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DR ROCKSON PRACTISE
For women, By women.
"Feeding your baby can be beautiful and sometimes overwhelming.
We’re here to support you with practical help, no judgment and plenty of care."
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and feeding frequency varies as your baby grows. Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, gradually spacing out to every 4-5 hours by six months. At Dr. Rockson's Practice, we guide you through latch techniques to ensure a comfortable feeding experience while preventing nipple soreness. We also provide support for common breastfeeding challenges, such as mastitis or blocked ducts. In the first days, your baby will receive colostrum, a nutrient-rich "liquid gold" perfectly suited to their tiny stomach. As your milk comes in, engorgement may occur, which can be relieved by hand expression or pumping. Breast milk can be refrigerated for 12 hours or frozen for up to six months.
Breastfeeding, Expressing or Formula?
Ultimately, how you choose to feed your baby, whether exclusively breastfeeding, combining breastfeeding and pumping, exclusively pumping, or using formula is entirely your decision, and there is no right or wrong choice. Some women take to breastfeeding naturally, while others struggle with latching and opt for formula. You may prefer not to breastfeed at all, or you might want to provide breast milk while sharing feeding responsibilities with your partner or preparing to return to work. Whatever path you choose, trust that you are making the best decision for you and your baby.
​Exclusive Breastfeeding
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Exclusive breastfeeding provides tailored nutrition for your baby while strengthening your bond. Breast milk adapts to your baby's needs, with foremilk hydrating and hindmilk providing essential fats for fullness, often leading to a satisfied "milk coma."
Incredibly, a mother’s body can detect infections in her baby and adjust milk composition to include protective antibodies. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by promoting uterine contraction for postpartum recovery and aiding in weight loss by burning extra calories.
Milk production naturally adjusts to demand, ensuring a steady supply as long as feeding continues. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding is a personal choice—some begin weaning at six months, while others continue for years. Beyond nourishment, breastfeeding offers comfort, security, and vital immune support for your growing baby.
​Breastfeeding and Pumping
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Pumping alongside breastfeeding offers flexibility, allowing your partner or helper to assist with feeds while giving you a much-needed break. Some women pump while nursing using a silicone suction or electric pump to maximise milk output. Stored milk provides convenience when you need to step out or return to work, ensuring your baby continues to receive breast milk even in your absence. It also helps maintain your milk supply, as regular expression signals your body to keep producing.
Modern bottle designs mimic the natural nipple, making transitions easier and reducing nipple confusion. Finding the right bottle may take some trial and patience, but with persistence, most babies adapt. If you experience challenges, experimenting with different bottle shapes, nipple flows, or feeding positions may help. Consulting a lactation specialist can also provide guidance and reassurance during this adjustment.
​Exclusive Pumping
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If you want your baby to receive all the benefits of breast milk without the demands of exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping offers a flexible alternative. This can be especially helpful if your baby spent time in the NICU and missed early latch and bonding moments.
Pumping allows you to establish a feeding routine, share feeding responsibilities with your partner, and still provide your baby with essential nutrients. While pumps can be expensive, investing in a quality electric pump can make the process more efficient, especially with double attachments that allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously.
Discreet maternity tops also make it easier to pump at work or in public spaces, giving you the freedom to maintain your milk supply while balancing your daily routine.
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​Bottle Feeding
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If you've chosen to formula feed your baby, there are many high quality brands available that provide all the essential nutrients your baby needs as they grow. Whether you’ve tried breastfeeding and found it wasn’t the right fit for you, or simply prefer formula, it’s a convenient and reliable option. Formula is available in different stages to meet your baby’s changing nutritional needs.
Milk can be served at body temperature or room temperature, depending on your baby’s preference. It’s important to avoid leaving milk out for more than a few hours. If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle, prepare a fresh one for the next feeding.
Always ensure the milk isn’t too hot, as this could cause burns to your baby’s mouth and throat. The best way to check the temperature is by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. For optimal preparation, use cooled, boiled water and then gently heat the bottle. Avoid adding boiling water directly to the formula, as it can break down some of the milk’s nutrients.