Breastfeeding Mums Australia

Breastfeeding Mums Australia Magazine

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Photo credit: Sarah Murnane

Contents Pinky McKay: Tips For Night Feeding Your Newborn............................................. 4

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Returning To Work And Breastfeeding: 10 Tips To Help You Make It Happen.................................................. 10 Milk Supply: Not Enough Or Too Much?......................................14

14 How Dads Can Help With Newborns......................................................................20 Breastfeeding – Pain For Gain..............................24 Amberley Harris: Become Breastfeeding Savvy..............................28 Sarah Murnane: From An Image To A Community........................ 31

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Editor In Chief Hollie Faye Welcome to Breastfeeding Australia Magazine! We are so excited to share this issue with you.

Our magazine was created to educate and inspire you on your parenting journey. This can be an exciting and overwhelming time with challenges thrown in around every corner, so we have included plenty of articles to help support you throughout your breastfeeding experience.

We are very excited to have founder of The Australian Breastfeeding Project, photographer Sarah Murnane in this issue. Her aim is to minimise the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in today’s society and bring awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding your baby. Her stunning images celebrate and preserve that fleeting moment and the closeness breastfeeding brings, so do check out her story on page 28.

Turn to page 25 and read midwife and breastfeeding consultant Amberley Harris’s advice on how to become breastfeeding savvy in those first six weeks, enabling you to go on to exclusively breastfeed for the coming months or years, should you choose.

Take some time to read Lactation Consultant and best-selling Author Pinky McKay’s Tips For Night Feeding Your Newborn on page 3 - it’s well worth your time and will be invaluable through those early breastfeeding weeks.

Also, in this issue, we have included plenty more articles to support your journey: • Returning To Work And Breastfeeding: 10 Tips To Help You Make It Happen • How Dads Can Help With Newborns • Breastfeeding: Pain For Gain • Milk Supply: Not Enough Or Too Much?

The nights might feel lonely when you’re breastfeeding, but remember you’re not alone. You are doing an amazing job!

Thank you for taking the time to check out our magazine.

Hollie

Pinky McKay:

Tips For Night Feeding Your

Newborn

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our beautiful new baby is home. Your day is filled with cuddles, learning about each other and working out new routines. You have people around to help, the house is all set up for your new family life and preparations are in place for every conceivable need. However, come night time, it can feel like a very different story. Night feeding brings up all sorts of confusion, overwhelm and concern. Am I creating bad habits in my child? Am I feeding enough, or too little? Should my baby self-settle? Is co-sleeping safe? Should I sleep train my baby? The list of questions can go on, but there is one golden rule all new parents should follow - “Is it safe? Is it respectful? Does it feel right?”

These are the words of Pinky McKay - a lactation consultant and parenting expert, who encourages parents to follow their instinct and relax into a routine that works for them and the baby. Sleep deprivation will creep in; that is an inevitable part of being a parent. But, there are ways you can safely manage night feeding without the confusion and overwhelm.

Set up a comfortable feeding space Pinky’s first suggestion is to choose a place to feed and set it up with everything you need. So, when bub wakes up hungry, you can move on autopilot and settle in for a warm, sleepy snuggle.

“Curate a ‘feeding basket’ or a trolley stacked with nappies, wipes, breast pads, a healthy snack and water bottle for you (you will get hungry and thirsty, too). A lamp or dim light will mean you can see to do nappy changes, but you and your baby can stay in a drowsy state, so it will be easier for you to get them back to sleep after feeds,” Pinky suggests.

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“When you master breastfeeding, holds and latching, you can try lying down as you feed-this will give you more rest. It’s important though, to create a safe space in case you doze off while feeding. Lying on a sofa, for instance, can be potentially unsafe, as your baby could become wedged between cushions or roll off the sofa,” she says.

Co-sleeping and safety Safety is of great concern when it comes to night feeds, particularly if you are already exhausted. Co-sleeping is a popular way to enable feeding on demand while making night just a little easier on you, but has long been discouraged by many professionals due to the safety risks for bub. However, having baby close by, but in their own safe space, such as in a specialised attachment to the bed or in a cot next to the bed, can make for a safer, more comfortable sleep for all.

“Safety is always the number one consideration above ‘how long baby is sleeping’ and juggling baby’s night time needs with parents’ needs for sleep can be a challenge. Keeping your baby near you means you can respond easily, comfort and feed your baby and get back to sleep quickly,” Pinky said.

