Expert breastfeeding tips from a lactation consultant, nurse and mum-of-three
Cathy Shortt has 20 years' experience looking after babies.
Recent years have made it harder for new mums to gain support from family and friends, and even attending mother’s groups, midwife appointments and parenting events was more difficult. Thank goodness we’re back to a level of normality!
With over 20 years of experience taking care of babies, Cathy Shortt is a mother herself and a trusted expert in women’s health, pre-pregnancy, antenatal care, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Cathy’s top 10 feeding tips
1. Antenatal education
Similar to a birth plan, gaining some knowledge before you embark on your feeding journey sets you up for success. In a tailored education session, the practitioner would cover everything from anatomy, history, normal feeding behaviours, output, changes in your milk, positioning and attachment, along with antenatal hand expression to guide you and identify any possible challenges.
When it comes to successful breastfeeding, gaining some knowledge beforehand will help.
2. Skin to skin
Skin to skin is imperative and this really is the building block of lactation. Where possible, place your baby on your chest after birth; this allows for temperature regulation and early initiation of breastfeeding. Babies tend to be most awake the first hour following birth so it’s the optimal time to offer your baby an opportunity at the breast.
3. Identify the early feeding cues
The feeding cues are the language babies use to let us know they are hungry. The early feeding cues are subtle and can be a turning of the head, opening of the mouth or sucking of their hands – pop baby on your chest and if they are looking like a woodpecker, they’re using their rooting reflex to ask nicely for a feed. If unable to feed your baby during those early feeding cues, babies will often escalate to mid then late feeding cues where they will cry and be distressed. If your baby is distressed, gently calm them before attempting to feed.
Cathy Shortt is a mother herself and a trusted expert in women’s health, pre-pregnancy, antenatal care, pregnancy, labour and birth.
4. Positioning and attachment
There are many ways to attach your baby to the breast, so take the time to work out which position suits you and your baby best; getting this right will facilitate a happy feeding experience. Also ensure you’re comfortable before learning the art of feeding, and particularly, look after your posture and your back – you’re just as important as your baby! Make sure you are chest to chest, then tickle your baby’s nose with the nipple (watch the mouth open) and bring your baby gently to the breast. Your baby should have both nipple and areola in their mouth; the sucks and swallows should follow, indicating transfer of milk.
You can expect some tenderness in the first few days or weeks of breastfeeding when your baby first latches to the breast, but this should settle as the milk flows. Weleda Nipple Balm provides care and protection for sore nipples, cracked skin and chafing.
5. Ditch the clock and watch the baby
Unless clinically indicated, allow your baby to naturally wake for feeds and only feed when they are asking for it. Try not to time the feeds (we don’t time how long it takes us to eat dinner); instead, use this time to get to know your baby and when they have had enough to eat. Once your baby has finished having enough milk, they should look relaxed and their limbs will be lovely and floppy – hence the term, milk drunk.
6. Pain is not normal
When a baby is attaching, you may feel an initial pulling sensation as they draw the breast back towards the junction of the hard and soft palate in the mouth. If it doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t – and especially if you feel any pain – it’s worth getting further assistance to navigate the challenges in conjunction with your nominated health care provider.
With breastfeeding if it doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.
7. Give it time
Breastfeeding is a relationship, and all relationships take time. Try to remember if it’s your first baby or your first breastfeeding experience, that you are both learning.
8. Seek help and changes to the plan
If things don’t feel like they are working for you or your baby, please seek help! Your local hospital or early childhood centre may have lactation clinics and free breastfeeding support, and you can contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association or LCANZ to find an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in your area.
9. Outsource
Mums can’t do everything! Get as much assistance as you can with other household tasks so you can focus on feeding your baby. Have family or friends cook meals, drop off snacks, do laundry for you or dig out the vacuum. Don’t be frightened to draw on those around you, they often want to help but just don’t know how.
10. Breathe
And finally, don’t forget to breathe.
