World Breast Feeding Week: 44 notes on breastfeeding I’d pass onto my pre-baby-self.
If I could go back in time, almost 5 years ago, when I was on the very edge of meeting my firstborn, I wish I had a list of helpful, practical tips.
From one mum to another mum.
Not to overwhelm, but to reassure and highlight the importance of investing in education and seek support.
Sharing our stories, experiences, hurdles and the special moments are ways of enabling access to support and holding mothers through their individual feeding journeys.
Here is my list of notes…
Lock in antenatal breastfeeding education, this is a MUST - for you and your partner, it’s as important as birth education
Breastfeeding cannot be all on you, the entire family have to support you to have a positive, successful breastfeeding journey
Yes it is natural, but it may not come naturally
That golden hour is precious, but if you don’t get it, try not to stress
Explore the options available to you
Have the contact details for a Lactation Consultant on hand before babe arrives, share the details with your partner.
Discuss breastfeeding with your midwife / birth team before birth
Learn about antenatal expressing, if it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to breastfeed
Skin to skin, and well beyond the first few days
Create a slow and cosy sanctuary at home where you feel comfortable and safe to learn to breastfeed
Boundaries are important, it’s OK to have space once your baby is born, hello in-laws,
Your health and mind matter too, it’s not just about your baby
It’s ok to ask all the questions
It can be hard, like really hard
There are MANY positions to feed your baby, find what works for you
Book a Lactiation Consultant as soon as you feel things aren’t right, or you need reassurance and guidance
Block out any unsolicited, outdated advice
You will be hungry! Snacks so many snacks and nutrient dense meals, so important
Prepare your freezer with food to fuel you
Call on your community and set up a meal train
No, breastfeeding cookies will not solve supply issues, however they are delish and you’ll need to eat
Silverettes will save your damaged nipples (RIP), worth every dollar
Your boobs will change ALOT
There are brilliant GP/LCs out there to support you through the complex issues
Get a good lip balm, or five
HYDRATION IS KEY, 2-3L per day and you’ll probably still feel like the Sahara desert
There is no expectation on you, try not to put any on yourself, it’s a really big job, it’s not easy and very consuming
Be proud of your body and it’s magic
Have ABA’s contact details noted as a point of call if you have questions
If you do want to bottle feed, don’t wait too long to introduce a bottle 🫠
It is also the most incredible things to witness, nourishing your baby, be proud of your huge efforts
To find an LC near you, look up https://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant/
Share you stories and experiences, mums need to hear them
If you shudder at the thought of a breast pump, put it away
Hands free pumps are worth the investment, especially if this is your second child
There are 100s of products that will be targeted to you to ‘support breastfeeding’, keep it basic and tune into what you actually need
You can try, and if it’s not for you, that’s ok too
You will find confidence to feed out and about, it will take practice but you will work it out quickly
Invest in Burp clothes from bigw x 30
It’s actually SO fine to feed to sleep, in fact it’s the best ever and you’ll miss it so much one day
The journey is wild, no two experiences are the same
Weaning is a journey in itself
You are not alone, and you’re doing a brilliant job
Book the postpartum doula!
Support is available in the way of community, your family and friends, health professional support (Lactation Consultants, GPs, Osteopaths) and Postpartum Doula’s.
As a Postpartum Doula, I work with my clients in preparation for postpartum, where we dive into the basics of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. I will work to set you up with the health professional team you need, local LC’s and appropriate health professionals. Link you to recommended antenatal education, resources and recommended products that will assist you in your journey. Once you are postpartum, I support you by fuelling your body with highly nutritious foods, enabling rest by creating a calming sanctuary, and limit your need to do jobs around the home, so that you can simply rest and bond with your baby.
It’s a really big job, no matter how it looks and works. High fives, and a million snacks for you mama x
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria.
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.
