Preparing for breastfeeding
Strategies for setting yourself up for breastfeeding success:
Antenatal Education- Systematic reviews have shown that women who receive antenatal breastfeeding education have higher rates of initiating breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer. There are a number of ways to learn about breastfeeding when you're pregnant:
Attend a breastfeeding class through your care provider
Appointment with a lactation consultant
Online course/websites
Books
Antenatal Expressing- Hand expressing colostrum from 36 weeks has been shown to be safe and may be useful for some mothers and babies. Especially for mums with conditions such as gestational diabetes, having expressed colostrum available will decrease the likelihood of baby requiring formula. If you choose to express your colostrum but can’t manage to get any, there’s no need to worry. This won’t mean you will have a low supply after your baby is born. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) has a great video and accompanying information on their website about hand expressing.
Nipple/Breast Care- Be aware of simple strategies to care for your nipples and breasts:
Express some colostrum onto the nipple and let it air dry after feeds to optimise skin healing
Don't wear tight bra's or anything with underwire which may dig in and cause blocked ducts leading to mastitis
Be aware of the signs of engorgement and mastitis and seek advice from a reliable source asap
Don't let your nipples stay in moist breast pads all day- this may contribute to nipple thrush
Get Comfy!- Oftentimes while breastfeeding you may be stuck in the same place for a long time, so try to make your breastfeeding space comfortable:
Organise a little caddy with all of your essentials which you can move from place to place as needed, eg. water bottle, snacks, washcloth, breast pads, book, headphones
Find some comfy button down pjs or a robe
Make sure your seat isn't too low (getting down/up from a low seat with a recovering pelvic floor may not be comfortable)
Having a recliner or footrest can be helpful
Ask to be taught different positions such as side lying so you can find what works for you!
Ask for help- Breastfeeding is natural, but it's not always easy!
Most mother's need to troubleshoot until they find what works best for them and their baby. If you're worried about pain, undersupply/oversupply, latch, fussiness or crying, weaning, relactation, mixed feeding, tandem feeding (the list goes on)..
Reach out for help!!
The sooner you can get help usually the more likely you are to have the outcome you desire. If you don't get the help you need, seek a second opinion.
You can reach out to:
Lactation consultant
ABA
Child Health Nurse
GP
Paediatrician
Midwife
Organisations (eg. Possums)
Make a Plan- Now you've got the info, make a plan!
Who will you call if you need help?
Do you need a pump, or is pump hire available near you?
Do you have a backup plan if baby is struggling to latch in the first few weeks? (eg. expressed milk, donor milk, formula, bottles, steriliser, supply line)
How can your partner support your breastfeeding?
Do you have a 'return to work' plan (i.e will your baby need to take a bottle before 6 months of age)
