For the first few days after birth, your breasts will secrete a yellow fluid known as colostrum. This precedes the onset of breast milk. Colostrum provides the huge nutritional requirements of the baby during this period. The production of milk will start any time between the second and fifth day and it is quite normal for the mother’s breasts to increase in size when this happens.

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The following are good breast care tips whilst breastfeeding:

• A daily shower with warm water is all the cleaning a mother needs
• Avoid soap as this has a drying effect on the skin and also washes off the natural softeners
• Nipples should be kept dry and clean
• Avoid soggy or wet breast pads
• Express a few drops of colostrum or milk to dry on the nipple (these have anti-bacterial and lubricating properties in them)
• Prevent cracked nipples by correctly latching and fixing the baby on the breast
• If a nipple cream is to be used make sure you do not have to wipe it off before feeds
• Ask for advice from a breastfeeding consultant if nipples appear flat or inverted

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