1.Hand expression of breast milk is an important skill.
Breastfeeding is the most common way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. All mothers can breastfeed given the accurate information, support of family and the healthcare system.
Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast so that you can store it and feed it to your baby.
You may also choose to use a breast pump if expressing does not work for you.
2. In increasing milk: Supply is equals demand.
To make more milk, your baby (or you, via expressing) needs to remove the milk that is made.
Milk production is a demand & supply process. If you need to increase milk supply, it’s important to understand how it is made– understanding this will help you to do the right things to increase production.
To speed milk production and increase overall milk supply, the key is to remove more milk from the breast and to do this frequently, so that less milk accumulates in the breast between feedings.
Make sure your baby is attached well and is feeding often. To maintain their supply, most mothers need to feed at least 8-12 times of more in 24 hours. Not every feed will be of the same length. Some may just be a quick snack while others may be long and leisurely and take half hour or so. Try offering the breast more often than usual for several days.
3. Sore, bleeding and cracked nipples are common.
The reason for sore and damaged nipples is the baby's poor attachment to the breast. When you begin breastfeeding, your nipples will be sensitive and many mothers experience some early nipple pain with initial attachment. However, sore nipples improve quickly once you learn how to attach your baby correctly.
If the baby is properly attached and sucking well, breastfeeding does not hurt. If in pain, speak to a midwife, lactation consultant or ring a breastfeeding counsellor on the national Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 268 for support and information.
4. It's OK to breastfeed in public and in the workplace.
Babies have a right to be breastfed and mothers have the right to breastfeed.
By breastfeeding in public, women provide a positive image of breastfeeding. This helps promote its importance in our society and also helps other mothers feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public.
You can continue to breastfeed your baby when you return to paid work. Talk to your employer about your plans to combine work and breastfeeding before you go on a maternity leave. This will help both of you to plan for the future.
Hundreds of mums gathered in Sydney to protest against a TV host's comments about breastfeeding. Source: SBS
Being discriminated for breastfeeding is a NO!
It is against the law in all Australian states and territories to discriminate against women who breastfeed including the workplace. Breastfeeding and family responsibilities are covered by sex discrimination laws in every state and territory.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC, formerly the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission) oversees the Sex Discrimination Act and is the federal body that deals with complaints relating to breastfeeding and sex discrimination. Further information can be obtained through .
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life and for breastfeeding to continue, with the addition of other foods, until 2 years or older. You can keep on breastfeeding for as long as you wish.
5. There are available "learning-to-breastfeed classes" across Australia.
For those who are seeking to learn more about breastfeeding, be aware that there are breastfeeding classes being offered around Australia to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
Australian Breastfeeding Association is an accessible source of breastfeeding information and support. To gain more knowledge about breastfeeding visit .
Midwife supporting a breast-feeding mother Source: Westend61
When breastfeeding does not work
When breastfeeding does not work for you, do not worry. Some mothers may tend to feel guilty when they are not able to provide milk for their baby and it is natural to feel such emotion. Allow yourself to feel the emotion but never think of yourself as a failure. Even if your child breastfed for one day, it is a priceless gift you can be proud of.
