As you get closer to the birth of your baby, maybe your thoughts have turned towards how to feed your baby.

As a lactation consultant I am, of course, going to plug breastfeeding! There are so many benefits to breastfeeding which I will talk about in another blog, but the main one is that the nutrients in breastmilk are unmatched by any other first food your baby can receive.

It builds your baby’s immunity and it’s convenient.

However, whilst breastfeeding is natural, it may not always come naturally.

I have worked with 1000s of women over the last 20 years and know there’s a few tips you can do before and after birth to set yourself up for breastfeeding success.

Here are my top 6 tips to help with a successful breastfeeding journey:

1. Plan: Pre-birth breastfeeding education at around 32-36 weeks of pregnancy is a fantastic way to get an idea what’s coming post birth. I offer antenatal lactation consultant appointments at Ballarat Women’s Clinic where we will discuss your breastfeeding goals. We will work together to help you understand the basics of breastfeeding and what to expect as you start your breastfeeding journey. Pre-birth breastfeeding education can also help you with antenatal colostrum expressing and is particularly important if you’ve had a previous unsuccessful attempt at breastfeeding or have had breast surgery.
2. Skin to skin time: After your baby has been born it is important for you both to have some skin-to-skin time, this promotes your bonding as well as being great for your milk production hormones, as well as promoting the absorption and digestion of nutrients for your baby. Skin to skin contact can also help your baby reach optimal thermoregulation and immunity. You can ask to have your baby placed skin to skin with you after the birth, regardless of the delivery method.
3. Positioning and attachment: Correct positioning and good attachment is highly important for optimal milk transfer to take place when you are breastfeeding. Even if this isn’t your first baby, breastfeeding is a learned skill, and it usually takes the first few days of breastfeeding to get this right. This will help to prevent potential problems down the track like nipple damage or issues with milk supply.
4. Feeding on demand: Baby led feeding is very important while you are establishing your breastfeeding routine, looking for signs that your baby is wanting to feed and acting on them. Initially whilst establishing breastfeeding your baby will want to feed up to 7 to 12 times a day. This may sound exhausting, but it does settle over time which I will discuss with you in your lactation consultation.
5. Frequent effective removal of milk through breastfeeding: Frequent feeding will help to promote optimal milk production. In the ‘supply and demand’ cycle, frequently emptying the breast of milk will kick start milk production and ensure you are producing enough to feed your baby. It will also help to reduce the risk of blocked milk ducts and conditions such as mastitis.
6. Stay together: Sleeping in the same room as your baby in hospital and in your bedroom at home helps to promote breastfeeding as it is easier to notice when your baby is ready for a feed. Sleeping in the same room as your baby can also help to promote a safe sleeping environment and reduce the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS). You can read more about SIDS here.

So what are some next steps?

If you feel you need extra support, seek help from a professional an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant).

As an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, I offer antenatal and postnatal appointments at Ballarat Women’s Clinic to help those who may need support establishing successful breastfeeding. Together we will develop a lactation plan to help you reach your optimal breastfeeding potential.

These appointments generally occur face-to-face however there is an option for telehealth if needed. To book either an antenatal lactation appointment or a postnatal lactation appointment please call the Ballarat Women’s Clinic on (03) 5332 9940.

Remember breastfeeding is both you and baby learning at a rapid rate. Like all the preparation you have done for birth, preparing for breastfeeding is also important.

Most of all, I want to help you stay relaxed and positive as your start your journey as mum with the key being for you to have FUN and enjoy your baby.

Written By Lactation Consultant Donna Geyde