Breastfeeding 101: What New Mums Can Expect

Congratulations, mama! If you're reading this, you're likely embarking on one of the most incredible, challenging, and rewarding journeys of motherhood: breastfeeding. While it's often portrayed as natural and instinctive, the reality is that it's a learned skill for both you and your baby. To help you feel more prepared, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in those early days and weeks.

The First Few Days: Colostrum, Latching, and Lots of Skin-to-Skin

• Liquid Gold: In the first few days, your breasts will produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish "liquid gold." Don't be surprised by the small quantities – it's packed with antibodies and nutrients, perfectly designed for your newborn's tiny tummy. Your baby only needs a teaspoon or so per feeding at this stage.

• Latching is Key: This is often the biggest hurdle. Your baby needs to take a wide, deep latch to effectively transfer milk and avoid nipple soreness. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Lactation consultants, midwives, and experienced nurses are invaluable resources. They can guide you on proper positioning and help your baby achieve a good latch. Expect to try different positions (cradle hold, football hold, laid-back breastfeeding) to find what works best for you both.

• Frequent Feedings: Newborns feed a lot. Expect 8-12 feedings in 24 hours, sometimes more. This frequent feeding helps establish your milk supply. Don't watch the clock; instead, look for your baby's hunger cues (rooting, lip smacking, fussing).

• Skin-to-Skin: This is magical for both bonding and breastfeeding. Holding your naked baby on your bare chest helps regulate their temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and encourages them to instinctively seek the breast. Do as much skin-to-skin as possible in the early days.

  
  

Week One and Beyond: Milk Coming In, Engorgement, and Nappy Counts

• Milk "Coming In": Around day 3-5 (it varies!), you'll notice your breasts becoming fuller, heavier, and perhaps a bit tender. This is when your mature milk supply starts to come in. You might even feel a tingling sensation during let-down.

• Engorgement: With your milk coming in, you might experience engorgement, where your breasts become uncomfortably full and hard. Frequent feeding, warm compresses before feeding, and cool compresses after feeding can help. Hand expression or a pump can also offer relief if your baby isn't effectively draining the breast.

• Cluster Feeding: Just when you think you've got a rhythm, your baby might start cluster feeding – wanting to feed almost constantly for several hours, often in the evenings. This is normal and often signals a growth spurt or that your baby is building your milk supply. Grab a snack, a drink, and settle in!

• Wet & Poopy Nappy: These are your best indicators that your baby is getting enough milk. In the first few days, expect 1-2 wet nappies and 1-2 poopy nappies per day. By day 5, you should see at least 6 wet nappies and 3-4 seedy, yellow poopy nappies in 24 hours. If you're concerned, consult your pediatrician.

• Nipple Tenderness: Some tenderness in the first week is common as your nipples adjust. However, pain, cracking, or bleeding are not normal and usually indicate a latch issue. Seek help from a lactation consultant immediately.

It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

• Patience is Key: Breastfeeding takes time and patience to establish. There will be good days and challenging days. Celebrate the small victories and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it.

• Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: You can't pour from an empty cup. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and rest whenever possible. Ask for help with household chores and other responsibilities so you can focus on yourself and your baby.

• Trust Your Instincts: You know your baby best. While advice from others can be helpful, ultimately, trust your maternal instincts.

• Support System: Lean on your partner, family, and friends. Connect with other breastfeeding mums. Having a strong support system can make all the difference.

Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your efforts, and know that you are doing an amazing job. You've got this, mama!

For new breastfeeding mums in Australia, there are several excellent organisations and resources available to provide support, information, and practical help. Here are some of the most helpful:

1. Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is the leading authority on breastfeeding in Australia. They offer a wide range of services and resources:

• Breastfeeding Helpline (1800 mum2mum / 1800 686 268): This 24/7 national helpline is staffed by trained volunteer breastfeeding counsellors who are also mums who have breastfed. It's an invaluable resource for immediate support and advice on any breastfeeding query.

• Website (breastfeeding.asn.au): Their website is comprehensive, with evidence-based information, fact sheets, articles, and resources on various breastfeeding topics, from getting started to common challenges, returning to work, and more.

• Local Support Groups: The ABA has local groups across Australia that offer in-person meetings, a chance to connect with other breastfeeding mums, and peer support.

• Breastfeeding Education Classes: They offer online and in-person classes for expectant parents to help them prepare for breastfeeding.

• LiveChat and Mum2Mum App: Digital options for support and information.

• Breast pump hire: Information and contacts for breast pump hire.

• Breastfeeding Friendly Australia Initiative: Programs that encourage supportive spaces for breastfeeding mothers in workplaces and public areas.

2. Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ)

Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) is the professional organisation for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in Australia and New Zealand.

