Are you ready to throw in the towel ?
Are you ready to throw in the towel ?
Breastfeeding can be incredibly hard in the early days- but also very rewarding. It’s very common to face difficulties along the way. There’s a lot of support available, from lactation consultants to support groups and online forums. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it, and remember that each baby and situation is different .
Remember -You’re doing a wonderful thing for your little one!
Heres some tips for when things get tough
- Just enjoy some time with your baby skin on skin at times when baby is NOT looking for food
- Many mums feel as they don’t get a chance to just enjoy holding their baby -especially if they have to express to boost supply or to enable baby to have a top-up.
- When you cuddle your baby against your chest you release endorphins (happy hormones) and oxytocin (love hormones)-so youll feel more relaxed and so will your baby
- Have a bath with your baby-they love the warm water -it reminds them of being safe in utero.
- Allow your bbay the chance to self attach -baby led attachment is more gentle and can allow baby to attach in a more relaxed manner-remember -breastfeeding is instinctual for your baby .
- If your baby is unsettled, offer a topup feed-even if your breasts feel soft -they are never empty and sometimes sucking on a breast that felt quite”empty” allows baby to gain the higher fat milk whihc helps them settle
- Go for a walk with a support person (with your baby in a sling) .Getting some fresh air helps baby and you.
Seek some support from your midwife or a qualified https://myprivatemidwife.com.au/postnatal-lactation/ consultant who can work with you to overcome the overwhelm and support you through the first 6 weeks
Babys who are crying benefit from skin in skin
Remember all new skills take time and breastfeeding is no exception
Call/Email for a home visit or phone consult
Top tips for choosing an OB in Adelaide
What’s the lowdown on choosing an obstetrician for birth
Choosing an obstetrician for birth is an important decision that involves a number of considerations
Cost
• Check the out of pocket expenses for your obstetrician , paediatrician and anaesthetist ( in case you decide to have an epidural)
• Many couples choose to see a private OB because they have private insurance BUT don’t realise there are a lot of out of pocket expenses $$$
Philosophy and Approach:
Does the obstetrician’s approach to childbirth align with your preferences, such as a natural birth, epidural use,
Communication and shared decision-making are crucial.(Of course best laid plans can certainly change , requiring interventions )
• When you look at their website – do you get the feeling they’re more c section focused !
• Their website may give you a good indicator of their values
• Ask the receptionist for their c section and induction rates•
• WHO says c section rates should be 10-15 percent BUT in Australia our rates are around 30 percent – an OB with rates of 40-50 percent is concerning
• When you sign up with an OB you must be aware the medical view of birth is one of managing risk – which may sound comforting BUT can come with a very interventionalist view of birth
Where would you like to birth
•Ensure the obstetrician is affiliated with a birthing hospital that you are comfortable with and is conveniently located.
• You may not know if you’d like your birth in water right now – but it’s a great way to labour and reduces the need for pain relief significantly – most private hospitals in South Australia DO NOT “allow” water birth but your OB may have rights at a public hospital that does .
The OB support team
• Inquire about the obstetrician’s support team, including midwives.
- Some OBs have midwives attached to the practise who can spend time providing you with more education about childbirth and breastfeeding
• Understand their availability for antenatal visits, emergencies, and labor.
- Will they be available when your due date approaches ?
- What are their backup arrangements?
- Are you just as comfortable with their back up OB ?
Continuity of care with a known midwife is important
• Usually the midwives in an OB practise are there to check BP and have a brief chat before your
- Continuity of care with a midwife is associated with lower rates of stillbirth, prem birth and greater satisfaction
Just because your friend loved their OB doesnt mean that is the right fit for you
• Patient Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from other patients and seek recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. Personal experiences can offer valuable insights.
• Communication Style: Consider their communication style and how comfortable you feel asking questions, expressing concerns, and discussing your birth plan with them.
• If you feel that you can’t discuss your preferences on an even playing field – they’re not the OB for you
Aftercare
• Postnatal Care: Discuss their approach to postnatal care, including follow-up appointments, breastfeeding support, and postpartum wellness.
Some OBs have midwives within the practise who can provide extensive lactation support for you after birth – you may want to meet with a lactation consultant (LIKE ME ) before birth to ensure you know what to expect and what you can do to minimise nipple pain after birth
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose an obstetrician who aligns with your needs and preferences, ensuring a positive and safe childbirth experience
If you would like to discuss your options please contact kate
My baby is gassy and has squirty poo !
Squirty poo and a gassy baby often go hand in hand
So often I see mums with baby’s around 3-4 weeks old and they tell me – “my baby is gassy , has squirts poo and seems to be hungry all the time “
The mums will often worry that their baby seems so want to feed ALL the time , they seem to be unsatisfied and won’t settle unless being held .
It’s confusing because on one hand they are feeding baby lots of, they seem to have plenty of milkBUT the baby just isn’t happy !
The big clue – is the nappy – if there’s loads of wet nappies and lots of poop – then there must be plenty of milk going in.
We begin bay talking through what has made them feel as though baby isn’t getting enough
I’ll often show them an article which explains how some mums who have an “oversupply “ can actually mistakingly believe they don’t have enough milk.
As they read through the article – they’ll often nod , agreeing it’s sounding so familiar. The baby who feeds often , cries and passes loads of gas ( farts ) .
Fortunately I can often help them with just one or two calls or visits .
We look at positioning and ensuring that bubs decided when he or she has had enough from one side before switching sides
Some mums also struggle with their baby pulling on and off the breast – this seems to be associated with the technique of attachment- forcing baby’s head into the breast while the let down reflex is often overwhelming
If you are struggling with these symptoms – let me know
Even if we can’t meet in person – I may be able to help you soon with a phone / video consult
CONTACT ME