It's important to take care of your personal hygiene after giving birth. Washing your hands often helps to stop germs from passing between you and your baby.
Breastfeeding takes less effort than bottle feeding when it comes to hygiene. This is because there is no need to wash bottles or sterilise items.
Breast milk also has infection-fighting properties. This helps protect your baby from illness. But good hygiene is still important. Wash your hands before breastfeeding, especially after nappy changes.
You do not need to wash your breasts. You can use water to clean your nipples when you have a shower, but there's no need to use soap.
Personal hygiene during breastfeeding
There are things you can do to help reduce discomfort and prevent infection while breastfeeding.
Do
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rub a small amount of breast milk into your nipples after breastfeeding and let it dry in the air
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keep your nipples clean and dry
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if you use breast pads, change them often or when wet
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wear loose clothing in a breathable fabric such as cotton - avoid wearing padded bras
Don't
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do not use breast pads with plastic on the back
Washing your hands
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stop illness from spreading. It stops the spread of colds, flu and stomach problems.
Even though it seems simple, handwashing is often overlooked or not done right.
When to wash your hands
Follow these simple rules.
Around your baby
Always wash your hands:
- before breast or bottle feeding
- after changing your baby’s nappy
- after contact with blood or other body fluids (vomit, mucus, saliva)
- before picking up your baby
At home
Always wash your hands:
- before you eat
- before, during, and after you handle food
- before and after changing maternity or sanitary products
- before giving or taking medicine
- before and after putting in contact lenses
- before and after you use the toilet
- after handling animals or their food, toys, leashes, or waste
- after touching anything that might be soiled
- more often when someone in your home is sick
- if they look dirty
How to wash your hands properly
- Remove all rings and wet your hands with warm running water.
- Put on soap and rub your hands together to make a lather.
- Continue to wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Scrub between your fingers, under the nails, on the back of hands and on your wrists.
- Wash your hands longer, as needed, to get rid of any dirt you can see.
- Rinse your hands well under running water and use a clean towel or your sleeve to turn off the taps.
- Dry your hands completely with a paper towel, hand dryer or clean towel.
- Replace hand towels with clean ones often.
How to wash your hands (video)
When soap and water are not available
When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. These come in gels or wipes. Keep these in your baby's change bag for when you are out and about.
Use the gel or wipes as directed on the product label.
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers work well unless you have a lot of dirt or grease on your hands.
You can give alcohol-based hand sanitisers to children age 1 and older. Help them to apply it and supervise them carefully.
Don't
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do not allow children to swallow the sanitiser
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do not let them touch their mouth, eyes, or nose before the alcohol has evaporated from their hands
Ask our breastfeeding experts
Showering after giving birth
Having a gentle shower with mild soap helps to reduce bacterial growth and infection.
Showering after giving birth helps to:
- reduce muscle soreness and stiffness
- increase blood flow
- improve relaxation
Gently massaging your breasts in the shower can also help your milk flow.
Avoid high temperatures and long showers. These may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, use a waterproof stool to sit on.
Do not use antibacterial soaps as they can lead to dryness and irritation. Use a soft washcloth to remove discharge gently without rubbing.
Avoid scrubbing stitches or tender spots. Just rinse these with water carefully.
Pat dry instead of rubbing vigorously, using clean towels. Dry skin folds to prevent fungal infections.
If you are tired, ask for support.