Six tips to make breastfeeding easier – before you have your baby
Start by getting to know The Girls!
Pinky McKay is one of Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding experts and here she shares six tips on making breastfeeding easier, even before you give birth!
The best-selling author, podcaster and creator of Boobie Foods specialises in a gentle parenting style that honours mothers’ instincts to respond to their babies.
All new mums need support, no matter how they feed their baby
1. Learn about breastfeeding
Read a good book about breastfeeding – whether that’s about how milk is made, how to tell if your baby is hungry or how to boost your breast milk supply such as Breastfeeding Simply.
You can also go to a breastfeeding class such as Australian Breastfeeding Association where they can provide personalised advice and support.
2. Get to know ‘the girls’
Knowing your breasts and any medical or physical issues that could affect or delay breastfeeding can help make your experience a success. Work with a lactation consultant before you have your baby to create a breastfeeding plan. This way, you are ahead of the game and ready to deal with any problems as soon as they arise.
3. Plan your support team
All new mothers need support however they feed their babies. A supportive partner and positive people around you is a huge factor in your breastfeeding experience so discuss how they can support you such as taking time off work or censoring visitors.
4. Express colostrum
You can gain confidence in your breasts and your body by gently hand-expressing some colostrum towards the end of your pregnancy. Collect your colostrum in syringes, label it with the date and freeze them ready to take to the hospital with you.
There will only be a few drops of colostrum, not a ‘flow’ and the amount you can express is not a reflection of how abundant your milk supply will be – your post-birth hormones will trigger milk production.
Pinky uses a knitted ‘mum boob’ to help explain how breastfeeding works.
5. Practice the ‘stop sign’
Sometimes, in a busy hospital, you may be rushed into situations that aren’t helpful to early breastfeeding. For instance, if a midwife reaches for your baby and pushes it onto your breast, you could be surprised and ‘lost for words’. So, before you have your baby practice some role play with a friend or your partner so the stop sign becomes an automatic response – put your hand up in a stop sign and ask, “Please can you guide me, I would like to try myself.”
6. Prepare your feeding station
Plan to do nothing else but rest and learn to breastfeed for the first two weeks. Set up a comfortable space to feed your baby – with a ‘feeding basket’ of goodies such as a water bottle (for you), healthy snacks, breast pads, lip balm and, my personal favourite, WaterWipes, which are perfect for newborns, premature babies, delicate and sensitive skin with only 99.9% of water and a drop of fruit extract.
Pinky McKay’s books, podcasts and ePrograms are available on her website.
