Breastfeeding rates in Ireland have slightly improved. According to new HSE figures, there was a 5% point increase in the number of babies breastfed at the first Public Health Nurse visit between 2019 and 2021, a rise to 59%. A number of new lactation posts have also been created within the HSE to provide more support for mothers. Another positive step in the right direction to improve our breastfeeding rates.
Breastfeeding is a skill. Like any other skill it will take time and patience for both you and your baby to learn. Here are some of my top tips for a successful breastfeeding journey!
Go along to a breastfeeding support group.You will meet mothers at different stages of their breastfeeding journeys. It is also a great way to meet new people. Search these out in your local area. Here in Dungarvan there is a Cuidiu meeting once a week with Toni Doolan. You can find more information on her Facebook page, “Dungarvan Cuidiu Breastfeeding Support Group”.
Take a breastfeeding preparation class. In the antenatal period there is a huge emphasis on preparing for labour and birth, infant feeding can be overlooked. It is so true that knowledge is power. Understanding how breastfeeding works and knowing what to expect in the early days can really help prepare you. Check with your insurance provider, you may be able to claim back money on breastfeeding preparation classes or a postnatal breastfeeding consultation.
Read up! There are so many excellent resources out there. Check out www.my child.ie a HSE resource with lots of great breastfeeding information. Look into the fourth trimester- this can really help you to understand your newborn and why they behave the way they do.
Look at videos of babies breastfeeding. See how the baby is positioned and attached to the breast. Watching videos of how to hand express is also a great idea, as this is a skill you will use at some point in your breastfeeding journey. A good tip is saving videos to your phone so they are just there to hand.
There is often a misconception that your partner can feel left out when you are breastfeeding. There are so many ways they can bond with their baby. Skin to skin is wonderful. Sometimes a baby will settle better with your partner as they don’t have the scent of milk they would get from you. Bath times, nappy changes, settling them to sleep after a feed to name a few.
If you are having issues, don’t wait to get help. Early intervention is important. Sometimes it can be something very simple that needs to be adjusted with the latch or positioning.
A question I am asked regularly is the need to buy a breast pump. What I would advise is to do your research. So if you need a pump you know the cost and where to get it. If your pregnancy is high risk and there is a chance of a pre-term delivery or a separation from your baby, look at what's available in your hospital. They may be able to provide you with a pump. Hiring a pump is also an option.
There are lots of apps that track breastfeeds but none can tell you if your baby actually took milk from the breast. It is so important to watch your baby and ensure they are sucking and swallowing. There are excellent videos you can look at to recognise good drinking at the breast.
Think about sleep, perhaps invest in a co-sleeper. This can make night time feedings a little easier. A great bonus about breastfeeding is that the quality of sleep you get is actually better due to the hormone prolactin.
Be kind to yourself, you are undergoing a huge transition into a new role as a parent, you are also recovering from birth. Take offers of help and support. Having people drop off food, doing some washing for you can be so helpful. Also never give up on a bad day. In the early days take it one feed at a time, try not to look too far ahead. Some feeds will be great and others may be not so great.
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