

Browse our range of breastfeeding accessories

Breastfeeding with a cracked nipple is painful but safe. Bleeding may look alarming but it’s okay to continue feeding, even if blood is seen in vomit or stools.

Latch and Nipple Pain:
  • Ensuring a Comfortable Breastfeeding Experience
  • A proper latch is crucial to prevent nipple pain and ensure effective milk transfer.
Signs of a Good Latch:
  • Baby’s mouth covers both nipple and areola – Chin touches the breast
  • No clicking or smacking sounds
If You Experience Nipple Pain:
  • Reassess and adjust the baby’s latch.
  • Try different breastfeeding positions.
  • Consult a lactation consultant for personalized support.

Persistent pain should not be ignored; professional guidance can make a significant difference.

Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that can lead to infection. Symptoms include flu-like feelings, aches, fever, red, shiny, hot, and swollen breasts, and sometimes red streaks. About 20% of women experience mastitis in the first 6 months postpartum.

Tips to manage mastitis:

– Check baby’s latch.

– Continue feeding – start on affected side.

– Express milk if baby won’t feed.

– Use heat before and cold after feeding.

– Vary feeding positions.

– Rest as much as possible.

– Lecithin (1200mg x4/day) may help prevent blocked ducts.

– Discuss anti-inflammatory meds with your GP.

– Wear a supportive, non-restrictive bra.

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If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or you feel unwell with a fever, contact your LMC or GP. Antibiotics like flucloxacillin are often prescribed. Treatment lasts 5–10 days. Hospitalisation for IV antibiotics may be needed in severe cases.

Milk supply might drop temporarily in the affected breast. Keep feeding frequently. Prevent mastitis by avoiding skipped feeds and tight clothing, and treating lumps or sore spots early. Lecithin supplements may be helpful for those prone to mastitis.

Engorgement

Breast engorgement occurs when breasts are overly full, leading to swelling, firmness, and discomfort. This can make latching harder and may lead to blocked ducts or mastitis if untreated.

Causes of Engorgement: 

– Delayed or infrequent feeding.

– Poor latch.

– Missed feeds or sudden weaning.

Signs: 

– Swollen, firm breasts.

– Shiny or warm skin.

– Flat nipples.

– Low-grade fever.

Management: 

– Feed frequently (every 1.5–2 hrs).

– Prioritize good latch.

– Hand express or pump if baby can’t latch.

– Use reverse pressure softening.

– Warm compress pre-feed.

– Cold compress post-feed.

– Consider pain relief (check with your provider).

Seek help if pain or swelling persists, or if symptoms of infection appear. Early support helps prevent complications and keeps breastfeeding on track.

Oversupply or Low Supply Management

Balancing Your Milk Supply:

Both oversupply and low supply can present challenges in breastfeeding.

Managing Oversupply: 

– Feed on one breast per session to reduce stimulation.

– Use laid-back breastfeeding positions.

– Avoid pumping unless necessary.

Boosting Low Supply: 

– Increase feeding frequency.

– Ensure effective latch and milk transfer.

– Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

– Seek support from a lactation consultant.

Monitoring your baby’s weight gain and diaper output can provide insights into milk intake.

 

Breastfeeding Positions: Finding What Works for You

Every breastfeeding pair is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Breastfeeding looks different for everyone. What matters most is finding a position that helps both you and your baby feel supported and encourages a deep latch.

Laid-back (or reclined) position: 

Lean back in a semi-reclined posture, using cushions for support. Place your baby on your chest with their body resting against yours. This position encourages your baby’s natural feeding instincts and can be especially helpful for newborns.

Cradle hold: 

A traditional position where your baby rests along your forearm, with their head nestled in the crook of your elbow. Support their body with your arm and their bottom with your hand.

Cross-cradle hold: 

Similar to the cradle hold, but your baby is held with the opposite arm to the breast being used. This gives you better control over their head and helps guide their latch.

Upright position: 

Your baby is held in a vertical position, resting against your chest while breastfeeding. Great for older babies and helpful for babies with reflux.

Side-lying position: 

You and your baby lie on your sides, facing each other. This position can be useful for nighttime feeds or if you’re recovering from a birth.

Football (or underarm) hold: 

Your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their body supported along your forearm. This can be ideal after a caesarean or for mums with larger breasts or twins.

