A positive start to breastfeeding

Preparing to breastfeed your baby during pregnancy can make a real difference when your baby arrives. Developing confidence in how your body makes breastmilk and having realistic expectations for what the early days and weeks can look like adds so much reassurance when the normal challenges and changes of the early days start.

I recommend that all parents wishing to breastfeed take a specific breastfeeding preparation course, not just an added extra on their birth preparation. There is evidence to suggest that those who prepare with evidence based antenatal breastfeeding education, breastfeed longer and enjoy more of their breastfeeding journeys.

Breastfeeding is natural, and there may be much that feels instinctive, but it is also a skill and we know that in cultures where breastfeeding is the norm, people have lots of observed breastfeeding experience and confidence.

In recent years there has been a real focus change since the popularisation of Colostrum harvesting in pregnancy. As a Lactation Consultant I see the benefits that this can bring to some breastfeeding families, but also the confusion that others have if they have not had the benefit of education to understand that this does not need to be volume focussed, and does not predict or influence milk volumes once the baby is born.

One of the best ways to be reassured about your baby’s feeding is to observe what is coming out the other end in their nappy. What goes in must come out!

In the first couple of days after birth the first milk colostrum acts as a laxative and helps the baby poop out the first poos- meconium-this is thick black and sticky. As your milk starts to transition from colostrum to mature milk volumes increase and your baby’s poo will become gradually lighter as the days progress until you arrive at bright mustard yellow poos around day 5.

Your baby’s behaviour also gives great feedback on how their feeding is going. During the progress of a feed you will likely see tense, active, clenched arms settle into floppy and relaxed posture as your baby becomes full.

As well as the video content The Scandi Guide includes digital guides on key postnatal subjects including how to recognise a good feed and daily nappy guide.

It can be common in the early days of establishing breastfeeding to experience some discomfort whilst you both learn this new skill, but pain is always the body’s way of alerting us to something that needs our attention. If you experience pain it is important to get support from an experienced breastfeeding professional. Understanding the cause is the key to getting resolution

Midwives

Lactation Consultants 

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the international gold standard of lactation education. IBCLCs are well placed to be able to support common concerns as well as more complex feeding experiences. They have undertaken extensive training frequently at post graduate level, clinical experience and a rigorous exam. They will be either from a healthcare background or will have done health sciences studies in addition to their lactation education. IBCLCs work within healthcare, community, and private practice. They collaborate with medical professionals.

Obstetrician/Paediatric Drs

In the UK it is unusual to find doctors who have specific lactation education, in countries where women choose their own medical care it is much more common to have doctors who also hold IBCLC credentials. They can be involved in establishing feeding plans as part of medical care and will collaborate with infant feeding teams.

Breastfeeding Counsellors/ Le Lech League leaders

Breastfeeding counsellors support breastfeeding from a primarily listening skills viewpoint and are well placed to be supporting common concerns such as Positioning and attachment difficulties Breastfeeding counsellor is not a protected term but many will be qualified from reputable breastfeeding support organisations such as Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) and National Childbirth Trust(NCT). Breastfeeding counsellors will frequently volunteer in peer support groups and will refer to professionals when needed.

Peer supporters

Peer supporters are usually parents who have personal experience of breastfeeding and have undertaken basic education in communication and breastfeeding. They are commonly volunteers and accredited by the supervising support organisation. Although on paper peer supporters are the least academically qualified in breastfeeding, some of the best breastfeeding outcomes are associated with support given by peer supporters.