Things that every lactation consultant wants you to know about breastfeeding BEFORE your baby is born
When you are pregnant, stories from well meaning friends and family about how they fed their newborn can be overwhelming. This, accompanied with an onslaught of social media ‘advice’ and other random peoples experiences can leave you feeling frazzled.
As a Midwife of over a decade (and now a specialist Lactation Midwife), I have seen the impact of such information overload- you may feel anxious about breastfeeding before you have even started. I aim to offer you simple and evidenced based practical tips you can consider before your baby is born.
Knowledge is power
Breastfeeding may seem ‘natural’ however this does not mean it always comes naturally to some. This can be due to a variety of factors such as increased medical intervention, preterm birth and an increase worldwide in caesarean section. As a Midwife, I always encourage families that knowledge is power and therefore recommend that all pregnant couples access prenatal education. This gives you the opportunity to explore evidenced based, unbiased information from experienced midwives. Prenatal classes also allow you to meet other expectant parents and build a support network and peer support is shown to promote longer duration of breastfeeding. Connecting with a midwife and/or lactation consultant before giving birth, either through prenatal classes or for a consultation is also of great benefit. Not only have you already met the person who might visit you and support you with feeding your baby, but it also gives you the chance to answer specific concerns you may have around breastfeeding.
Early skin to skin will help you so much
If I could explain the benefit of early skin to skin in how it helps establish breastfeeding, I would shout it from the roof tops. Skin to skin at birth (or as soon as possible after) calms you and your baby, promotes bonding and helps initiate the first feed. Babies who have uninterrupted skin to skin are known to breastfeed earlier than if separated, more likely to feed on demand, as well as breastfeed for longer duration overall. There is no down side to prolonged periods of skin to skin with your little one! If you are unwell or unable to do skin to skin at birth, don’t panic as doing it later on is still of huge benefit and your birth partner can still do it if you are unable. As a midwife, ensure you discuss your birth preferences including skin to skin with your obstetrician/midwife. It is also ok to say that you don’t want the time interrupted for non essential checks
Establishing breastfeeding takes time
Another fact that I want you to know is that breastfeeding takes time to establish. This means that it takes 6-8 weeks for your milk supply to regulate, for your baby to learn how to feed effectively and for some kind of ‘routine’ to potentially develop. You and your baby need time to learn together which understandably takes time. I see so many women who understandably feel disheartened within those first 6-8 weeks if they encounter hurdles, assuming it must mean that breastfeeding isn’t working so they stop earlier than they’d have liked to. Knowing that breastfeeding is a journey and takes time is massively reassuring for any new mother.
Feeding on demand is normal
Another key fact that you know- during those first 6-8 weeks, it is normal for babies to breastfeed on demand. This means they will feed whenever they want, normally more than 8 times a day but sometimes up to 16! Don’t panic here- it won’t last forever! This is a crucial nugget of information, as many women are told that the baby should feed every 3 hours and then sleep in between (if only). When your baby does not follow this pattern, it can leave you thinking there is a problem which needs to be fixed however this is not the case. Breast milk is digested quickly meaning that breastfed babies will wee and poo a lot. This is nature’s way of bringing your baby back to the breast to keep milk supply up- very clever! So what is the take away here? When your baby shows hunger cues, offer them the breast. It is not possible to over feed a breastfed baby in those first few weeks as if they are not hungry they will not take the breast. Be assured that after breastfeeding is established, your baby will develop a rhythm which may be more predictable.
You might not need a pump yet!
My next point might be a controversial one but not everyone needs to pump their breast milk and you don’t need to buy a pump before your baby is born if you don’t want to. Breast pumps can be used if you are separated from your baby, if you need to increase supply or just for preference, amongst other reasons. Depending on why you want or need to pump depends on what pump might be recommended- hospital grade pumps and wearable pumps can both be great but each might be recommended for different reasons. Pumps can be expensive so you don’t want to end up with a pump which doesn’t fit your needs. And if you don’t want to pump and there is no indication to pump, that is ok! Pumping takes time and effort which should not be overlooked.
Find your village for breastfeeding support
Lastly and possibly the most important point- it is NORMAL to need some support with breastfeeding in the early days, whether it is your first or fourth baby! Every baby is different and you are learning a skill which your baby has never done before. Accept the support which is offered (from midwives, lactation consultants etc) during your hospital stay, and ask the team caring for you to check the latch, especially if something doesn’t feel right. Breastfeeding support shouldn’t stop once you bring your baby home- accessing postnatal care is crucial in order to help you to establish breastfeeding and offer reassurance in those early weeks. Lactation consultants are trained to support you at any stage of your feeding journey and can help you with concerns such as mastitis, painful feeds, engorgement, blocked ducts, over/under supply amongst many other issues.
My hope for you is that this article can offer you some reassurance whilst you prepare to meet your little one. Remember that it takes time and it is normal to find your rhythm whilst you both learn this new skill. And remember- at Beloved Bumps we are always here if you need us.