 

 

Feeding Cues and When to Wake Baby

Early (Ideal) Hunger Cues:

– Rooting or turning head.

– Lip-smacking, opening mouth.

– Hand-to-mouth, sucking on fists.

– Light eye fluttering or closed-eye movement.

Start feeding at this stage-your baby will latch more easily, and feeding is more relaxed.

Mid Cues:

– Fussing, squirming.

– Searching actively for the breast or bottle.

Still manageable-though later than early cues, feeding remains comfortable.

Late Cues:

– Crying, red face, frantic movements.

– Harder to latch or settle.

First soothe (skin-to-skin, gentle talking), then offer a feed.

When to Wake a Sleepy Baby

Most healthy newborns feed every 2-3 hours (8-12 times/day) and wake naturally. However, occasionally they may need waking to ensure enough milk intake:

– Medical reasons: jaundice, infection, low blood sugar, or impacts from birth medications.

– Extended sleep lasting >=3 hours without feeding or if urine/bowel output is low.

– Low weight gain, poor nappy output, or if advised by a health professional.

Guidance: If feeding >=8 times in 24 hours, gaining weight (~150 g/week), and having 6-8 wet nappies daily, you likely don’t need to wake baby.

Tips to Gently Rouse Baby for a Feed:

– Change nappy.

– Try a different feeding position (e.g., underarm hold).

– Skin-to-skin, partly undressed.

– A warm bath.

– Eye contact, talking softly.

– Gentle massage (back, hands, feet).

– Move baby to a semi-sitting “sit-up” position.

– Use breast compressions to increase milk flow.

Even dozing newborns can usually breastfeed. If they start dozing during a feed, break latch to burp, then switch sides or apply breast compression to help them stay engaged longer.

Why Attending to Cues & Sleep Matters:

– Builds trust, supports emotional bonding.

– Ensures adequate nourishment and hydration.

– Encourages healthy weight gain and milk supply.

– Prevents issues like jaundice, dehydration, underfeeding.

 

Breastfeeding Nutrition

Even in places where food availability is limited, many mothers are still able to breastfeed effectively, and their babies grow well. However, there are some key nutrients—such as iodine and vitamin B12—that may be affected if your intake is particularly low.

Breastfeeding increases your body’s nutritional requirements, but your body also becomes more efficient at absorbing and using nutrients during this time. You may also find your appetite increases.

– Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, protein (eggs, legumes, lean meats), whole grains, and healthy fats.

– Include calcium, iron, iodine, vitamin D, and B12 – key nutrients for breastfeeding.

– Frequent small meals and snacks can help sustain energy.

Cravings and appetite shifts are normal – don’t restrict, but aim to nourish.

In New Zealand, the nutrients that most commonly fall short for breastfeeding mums include iodine, iron, and calcium. It’s worth checking with your GP or a registered dietitian to ensure you’re getting enough. In the case of iodine, supplementation is often recommended, as it can be hard to reach the higher requirements through diet alone.

Producing breastmilk also increases your need for fluids, so it’s normal to feel thirstier than usual while breastfeeding. There’s no fixed amount you need to drink—it will vary depending on your activity level, the weather, and what you eat. The best approach is to listen to your body and drink when you’re thirsty—don’t ignore those signals just because you’re busy.

A helpful habit is to keep a glass of water or a full water bottle nearby whenever you breastfeed. Bringing a water bottle when you’re out makes it easier to stay hydrated on the go.

Baby On The Move also has a range of lactation bars and caffeine free teas that support milk production, browse the range.

Caffeine & Breastfeeding

– Safe intake: Up to 300 mg/day (about 2-3 coffees or 4-5 cups of tea).

– Caffeine peaks in breastmilk ~1-2 hrs after drinking and clears gradually.

– Babies <6 months may be more sensitive (e.g. jittery, wakeful).

– No need to fully avoid caffeine – monitor your baby’s reactions.

Tip: If baby is unsettled, try reducing caffeine or timing it right after a feed.

Alcohol and Breastfeeding 

  • Drinking alcohol in small amounts—around 1 to 2 standard drinks—is generally considered low-risk while breastfeeding.
  • Alcohol levels in breastmilk peak about 30 to 60 minutes after drinking and closely reflects your blood alcohol level.
  • To minimise your baby’s exposure, it’s recommended to wait at least 2 hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding.
  • Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with your milk let-down reflex and may reduce the amount of milk available.
  • The biggest concern with alcohol is its impact on your ability to safely care for or sleep near your baby.
What About Pumping? 

