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Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week
It's World Breastfeeding Week! Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both you and your baby. Breastmilk contains antibodies, good bacteria, and other nutrients that help reduce the risk of your baby developing gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections, and ear infections. Breastmilk also contains all of the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months of life - pretty amazing!
Below are my 3 top tips for breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding skin to skin can help your baby to get a better attachment in those first few days. This means removing their clothes so they are in just a nappy, and placing them with their chest against your breast/chest. I find most babies attach better when they are skin to skin rather than wrapped as they use their hands to position themselves at the breast.
Remember it’s called breast-feeding not nipple-feeding - your baby needs to take in a big mouthful of breast tissue to allow optimal milk transfer and to help prevent nipple damage. If you are having trouble attaching your baby please speak to your midwife or lactation consultant.
Although breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy. If you are having any breastfeeding problems or would like support, please reach out to a lactation consultant (IBCLC) for assistance. Most breastfeeding challenges can be overcome so that you can successfully breastfeed your baby.
Join in with the Australian Breastfeeding Association World Breastfeeding Association campaign and share a 'brelfie' on social media. Don't forget to use the hashtags #breastfeedingvillage #WBF2021
Article provided by PBC Expo Midwife
