Nursing your newborn can be such a beautiful experience. My favourite part of breastfeeding my son was caressing
his hair as he lied across my chest, gulping away. It was the only time he stayed still! My son is a mover! We know through research that breast milk helps protect infants against several health conditions some including gastrointestinal infections, urinary infections, respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, eczema, some childhood cancers, juvenile diabetes, childhood obesity and sudden unexplained death in infants, which includes SIDS. For the mother, it reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis, and ensures a quicker return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. Other than it’s obvious health benefits for mother and child, its convenient, portable and environmentally friendly.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies to 6 months of age, and then for breastfeeding to continue alongside complementary food until 24 months of age, or for as long as the mother and child desire. Australia’s breastfeeding statistics show that we are quite far off the world recommendations. Statistics from the 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey results indicate that 96% of mothers initiate breastfeeding. Thereafter, exclusive breastfeeding rates drop off. Less than half (39%) of babies are still being exclusively breastfed to 3 months and less than one quarter (15%) to 5 months.
Although natural, breastfeeding does not come naturally for many new mothers. There are multiple factors that contribute to our lower breastfeeding rates here in Australia; lack of support plays a pivotal role. Mothers need support and encouragement with breastfeeding, particularly in the first 4-8 weeks when milk supply is regulating and discomfort with nursing is common. Support is needed not only from health professionals but from partners and close family and friends.
Conflicting advice by health professionals also make it overwhelming for a new parent. My best advice when given differing information is to take it all on board and do what works best for you and your child. We also can’t brush over the fact that life is generally busier for new mums in 2019! With mother’s generally going back to work 6-12 months following the birth of their child and with this breastfeeding is weaned earlier to combat the logistics of feeding and work. Discuss with your midwife, Maternal Child Health Nurse or maternity hospital weaning or pump expressing in the future, to alleviate any concerns you may have when it is time to go back to work.
The introduction of infant formula has also played a large part in the reduced numbers of exclusively breastfed babies. As it is a safe alternative. Infant formula is introduced to a newborns diet for a variety of reasons; premature baby, insufficient breast milk supply, breast augmentation, no or slow growth in the newborn, breastfeeding issues, recurrent mastitis or a mother may not want to breastfeed at all for personal reasons. For the mother that is unable to breastfeed or has decided that after 2 months it wasn’t the best fit for their family; you are amazing and aren’t we incredibly lucky that infant formula is so readily available and is an alternative source of nutrition for your growing child.
A beautiful second time mother said to me the other day, “I only breastfed for a few days”. My immediate thought was why did she say “only”. If we break it down, breastfeeding your child for the first few days is incredibly important. Colostrum the initial phase of milk, strengthens their digestive system to work smoothly and offers vital antibodies and vitamins not offered in infant formula. If you breastfeed for 4-6 weeks, not only are you a superstar, your child continues to strengthen their immune system and that it helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, not only are you amazing, but research has shown it helps to protect your newborn against ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. So let’s change the conversation to ‘I only’ to ‘I did it!’. So for however long you intend or have breastfed for be proud of your achievements and the amazing start you have given your child.
In my antenatal classes, I encourage parents to create their ‘village’ now. The reason I suggest this early on is the more people supporting a new mother, the more confident and successful she will be. Connect with other pregnant women or with your friends/family that have recently had children. Ask them their tips and strategies particularly in the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding. If you are limited with the people around you, there are excellent FB groups supporting new parents (try typing, ‘MUMS AND BUBS groups).
During your hospital stay, take the time to learn the correct techniques on how to position and attach your newborn to the breast. Possibly minimise visitors, during feeding times to absorb as much information in as possible before being discharged from hospital. Get your partner or close relative to listen in too.
Once home try to join a mother’s group, these women will be your cheerleaders! As they are women going through the EXACT same thing you are going through, at the EXACT same time. This is set up by your Maternal Child Health Nurse. Some FUN HOMEWORK is to find local café’s near you that are breastfeeding friendly, this will give you the confidence you need to get out of the house (which is an effective way of managing sleep deprivation) and not worry about the logistics of breastfeeding in public. And who knows you might meet some new mamas too!
There is an abundance of community resources too, familiarise yourself with those local to you. Such as your local Maternal Child Health Centre, generally a lactation consultant will be there to support you with any questions during the week. This is a free service. Source a general practitioner (GP) locally that you feel comfortable with and through them find lactation consultants that come recommended in your local area. There is also a full list of lactation consultants listed in your area on the Australian Breastfeeding Association website. The Breastfeeding helpline operated by the Australian Breastfeeding Association is a free 24/7 support line 1800 686 268. The Maternal Child Health Hotline is also a free 24/7 support line 13 22 29 for all new parents. Don’t forget your maternity hospital, if you ever have concerns in the ‘early days’ contact them day or night for helpful advice over the phone.
All the best.
Cara x