Baby Breastfeeding

Once your baby is 4 to 5 months old, you will have an established breastfeeding routine. As your relationship with your baby continues to develop you will learn your baby’s signs/cues for hunger.

How to approach breastfeeding at 4 to 5 months

You should offer both breasts at each feed, but the first breast needs to be well drained before your baby is offered the second breast. A change in breast fullness indicates that the side is drained.

Alternate the breast you start with at each feed (e.g. start with the right breast for one feed, then the left breast for the next feed). Your baby may not feed from the second breast at each feed.

As time goes on, you'll discover when your breastmilk is most plentiful. For many women, it's often in the early hours of the morning.

Often, in the evening, your supply is a bit less, so your baby may feed more frequently. Don’t forget self-care; make sure to have some snacks and plenty of water throughout the day as well as regular meals. 

If your baby becomes sleepy at the breast, it may not mean the feed has finished. If you feel your baby needs to feed for longer, try gently waking them up. You could change their nappy, reposition them or give them time to burp.

Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?

It is common for mothers to stop breastfeeding if they think their baby is not getting enough milk. The majority of times this is not the case. Babies naturally milk feed more frequently if they need more milk due to a period of rapid growth, which increases your milk supply. Some medical conditions impact on breast tissue production, so it is good to check with your child and family health nurse, lactation consultant or GP if you think this is the reason for a low supply.

A healthy baby knows how much milk they need so let your baby dictate the breastfeeding frequency and length of time for each feed.

If your young baby has 6-8 wet nappies per day and 1 or 2 soft bowel movements, (a bit less in an older baby), is gaining weight, has good skin colour and is alert and not wanting to feed constantly, it is likely you have enough milk.

How can I increase my breastmilk supply?

The key to increasing your breastmilk supply is to increase the number of times you feed your baby. This drains your breasts of milk and helps you produce more. You could also express between feeds to help this process. 

• Let your baby lead when to feed and how much they want.
• If your baby is only feeding for short periods, try to encourage them to stay longer at each breast or re-offer the first breast.
• Try not to offer your baby a dummy or soother to extend the periods between feeds. Instead feed them more frequently.
• Look after yourself with enough rest and good nutrition.

What are good breastfeeding positions for 4 to 5 month old?

Whenever you breastfeed, you and your baby need to be in a comfortable place. If you're sitting, you need to have a chair with good back support and somewhere to rest your arm while supporting your baby’s head.

Your baby needs to be snuggled close in the crook of your arm, able to attach well to your breast. Importantly, they need to make good eye contact with you while they feed.

There are a variety of positions you could try breastfeeding in. Some of them are:

• Cradle hold: This is the most common position. The baby is level with your breast and their body is wrapped around your chest.
• Lying back or semi-reclined: In this position, you lean back and are supported in a reclined position with pillows behind you.
• Straddle hold: This position is when your baby needs to be in a more upright position to feed. They sit on your lap or have their legs either side of your leg.   
• Football hold: This position is a common position for twin babies. The baby's head faces inward and their legs are tucked around towards your back. Pillows can help with positioning. 
• Lying down: This position is easier when your baby is older. You both lie down facing each other. Your baby needs to stay close to maintain attachment.