There’s no need to express and discard your milk after drinking (often called “pump and dump”) unless you’re feeling uncomfortable or engorged.

Breastfeeding While Pumping

It can be confusing trying to determine how much expressed milk to leave your baby if you are away from them.

In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months (though it likely increases short term during growth spurts).

Current breastfeeding research does not indicate that breastmilk intake changes with baby’s age or weight between one and six months. After six months, breastmilk intake will continue at this same level until – sometime after six months, depending on baby’s intake from other foods – baby’s milk intake begins to decrease gradually.

The research tells us that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 750 mL per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. Different babies take in different amounts of milk; a typical range of milk intakes is 570-900 mL per day.

We can use this information to estimate the average amount of milk baby will need at a feeding:

– Estimate the number of times that baby feeds per day (24 hours).

– Then divide by the number of feeds ie 8.

– This gives you a “ballpark” figure for the amount of expressed milk your exclusively breastfed baby will need at one feed.

Another way to estimate feeds in the early days is 150 mL/kg/day i.e. if a baby weighs 3 kg, they would need approx 450 mL a day or 56 mL per feed (8 feeds in 24 hrs).

 

Additional Tips for Pumping Success 

Why Pump?

Pumping can help establish or increase milk supply, allow others to help with feeding, and build a supply for when you’re separated from your baby.

When Should You Start?

It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established-usually around 4 to 6 weeks-unless you need to pump earlier for medical reasons or if your baby isn’t latching well.

How Often?

If you’re exclusively pumping, aim for 8 to 12 sessions in 24 hours, including overnight. If combining breastfeeding and pumping, try pumping after morning feeds when supply is often highest, or between feeds if planning to be away later.

Finding the Right Fit:

Make sure your breast pump flange fits your nipple comfortably. A poor fit can cause discomfort and reduce milk output. Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without rubbing.

Getting More Milk:

– Try massaging your breasts before or during pumping.

– Apply a warm compress to encourage let-down.

– Relax and watch a video or look at photos of your baby, this can help stimulate oxytocin and milk flow.

How Long to Pump?

Pump for 20 minutes per session with a single pump (5 mins each side x2), or 10 mins with a double pump. Double pumping (both breasts at once) can save time and may yield more milk.

Stay Consistent:

Milk supply is based on demand. The more often milk is removed-either by baby or pump-the more milk your body will produce. Try not to skip sessions and keep pump parts clean between uses.

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– Most exclusively breastfed babies aged 1-6 months consume an average of 750 mL of milk per day, with a normal range between 570-900 mL.

– To estimate how much milk to leave per feed, divide daily intake by the number of feeds (e.g., 8 feeds = ~94 mL per feed).

– In the early days, use 150 mL per kg of body weight per day to calculate needs.

– Breastmilk volume typically remains stable between 1-6 months and begins to decrease slowly after solids are introduced.

– It’s normal for supply and baby’s intake to fluctuate during growth spurts or changes in routine.

Introducing Formula: A Guide to Mixed Feeding

 

When Formula May Be Needed:

– Formula can be a helpful option if your baby is losing weight, jaundiced, is small for their age, or if you’re not producing enough breast milk.

– It can also support breastfeeding parents who are balancing return-to-work plans or need others to feed the baby.

Combining Breast and Bottle (Mixed Feeding):

– Always breastfeed from both breasts before offering formula to help maintain milk supply.

– If needed, you can offer breastfeeds, take a short break, then offer formula as a top-up.

– Keep formula top-ups small to encourage breast stimulation and protect supply.

– Use paced bottle-feeding techniques-which mimic the flow of breastfeeding-to avoid overfeeding and help your baby regulate intake.

 

Choosing a Formula:

– No single brand is always best; choose one that fits your budget and is tolerated by your baby.

– If your baby has a reaction to one type, consult with an IBCLC for alternatives.

Browse baby formula

Safe Preparation & Bottles:

– Always prepare formula accurately and follow hygiene guidelines-powdered formula can be contaminated if not handled correctly.

