frequently asked questions
As an expecting mother, or mother to a newborn, there's no doubt you will have plenty of questions.
There are some common questions I get from most mothers, so I'll answer these below.
Of course, if you would like to chat with me personally to ask questions about how I can help you on your journey, just head over to my Contact page or call and book a Free Phone Consult with me.
There are some common questions I get from most mothers, so I'll answer these below.
Of course, if you would like to chat with me personally to ask questions about how I can help you on your journey, just head over to my Contact page or call and book a Free Phone Consult with me.
How do I know if I can and want to breast feed?
It’s a difficult concept to imagine you will breast feed if you don’t know the process and it may have not been a burning desire for you to do so. With ante-natal contact, informal discussion/education on lactogenesis, Post – natal support and review encouraging you to trust your body and intuition, coupled with individual strategies to cope with temporary roadblocks that may arise in early weeks you will be well informed and equipped to Breastfeed your baby.
What if breast feeding doesn’t suit me or I don’t like it?
This is a very valid question for any mother, and with regular support and review, you will be given the best information, strategies and opportunities to know if this is right for you and your baby. If, ultimately, this isn’t the right path for you, gentle discussion and alternatives can be discussed, with your wishes and goals always at the forefront of any feeding plan.
Expressing and Bottling -Do I need to Express?
At times we need to come off the main pathway and implement an alternative feeding plan for a myriad of reasons, both maternal and baby, which may give you a temporary breathing space without making a final decision, due to exhaustion, pain. e.g., jaundiced - sleepy baby, nipple trauma, undersupply, it is very valid to commence with a temporary expressing plan. This requires discussion and at times daily review (dependent upon individual needs), with Lactation Consultant and mum /partner, to explain why the plan is being offered and given a reasonable amount of time for mum to implement the plan and see improvement.
Re-introduction of Baby to Breast.
In cases where babies have been taken off the breast for jaundiced – very sleepy, nipple trauma, breast refusal, undersupply it is achievable to gently re-introduce baby to breast. Support with an Lactation Consultant coupled with written plans and strategies can be discussed and offered due to individual circumstances and mums wishes.
Initiate Lactation in case of adoptive mother.
Individual cases will require individual approaches, but this is achievable with regular Lactation Consultant and medical support and advice. Supplementary nursing systems are one of the resources available to assist mums keeping babies to breast whilst initiating and maintaining milk supply.
Use of nipple shields with alerts of usage.
Breast feeding is instinctual but also a learned art for mum and baby. In some instances, babies are not well, nipple trauma can be quite significant, nipples may be flat, inverted, too big for newborn, to name only a couple of reasons where nipple shields could be suggested, therefore keeping baby to breast until individual concern is resolved.
It is vital for the practitioner giving you rationale of use - why nipple shields are being suggested, demonstrate to mum’s how to use shields, hygiene of same, advise mums of any alerts in using shields, and whilst working forward with mums to have a plan in place for weaning off shields with support
It is vital for the practitioner giving you rationale of use - why nipple shields are being suggested, demonstrate to mum’s how to use shields, hygiene of same, advise mums of any alerts in using shields, and whilst working forward with mums to have a plan in place for weaning off shields with support
Do I need formula comps when I’m breastfeeding?
Usually no, when you breastfeed, you have complete food for your baby. There are some instances where extra calories are required for baby for a short period of time due to maternal or infant health conditions. Don’t let this be a barrier to reaching out for support, your wishes and goals will be the centre of every feeding plan if mother and baby’s health is not an issue.
Is Breastfeeding enough for my baby?
Yes, Breastfeeding is complete food for your baby, tailored made just for him/her. Your unique blend is individual to you and your baby. It is easily digestible, so your baby can take regular full feeds. It has a laxative effect, so that baby poo will be of a softer consistency.
Get in touch and we can talk about optimal breast feeding practice, demand feeding, how baby instinctively maintains your supply, how to identify nutritive and non- nutritive suckling -why it’s important.
Get in touch and we can talk about optimal breast feeding practice, demand feeding, how baby instinctively maintains your supply, how to identify nutritive and non- nutritive suckling -why it’s important.
Tandem Feeding – What is it?
Tandem feeding is breastfeeding two or more children of different ages at the same time.
Suppressing LactatioN
Suppressing lactation also known as weaning, drying up your milk, is the process whereby you gradually decrease breast feeding infant, eliminating one feed -as per individual supply causing milk supply to decrease over 2-4 weeks (dependent upon your milk supply) until no further supply evident.
Suppression of lactation also refers to the inhibition of lactation by never breast feeding, usually with aid of medication given at delivery of infant
Suppression of lactation also refers to the inhibition of lactation by never breast feeding, usually with aid of medication given at delivery of infant
Return to Work/breast feeding plans.
Informal session to discuss mum’s return to work, hours, days, written plan in line with mum’s goals and regular review of progress to assists mums to achieve her breast feeding goal when returning to work.
Call and book your appointment for your ‘return to work’ plan.
Call and book your appointment for your ‘return to work’ plan.
Can I sleep at night and my partner feed bub?
Yes, it can be done, if that your choice; I can help with a night plan and information on maintaining milk supply and the prevention of mastitis.
I’m a teenage mum, can I breastfeed?
Yes, you can Breast feed, Lactation Consultant support will provide you with information on lactogenesis, maternal diet, hydration, rest and individual plans and support that will be complimentary to your age, beliefs, lifestyle, and goals. Call and make an appointment for individual support.
I’m a first time mother at 35, can I breastfeed?
Yes, you can Breast feed, Lactation Consultant support will provide you with information on lactogenesis, maternal diet, hydration, rest and individual plans and support that will be complimentary to your age, beliefs, lifestyle, and goals. Call and make an appointment for individual support.