No matter where your baby sleeps, Pinky still recommends parents learn about safe bed sharing as studies have shown that between 50 percent and 70 percent of parents will sleep with their baby in bed – intentionally or not.

“Parents know their own babies best, families have different situations such as numbers of children, work life pressures and levels of support so it’s about working out how to sleep safely where everyone gets the most rest.”

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Sleep training In short, the notion of sleep training is nothing more than unnecessary pressure on new parents. Pinky firmly believes there is no need to ‘train’ babies to sleep, just as there is no need to ‘train’ them to walk and talk. There are many factors that frequently change routines, so having some flexibility is important for both yours and your baby’s wellbeing.

“I am absolutely against sleep training, especially with very young babies who are very vulnerable – they have small stomachs so need frequent feeding. Mothers have different milk storage capacities that will influence the frequency of feeds to maintain a healthy milk supply, and babies need the sensory input from touch for their brain development,” Pinky said.

“There is also evidence that ignoring baby cues and leaving them to cry can induce

cortisol release that can impact brain development.”

Instead, allow your baby to guide you. If he falls asleep when feeding – so be it.

If cuddling and rocking your baby into slumber works, just enjoy spending time with him. The only time to actively make changes is if something you are doing no longer works. For those with a very wakeful baby, rather than try to change feeding routines, try to work out what is waking them. It may be hunger, or it may be discomfort, cold or simply a new developmental stage that will naturally pass.

“If anything you have been doing becomes unsustainable, you can make small changes ‘gradually with love’. Making changes to how your baby settles is fairly easy when your baby is developmentally ready and often happens naturally without stress for you or your little one.”

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Day sleeps No discussion on night routines and sleep is complete without some tips on also managing day sleeps. As new parents, you may frequently hear the term ‘sleep begets sleep’, meaning a well-rested child is more likely to continue sleeping well, day or night. If your baby is having difficulty sleeping during the day, try baby wearing or contact naps to help him relax into a deep, restful, calming sleep. “[Otherwise], you may find over the day very young babies can get quite ‘wired up’ and unsettled, finding it more and more difficult to block out stimulation and sleep at all,” Pinky explained.

“Young babies will nap for short periods fairly unpredictably. Although there is no ideal length babies should be napping (there is unnecessary pressure around ‘catnapping’), it can be helpful to try a ‘feed, play, feed, sleep’ rhythm.”

Trust yourself Pinky’s final words of wisdom are, to “go gentle on yourself”. Babies can be unpredictable and their rapidly changing bodies require adaptability and flexibility from loving parents. All you can do, is your best!

“Remember, however your baby sleeps, this is not a reflection of your parenting skills babies, just like adults, have varying sleep needs and these will change as your baby grows. If your baby is happy, thriving and engaging, this is your proof that you are doing a great job.”

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Have you tried Pinky’s Boobie Bikkies?

All natural, organic snacks to nourish breastfeeding mums – day and night!

Find out more: www.boobiebikkies.com.au Read more about feeding and sleeping routines in Pinky’s best-selling book Sleeping Like a Baby (Penguin Random House). Download the first chapter of Sleeping Like a Baby FREE at Pinky’s website www.pinkymckay.com

Returning To Work And Breastfeeding:

10 Tips

To Help You Make It Happen

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ust because your maternity leave is over and you are heading back to work, it doesn’t mean that you need to throw in the breastfeeding towel. Many new mothers have managed to combine both work and breastfeeding- it’s just another ball in the air in the motherhood-juggling act!

If you are going back to work and would like to continue to breastfeed, here are some tips and tricks that will hopefully make the process a little easier for you.

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Tip #1 Prepare, prepare and prepare some more

Tip #2 Communicate with your boss

As with everything in life, the more prepared you are, the more smoothly things tend to go; get organised and have a plan in place. Going back to work and continuing to breastfeed requires a strategy and a well thought out action plan.

It is really important that you talk to your employer about how they can support you as you return to work and continue to breastfeed. Be open and honest and relay from very early on that this is something that you feel is important and that you intend to do. Discuss working hours and the logistics that may need to be implemented in order for you to pump at work, including a private area or space where you can pump in peace. Having a frank conversation from the get go will help to eliminate many problems or issues in the long term.

