This article was written with Mums expecting multiples in mind, however, the advice can apply to all Mums.
As all pregnant mum’s know there are lists of jobs to get done before a baby arrives. For mum’s expecting more than one baby this list of jobs can seem very daunting! You will have heard of the difficulties many women face when breastfeeding and have surely been told how exhausted you will feel and more than once have had helpful people tell you it will be easier if you just bottle feed. As a lactation consultant many of the mum’s I see have already had a fairly hard journey with breastfeeding and are usually very close to giving up when they book that last ditch appointment in the hope that I can save the breastfeeding experience. In truth it is the desire to reach a goal that saves the experience and the support we get along the way that makes that experience worth the effort.
When I get the opportunity to work with mum’s that are starting their journey these are the tips that we discuss:
1. Setting a goal.
This really needs to take into consideration your environment, your own temperament, your support team, the type of birth you are planning and your previous experience (if any) with breastfeeding. For example: a mum that has previously breastfed a single baby with success for an extended period will more than likely handle the demands of feeding twins after a normal vaginal birth and if they have a great support network. So a realistic goal of breastfeeding to between 6 – 12 months is very achievable. However, a new mum with limited support when she gets home, may set a very different goals for herself. The goals need to be realistic.
2. Learn about babies.
These cute little bundles appear very needy at first but they are very clever biological miracles and if you harness their innate reflexes and learn to work with your babies the experience will be far easier. Remembering that if you have never been a parent you will feel out of your depth and need to “learn” to respond to the cues your babies are giving you. Breastfeeding is team work and you and your babies are the team, so learning to read each other is very important. Check out the following books: Your Amazing Newborn, M. Klaus & P. Klaus 1999; Your Baby is Speaking to You, Dr K. Nugent & A, Morell 2011.
3. Organise support.
This will be told to you at every turn but it really is essential. Find someone to cook meals for you, someone who can do laundry, get a cleaner (even with one baby a cleaner is really helpful!) Your main focus will be on your babies so the less you have to do initially the more time you have to settle into the patterns of daily life with babies.
4. Find a breastfeeding support person.
This person can be a professional or a family member or a friend – make sure they loved their breastfeeding experience and they will listen to your concerns. These people will keep you feeling great when things aren’t working as well as you hoped!
5. Definitely do not feel guilty.
It is really important to feel like you are doing a good job, feeling good about what you are doing will mean that you are less anxious. Something to note here, is if you end up expressing and giving bottles your babies are still breastfed, if your babies are given some formula in hospital your breastfeeding journey is not over and most importantly every mouthful of breast milk is doing your babies good!
6. Find a professional early.
If you think that things aren’t going well find someone to help. Often a professional can spot something and make small adjustments early on that will save your breastfeeding journey from pain and disaster.
Finally, it is great to be armed with information before and during your breastfeeding journey but if you find that the information is making you feel overwhelmed and anxious put the computer or book away and look at your babies, learn some simple mindfulness meditation techniques or just simply breath, your babies will love you no matter what.
Sharon Armstrong, Lactation Consultant & Child Health Nurse
You can find Sharon at Embrace Life, 4a/4-8 Burke Cres, North Lakes, 4509. Phone 3491 6533. Website www.embracelife.net.au Facebook www.facebook.com/embraceparenting.net.au
Embrace Life run a free drop in Child Health Clinic Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30am – 11:30am
