Breastfeeding Q&A

On a recent Q&A on instagram I received these questions and wanted to post them here as well for future reference.

1. How can I best prepare myself for breastfeeding?
   If you have never breastfed before, I would suggest taking a good breastfeeding class and surround yourself with positive, encouraging support. Breastfeeding in the early days are hard hard work and you are not suppose to do it alone. Be gentle with yourself.
   Also, see my blog post below:
   10 Tips For Successful Breastfeeding
   

2. Can I breastfeed while pregnant??
   Yes it is perfectly safe to breastfeed while pregnant!
   Research actually finds that there are no reason for concern to nurse during pregnancy.
   Your breastfeeding relationship might change throughout your pregnancy as your hormones can cause a dip in your milk supply and change the taste, and sometimes toddlers don’t mind, and sometimes they naturally wean at this stage. I would go with whatever you and your toddler are feeling at the time.

3. What is tandem feeding?
   Tandem feeding is when you feed tour toddler as well as your baby at the same time. This usually happens if your toddler has not weaned during pregnancy, but can also happen as your toddler has weaned, but then decides to start feeding again after baby has arrived.
   The decision to tandem feed is a difficult one for many mums, and often comes with many questions.
   Tandem feeding comes with many benefits for mum, toddler and baby! Your toddler might find the transition to big sibling goes smoother and is less stressful if they can nurse with little sibling and their bond in the early days will be stronger.
   Your toddler can also help with the engorgement that can happen in the early days after birth, and bring on the mature milk quicker.
   No, your toddler will not steal the milk from the baby. Your body is clever and will make enough milk for all feeders but your baby should go first.

4. What happens after birth, how do I start?
   Dont worry, your midwife or doula are there to help you!
   After birth, your baby should make it to the breast within the hour for a feed. Your milk at this stage is colostrum, its very thick and nutrient dense and your baby only needs the tinies amounts. You will get help with latching.
   If you are recovering from a c-section, you will need help with picking up your baby and getting into a comfortable position.
   A new mums instincts to breastfeed is powerful, and I urge you to tune into your instinct and let them guide you. This is a biological need to make sure your baby thrives.

5. What if I can’t breastfeed?
   If you are wanting to breastfeed, you can. Support plays a huge role in this, so make sure you have support or know where to find it if you need it.
   There is no pressure to breastfeed, and if it doesn’t work, then you have other options for feeding your baby.

6. How do I know if I have low supply?
   True low milk supply is very rare, but possible. Its important to keep track of babys output (wet and soiled nappies), to gain an insight in if he/she is getting enough milk.
   Weight gain alone is not a good indication on your supply.
   Breastfeeding works with supply and demand, which means the more you feed, the more milk you will make for your baby.
   this is why the top-up-trap is tricky and a very common trap to get stuck in.

7. What do I do if I suspect my baby has a tongue tie?
   Get your baby evaluated by a Lactation Consultant, preferably a IBCLC. Tongue ties are difficult to diagnose accurately and there are different degrees of restrictions.
   Treatment options are available, so seek skilled help for improvements.
   Tongue ties are very common and can result in many feeding difficulties as well as issues down the line with speech and dental development.

8. When can I wean and how do I wean?
   Once you and/or your toddler are ready to stop breastfeeding, you can wean. It is not an overnight kind of thing, it happens usually gradually and slowly. This allows the child to develop at their own pace, according to their own natural timing. This can naturally occur once your breastfeeding journey has come to an end, or you can wean for many reasons.
   Sometimes this happens before you are ready to stop, and this can be very difficult emotionally. You might feel anger, grief, sadness, disappointment, hurt or rejection.
   It is normal.
   It is also perfectly normal to breastfeed your children for as long as you want. They will not be nursing forever!

9. How can I best support a breastfeeding mother?
   The best thing you can do is support her and listen to her.
   Non-judgmental and genuine support will come a long way for a breastfeeding mother.
   If she is struggling, help her find the right support and give her lots of encouragement. Show her how far she has come, be proud and believe in her.
   If she is grieving her breastfeeding journey, let her grieve. Hold space for her to talk about it and process her experience.

10. Do I have to stop when they get teeth?
    No, not at all. If you want to keep feeding, keep feeding!
    I have successfully fed two kids with teeth.
    Babies usually get many teeth in the first 12 months of life, and some in the first 6 months. They will also more than likely test these teeth on your nipples! Ouch.
    But this doesn’t mean you have to stop feeding.
    Trust me, the novelty of biting mum wears of pretty quickly, but it can result in anxious feelings before a feed and tensing up knowing the little baby shark is going to strike again.
    You will get through it, this too shall pass. Promise.
    This article might be helpful for you:
    Help! My baby bit me!

Thank you all for sending a few questions in.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2021!