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Start giving your baby a bottle fairly early. Many breastfeeding mums make the mistake of not introducing their baby to a bottle until just before they go back to work. To prevent any drama it is wise to get your baby familiar with the bottle from a fairly early age, so that both you and your baby are used to it. If your baby won’t take the bottle from you, get your partner or another family member or friend to introduce it.

Sort out your childcare arrangements. Finding suitable childcare can be tricky, especially when it is for a baby. It’s often an anxiety-filled mission, so give yourself plenty of time to find care that is reliable and that you are comfortable with. Also, set in place a ‘Plan B’ in case back-up is required.

Start stockpiling your milk supply. It can take some time to produce extra milk, so plan in some extra pumping sessions ahead of time so that you can start to accumulate expressed milk as well as get your body use to the process.

Do a trial run, before you do it for real give ‘going back to work’ a go.

See how long it takes to get ready, get the baby to childcare and test what bumps and challenges might arise so that you can head them off at the pass.

Tip #3 Strategize your breastfeeding sessions There is no breast pump as good as your baby, so get in as many feeding sessions with them as possible. Plan ahead so that you can feed before and after work. Also, look at options such as on site day care that may allow you the option of feeding during the working day.

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Tip #4 Plan your pumping sessions In order to maintain your milk supply, it is generally advised that you pump every three hours. Try and put in place a work schedule that allows you some regularity with your pumping. This will help your body to get into a routine as well as assist you in managing your work schedule.

Tip #5 Invest in good equipment We all like to spend as little money as possible on things, but investing in a good quality, time effective breast pump is well worth every dollar spent when you are a working mum.

Tip #6 Work out your wardrobe Think practical, not fashionable, although it is possible to combine the two! Make sure that you have some breastfeeding friendly work wear options available, as well as a suitable bra that allows you to pump easily.

Keep a supply of nursing pads, as well as a spare bra and change of clothes in your office in case of any mishaps.

Tip #7 Ease back into it If it is at all possible try and ease yourself back into your work life. Some employees can be very flexible and accommodating towards mothers returning to work. See if your boss will allow you to come back part time initially or perhaps work from home a day or two? You don’t know unless you ask!

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Tip #8 Take care of yourself Going back to work and adding pumping to your daily routine is a lot for you to physically and emotionally manage so be kind to yourself. Make sure that you are eating well and drinking lots of water.

When you have a chance to take break or have a rest then take it.

Tip #9 Accept help when it is offered Achieving a work / life balance is very difficult, especially for a new mum. It is both physically and emotionally taxing, so if help is offered TAKE it. If someone asks if they can do something for you, like making you a meal or picking up your dry cleaning, then take them up on the offer and just say ‘thank you’!

Tip #10 Stop feeling guilty One of the most common themes amongst all mothers is the feeling of guilt. It’s a bit like you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t, so set yourself free, give yourself a pat on the back, and tell yourself that you are doing the very best that you can do. No situation is perfect and you are going to have some days where you juggle things beautifully and other days where you drop a whole heap of balls. Keep a level head and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Embrace the choice that you have made and the reasons that you have made them and feel proud of your achievements and all that you do for your family!

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Milk Supply: Not Enough

Or Too Much?

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reastfeeding isn’t always easy and can be a very different experience for all new mothers. Although breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, it does not mean that it comes without challenges.

It is very common for mothers to worry about their milk supply, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding. Many mothers worry that they are not producing enough milk and that their baby is hungry as a result, whilst others worry that they have too much milk and that their baby is

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struggling to cope with the fast flow of their milk.

In most cases, mothers do produce enough milk for their babies and once a feeding routine has been established (and this does take a few weeks), then the supply and demand process between mum and bub often becomes in sync. However, this is not always the case; in some instances, new mums do have either a low supply or an oversupply of milk.

Let’s take a look at both situations.

Low Milk Supply The good thing is, if your breast milk supply is genuinely low, then in most cases, it is a temporary situation remedied with appropriate support and steps. The most important thing to determine is, if your baby is getting enough milk.

Here are some signs that your baby is getting enough milk: ● Your baby has at least 4-6 soaked nappies in a 24-hour period. ● Your baby wakes for feeds by themselves. ● Your baby settles between most feeds. ● Your baby passes a yellow stool (poo) at least once a day. ● Your baby should be back to its birth weight roughly two weeks after birth and should gain an average of 150g or more each week in the first three months of life.

