Newborn support

The Swakopmunder Clinic offers free Newborn support service for all.

Tuesday mornings 09:00 and 13:00.

This service includes weighing your baby, gentle feeding support and advice, and time to talk through any common challenges in the early weeks.
We would love to meet you and support you during this special time.

Common Questions

Is my baby getting enough milk?

Newborns usually feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, especially in the early days.

Signs baby is getting enough: steady weight gain, 6+ wet nappies a day after day five, regular yellow stools, visible swallowing, and appearing content after feeds.

Possible concerns: very few wet/dirty nappies, poor weight gain, persistent sleepiness, painful latch, or very long/short feeds.

If unsure, please seek support.

How do I latch my baby?

Get comfortable first: support your back, arms and feet with pillows or a footrest.

Hold your baby close, tummy to tummy, with their head and body in a straight line. Their nose should be level with your nipple.

Support your breast so it’s not pressing on baby’s chin.

Wait for a wide open mouth, then bring baby to the breast (chin first), supporting their back.

Their chin should press into the breast, nose lightly touching, lips flanged out.

Oversupply & Fast Let-Down

Signs of Oversupply
Baby coughs, chokes, splutters or gulps at the breast
Pulling on and off, restless or arching during feeds
Short, frequent feeds
Green, frothy or explosive stools; gassiness
Frequent large spit-ups
Sore or creased nipples (from clamping down)
Very full breasts, heavy leaking, plugged ducts or mastitis

Managing Oversupply & Fast Let-Down
Try laid-back or more upright feeding positions
Hand express for 1–2 minutes before latching to ease the first rush
Break suction and relatch if baby struggles
Let baby fully finish the first breast before offering the second

Does baby need anything other than Breastmilk?

For healthy, full-term babies, breastmilk is all they need for around the first six months.

Breastmilk continues to provide nutrition and immune protection well beyond six months.

Signs your baby is ready for solids (usually around 6 months):

  • Baby can sit unsupported
  • Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex
  • Can grasp food and bring it to their mouth
  • Shows interest in food

Starting solids earlier does not improve sleep or increase overall calorie intake.