• Find a Lactation Consultant: Their website (lcanz.org) has a search tool to help you find an IBCLC in your area. IBCLCs are highly qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in breastfeeding and can provide in-depth, personalised support for complex breastfeeding challenges, such as:

  • Sore or damaged nipples

  • Engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis

  • Low milk supply or oversupply

  • Latch difficulties, including those related to tongue-tie or other oral anatomy issues

  • Breastfeeding multiples or premature babies

  • Induced lactation

  • Medication safety while breastfeeding

• Hospital and Community Services: Many IBCLCs work in public and private hospitals, maternal and child health clinics, or in private practice, offering home visits or clinic appointments.

3. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service that provides support and information for expecting parents and parents of children up to 5 years of age.

• Helpline (1800 882 436): Staffed by maternal child health nurses, available 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week. They can provide advice on breastfeeding, general infant care, and parental wellbeing.

• Website (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au): Offers a wide range of articles, videos, and tools on pregnancy, birth, and early parenting, including information on breastfeeding.

• Video Call: You can speak to a maternal child health nurse face-to-face via video call.

4. Maternal and Child Health Services (State/Territory specific)

Each state and territory in Australia has its own publicly funded maternal and child health services. These services typically offer free check-ups, specialist services, and support for new parents, including breastfeeding guidance.

• General Practitioner (GP): Your local GP can also be a valuable first point of contact for breastfeeding concerns and can refer you to a lactation consultant or other specialists if needed.

• Midwives and Hospital Staff: In the immediate postnatal period, the midwives and nurses at the hospital where you gave birth are excellent resources for initial breastfeeding support.

5. Beyond Blue / PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

While not solely breastfeeding-focused, these organisations are crucial for supporting the mental health of new mothers, which can significantly impact the breastfeeding journey.

• PANDA National Helpline (1300 726 306): Offers support for perinatal anxiety and depression.

• Beyond Blue: Provides information and support for mental health issues.

How to access these services:

• Start with your hospital midwife or child health nurse: They can often address initial concerns and guide you to further support.

• Call the ABA Breastfeeding Helpline: For immediate, peer-based support and information.

• Search for an IBCLC: If you have more complex or persistent challenges, an IBCLC can provide tailored care.

• Utilise government services: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, and your state's maternal and child health services are free and accessible.

6. Ngala - Western Australia

Ngala is a prominent not-for-profit organization based in Western Australia (WA) that focuses on supporting parents, carers, and families with children from conception through to young adulthood (0-18 years). 

Key Services and Programs:

1. Ngala Parenting Line:

   • A free telephone support service for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 18 years living in WA.

   • Staffed by qualified professionals who offer non-judgmental, evidence-based advice on a wide range of parenting topics, from newborn settling to supporting teenagers.

   • Available 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week, with a call-back service for out-of-hours queries.

2. Residential Parenting Service:

   • Located at their centre in Kensington, WA, this service offers short-term stays (day stays to full-week stays) for families needing intensive support with early parenting challenges.

   • An interdisciplinary team, including child health nurses, midwives, mothercraft nurses, lactation consultants, social workers, and psychologists, works with families on issues like:

     • Sleeping and settling

     • Breast and bottle feeding (including support from Lactation Consultants)

     • Behaviour management

     • Parent and child mental health

     • Attachment challenges

     • Child nutrition

     • Developmental concerns

3. Parenting Consultations:

   • One-on-one phone or online consultations for parents to discuss specific concerns in detail.

4. Child and Parent Centres:

   • Operated by Ngala in various locations (e.g., Banksia Grove, East Waikiki, Calista, Rangeview), these "one-stop shops" provide a welcoming space for families.

   • They offer programs and services that support parents and help children develop and learn in their early years, fostering community connection.

5. Early Learning and Development Services (Childcare):

   • Centre-based childcare services for children aged 0-12 years in locations like Joondalup, Kensington, and Perth Airport.

   • Family Day Care Services operating in Geraldton and surrounding areas, and the North West of WA.

6. Community Programs and Workshops:

   • Ngala delivers a wide array of community-based programs funded by various levels of government and supporters. These include:

     • Parent Education Workshops: Covering topics like Circle of Security, Protective Behaviours, Bringing Up Great Kids.

     • Support Groups: Such as "Mother-Baby Nurture" for new parents and "MyTime" for parents of children with disability or developmental delay.

     • DadsWA: Specialised programs and services specifically targeting fathers of young children, promoting male involvement in parenting.

     • Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY): A home-based early learning and parenting program for children aged 3-5.

     • Every Child Every Day (ECED): Activities for parents to support children's school readiness.

     • Parenting & Playtime groups: Drop-in sessions for connection and support.

     • Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS): In areas like Carnarvon, to help improve school attendance.

     • Geraldton Family Counselling Service: Providing individual, relationship, and family counselling on topics like parenting, anxiety, and grief.

     • ForWhen: A national mental health helpline for expectant and new parents, delivered in WA by Ngala.

7. Professional Services:

   • Ngala also engages in research and partnerships to continually improve its services and advocate for families, children, and young people.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there's a wealth of support available to help you on your breastfeeding journey in Australia.

I hope these information is valuable to you. If you know someone who can benefit from these information, please share it with them. I hope you have a great day.