– Encourage slower feeding by offering smaller amounts, turning the bottle sideways, and using slow-flow teats appropriate to your baby’s age (slow for 0-3 m, medium for 3-6 m).

Phasing Out Formula (If Desired):

– To gradually stop formula top-ups, replace small amounts (around 30 mL daily) with additional breastfeeds or pumping sessions.

– Aim for about 8-12 breastfeeding sessions per day to keep milk production boosted.

Key Takeaways

– Mixed feeding is a valid and flexible choice to ensure your baby is nourished and your breastfeeding journey continues.

– Selecting a formula that suits your baby and practicing paced feeding preserves their natural feeding rhythms.

– If you have any concerns or questions, your IBCLC can offer expert guidance.

 

How Long to Breastfeed & When to Stop

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health NZ recommend:

– Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life (no other food or drink, including water).

– Continue breastfeeding alongside solid foods up to 2 years and beyond, as long as it works for mother and baby.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, immune protection, and emotional comfort well into toddlerhood. There is no medical or developmental reason to stop at a certain age. Natural weaning varies worldwide and often occurs between 2 and 4 years in traditional societies.

Why Continue Beyond Infancy? 

– Nutrition: Breastmilk continues to provide energy, fat, protein, and key vitamins into toddlerhood.

– Immune Support: Ongoing antibodies protect against illness, especially when daycare begins.

– Comfort & Attachment: Feeding offers emotional reassurance during teething, illness, or stress.

– Natural Weaning: Children gradually reduce feeds as they eat more solids and become more independent.

When to Stop? 

Breastfeeding ends either by child-led weaning, mother-led weaning, or a mix of both. There’s no right or wrong time-it depends on your goals, lifestyle, and baby’s needs.

You might consider stopping when: 

– You feel ready physically or emotionally.

– Your baby loses interest or reduces feeds naturally.

– You’re returning to work or managing other caregiving priorities (though partial breastfeeding may still be possible).

Some parents continue once-a-day feeds (e.g. bedtime) for months or years.

How to Wean Gently 

– Gradually drop one feed at a time over days or weeks.

– Replace with a cuddle, snack, or distraction, depending on your child’s age.

– If reducing due to discomfort or supply, try hand expressing or partial pumping.

– Watch for signs of engorgement or emotional distress-go slow and be flexible.

Final Word 

There’s no fixed endpoint for breastfeeding. What matters most is that the decision to continue or stop is informed, supported, and right for both of you.

Need support? Contact a qualified IBCLC or La Leche League leader to talk through your feeding journey.

Seeking Support for Breastfeeding in New Zealand

 

Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Whether you’re navigating latch issues, low supply, returning to work, or weaning, timely support makes a huge difference. Here’s where you can turn for evidence-based, compassionate help in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. IBCLCs – International Board Certified Lactation Consultants 

IBCLCs are health professionals with specialised lactation training.

We recommend contacting Julia Daly (IBCLC), based in Christchurch. She offers home consultations locally and Zoom consults worldwide.

Website: christchurchlactationconsultant.co.nz

2. La Leche League New Zealand

A community-based, parent-to-parent support network offering free support groups, phone advice, and online guidance from experienced leaders.

Website: www.lalecheleague.org.nz
Call: 0800 4 LA LECHE (0800 452 532)

3. Midwives

– Under 6 weeks your midwife can also assist.

4. PlunketLine Lactation Consultant

Free online support with appointments available during the day, evening, and weekends.

Mothers can self-refer by calling PlunketLine. After an initial phone assessment, they can book a digital consult with a Lactation Consultant.

Website: www.plunket.org.nz
PlunketLine: 0800 933 922 (24/7)

5. Community Breastfeeding Support Services

Many regions offer drop-in clinics or peer support programmes:

– Breastfeeding New Zealand regional support: www.breastfeeding.org.nz

– Mama Aroha resources: Maori-centered support tools and visuals: www.mamaaroha.com

– HealthInfo NZ directory for Canterbury region breastfeeding help: www.healthinfo.org.nz

You don’t have to go through feeding challenges alone. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, a tailored plan, or medical support, there are people across Aotearoa ready to help.

View more Parent Resources 

 

Want help with breast pumps? Check out our Breast Pump Guide here:


Guide created in collaboration with Julia Daly, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
www.christchurchlactationconsultant.co.nz

juliadaly.lactation@gmail.com

022 060 6657

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