If you do think that you have a low supply of milk, then it’s important to look at what’s causing the problem and how to resolve it.

Here are some possible causes of low milk supply: ● Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in each 24-hour window. If your baby is not in a regular feeding routine it can play havoc with your milk supply. ● If your baby is not latching on correctly or feeding correctly, then it can reduce the amount of milk 15

they are receiving and, in turn, your supply. ● The introduction of formula into your feeding routine. ● If you have had breast surgery that may affect your milk supply. ● Infections such as Mastitis can affect that amount of milk you produce. ● Some prescription medications including the contraceptive pill, or over the counter medicines such as cold/flu tablets may reduce milk supply.

If you have ascertained that you do have a low milk supply, then the next step is how to resolve the problem.

Here are some ways that may help to increase your milk supply: ● Increase frequency of feeding to at least eight feeds in every 24-hour window. This might mean waking your baby to feed.

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● It is important to ensure that your baby is latched on and feeding correctly. This might require assistance from a lactation consultant or a baby health care professional. ● Skin to skin contact with the baby at the breast. This will help to increase the release of hormones involved in breast milk production. ● Express after breastfeeding to increase further stimulation, as well as to ensure that your breasts are fully drained after each feed. ● Switch breasts regularly. If you notice that your baby is becoming sleepy or disinterested then ‘switch’ them to the other side, ensuring that you repeat on both breasts and that both breasts get fully drained. ● Massage your breasts to assist with milk flow, as well as drainage. ● Seek medical advice. Talk to your health care advisor and they might be able to provide you with prescription medication that will increase your milk supply.

Overflow It’s quite common for some mothers to produce more milk than their baby can cope with. This is particularly common in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, but for some mothers, it can continue for much longer.

Here are some signs that you may be producing an oversupply of milk: ● Your breasts feel very full and hard all the time. ● Your breasts seem to fill very quickly. ● You notice that your baby struggles to maintain a deep latch during feeding. ● Milk sprays out of your breast when your baby comes off the breast. ● Your baby gulps, chokes or splutters during feeding. ● Your baby may bring up quite a lot of milk at the end of a feed. ● Your breasts feel lumpy or tight and uncomfortable despite having fed. ● You are changing an unusually large number of wet nappies. ● Your baby becomes especially fussy between feeds especially at night time. ● Your baby has bowel motions after all (or most) feeds that are often green, watery, frothy or of an ‘explosive’ nature. ● You experience frequent breast engorgement, plugged ducts or Mastitis.

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● Listen to your own body and do not be afraid to wake your baby for a feed if your breasts are full and causing your discomfort.

If you have ascertained that you do have an overflow of milk then the next step is to determine how you can restrict the flow.

Here are some ways that may help to decrease your milk supply: ● Try laid-back breastfeeding. This involves feeding in a reclined position or actually lying down. This can help your baby to set the feeding pace and have more control. ● Relieve pressure by expressing. You can do this either by hand or pump expressing. This will help to relieve pressure in your breasts if they are very full and sore. ● Feed your baby on demand, as opposed to a set schedule. It is very common for breastfed babies to feed between 8 to 12 times within 24 hours. ● Listen to your baby and learn from their cues. This will help you to determine when they are hungry and when they need to feed.

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● Check that your baby is attaching and feeding in the correct position. A well-attached baby is far more likely to drain a breast fully than a poorly attached baby. ● Allow your baby to fully empty the first breast before offering the second breast. ● Seek medical advice and don’t take any herbal remedies before checking with your health care professional.

Having either an under or an oversupply of milk is a common problem for many new mothers, especially in the first few weeks of feeding. The best thing to do if you are experiencing either, is to talk to your health care provider or lactation consultant about strategies to manage feeding, expressing and pain management.

They will help you get back on track and hopefully ensure that the breastfeeding process is enjoyable for both mum and bub.

How Dads Can Help With

Newborns

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ost mums start prepping for baby as soon as they find out they’re expecting. There is a ton of information out there for an expecting mum, covering everything from how to take care of her body and the baby’s during pregnancy, the gadgets you’ll want to buy before delivery, to information on labor and what to do once the baby is born. However, there isn’t much information out there just for expecting dads.

Once a baby is born, a lot of dads aren’t quite sure what they can do to help when it seems like all baby wants is mum and milk.

It’s understandable that many dads feel overwhelmed and a little clueless as to what they can do to help mum and baby. But remember, he isn’t a mind reader and he won’t always know what is needed of him.

Helping a new mum with some physical duties is very helpful, but emotional aid can go a long way, too. She needs to feel like she isn’t doing this alone, so, if you are a new or expecting dad who is unsure of ways to help, we’ve got a few suggestions for you.

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1 If breastfeeding, bring

the baby to mum or if bottle feeding, give her a break and feed the baby yourself. She will especially appreciate this during the nighttime feedings and early in the morning.

2 Give your partner time to

really rest. Make sure she is getting

3 Spend quality time with

the baby. This seems like a given, but it

takes time to learn a baby’s crying patterns, the way they like to be held, and what they need and when. But once you figure it out, it’ll be much easier to go off on your own with your new baby and will allow mum to rest easier.

4 Take charge with the

quality rest by taking the baby out for walks housework. Tidy up, cook and do or care for it on your own while she sleeps. dishes or grocery shopping. Doing anything that will give your partner a break and relieve her stress will be a tremendous help.

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5 Change the nappies. I know you

don’t particularly want to, but neither does she.

And, since she just went through an intense physical experience, it’s the least you can do for her to recover faster and adjust to the demands on her body.

6 Make sure the nappies bag is

fully stocked, especially if you know mum and baby are planning on going out. Restock the nappies, wipes, dummies, a change of clothes, and anything else needed. ‘Baby-brain’ is real, and it is fog gy. Sometimes she’ll forget to check, and it will be a huge help if you’ve already been proactive.

7 Develop a thick skin. Your partner

will correct you at times. She probably will insist you do everything her way if she doesn’t just shove you aside to do it herself. It’s normal. It’s just her way of taking charge of a situation that feels out of her control. Don’t take it personally.

8 Let her vent…without complaining.

If she wants to keep talking about labor and the birth, let her. If she cries because she feels insecure, let her. Don’t get annoyed by this.

Remember, her hormones are all over the place, and her body is recovering. She’s going to be emotional. And even more important than simply letting her vent, is listening. Try not to shrug off her complaints and worries absentmindedly; you’re in it together.

9 Tell her she’s doing a great

job, that you’re proud of her,

and that you love her. A lot of new mothers doubt themselves and wonder if they are doing anything right. Encourage her and let he know she’s doing amazing.

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Breastfeeding –

Pain For Gain

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o put it simply, breastfeeding can hurt. Pain whilst breastfeeding is very common, so don’t think that you are alone.

Most of the time, it is a result of sore, tender nipples, especially during the period when your milk comes in around two to four days after you give birth.

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why breastfeeding might be causing you discomfort and what you can to relieve the symptoms and enjoy the feeding process a bit more.

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Engorged breasts Your breasts can become hard and painful because they are too full of milk. This most commonly occurs in the first few weeks of breastfeeding whilst you and your baby are still working out supply and demand.

Engorgement can also occur at any time when you have not breastfeed or pumped milk for a while, or when your baby’s feeding pattern changes. The best way to deal with engorged breasts is to try and empty the breast, either by feeding your baby, or by expressing your milk. If your breasts become full and uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to wake your baby and offer an additional feed as this will help to relieve your discomfort.

The following tips might also help: ● If you are regularly experiencing breast engorgement, especially after you have fed, then get into the routine of expressing a little bit of milk after the feed, either by hand or with a breast pump. ● Reduce the amount of time you are wearing a bra. Take it off when you are feeding and if you can, leave it off. ● Whilst your baby feeds gently massage your breast in a downward motion from the chest wall toward the nipple. ● Have a warm shower before you feed to provide you with some relief and comfort, but to also encourage milk flow. ● Apply a cold pack or a chilled washcloth to the breast to reduce inflammation and provide relief.

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Cracked, sore or bleeding nipples Cracked, sore or bleeding nipples are a common and painful problem for many breastfeeding mothers. Nipple skin is super-sensitive and any sort of grazes, cracks or skin tears can cause eye-watering pain. The most important thing to determine, is the source of your nipple problem. The most common causes of sore nipples is from your baby not attaching properly to your breast, so it is essential to check that they are latching on correctly. You may need to ask a healthcare professional for assistance. They can also check to see if you have any medical issues such as nipple infection or dermatitis that might be causing the problem. If you are using a nipple shield then it is very important to ensure that you are using the correct size and if you are using a breast pump, then check you are using it correctly.

Doing these things will help to prevent cracked, sore or bleeding nipples from occurring.

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The following tips might help to relieve the pain: ● Breastfeed more frequently. This will prevent your baby from becoming too hungry and feeding ravenously at your breast. ● Hand express or pump for a few minutes before you begin to feed this will help letdown and elongate the nipple, hopefully making the feeding process less painful. ● Feed from your least sore breast first. ● Remove your bra whilst feeding. ● Apply warm wet cloths to the nipple for relief, both before and after feeding. ● Consider using breast shells inside your bra to protect your nipples as they heal. ● After feeding, pat your nipple dry and then express a little breast milk to rub into them. Breast milk is high in Vitamin E, which can be very healing to the skin.

Mastitis Breast inflammation known as mastitis can be extremely painful. It most commonly occurs in the first few weeks of breastfeeding but can also occur at anytime whilst you are feeding. It can occur because of a limitation in milk flow, whether that is a result of a blocked duct, irregular feeding, a poor latch or an infection entering from a cracked nipple. Whatever the cause, Mastitis is not a pleasant experience and can cause great distress.

Here are some tips to help relieve the symptoms of Mastitis: ● Boosting your immune system won’t cure Mastitis but by taking some additional supplements you will be able to prepare your body a bit better to fight infection. ● Have a warm shower prior to feeding to relax your body and to help trigger your let down which will assist in

clearing any blockages and relieve pain. ● Use cold packs on the affected breast to reduce swelling and to provide pain relief. ● Rest, rest and more rest. If you are fighting a Mastitis infection, it is absolutely vital that you give your body a break and allow it time to recover. ● Seek medical assistance. Mastitis is a painful condition and one that really needs to be attended to by a medical professional who will be able to advise if you need antibiotics and pain relief.

Most mothers experience some breastfeeding challenges, especially in the early days. The most important thing is to look after yourself, as well as your baby, and to contact either your doctor, child care nurse or a lactation consultant at your local hospital for breastfeeding support if the problems continue.

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Amberley Harris:

Become Breastfeeding

Savvy A

ccording to midwife and breastfeeding consultant Amberley Harris, 96 per cent of Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding, but sadly only 39 per cent are still breastfeeding after three months.

There are numerous reasons for this, but one of the key issues facing many new mums is the limited support during the crucial first six weeks.

Amberley has been a practicing midwife since 2007 and has had two babies of her own. She worked in both private and public hospitals in the Melbourne area and now

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works through her own consultancy service, Maternal Instincts by Amberley. Her focus is helping mothers become ‘breastfeeding savvy’before birth and in the first six weeks after to help combat the unrealistic expectations, challenges and blockages that prevent many from enjoying this healthy, wonderful part of motherhood.

“This is where I know I can make significant, impactful change to the world’s breastfeeding statistics… My mission is to create a movement. A movement where I play a role in supporting women to learn

how to breastfeed over the first six weeks, so they can go on to exclusively breastfeed for six months and complementary feed (breastfeeding and food) until their child turns two years of age or beyond,” she said.

While breastfeeding is such a beautiful, natural part of becoming a mother for some, for others is can be very difficult and a key source of frustration. There are numerous factors that influence how a baby feeds, from health concerns and the birth itself, to lack of support, limited knowledge and unrealistic expectations in the days and weeks post-birth. Amberley works with each expectant mother to uncover their concerns and encourage them to be open minded when it comes to the challenges ahead.

“My clientele is either mothers expecting their first baby and are worried they won’t be able to breastfeed (because they have seen friends/familywho were unsuccessful) or mothers expecting their second/third/ fourth baby and haven’t been able to breastfeed in the past,” she said.

“Education and support are the two areas I feel most important to new mothers learning how to breastfeed. I educate mothers during pregnancy about breastfeeding so by the time they have their baby, they have a good foundation of knowledge to build on.”

Amberley has five top tips that she encourages all expectant mothers to take on board in order to set up a healthy and sustainable breastfeeding routine as early as possible.

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1

Allow your baby to choose its birthday.

Your baby will arrive when it is ready.

2

Aim to avoid medical interventions which can affect your baby’s instinctive drive to breastfeed. Discuss any interventions that may be necessary with your doctor and midwife as there may be alternatives, however never put your baby’s (or your own) health at risk.

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Allow your baby the chance to complete the breast crawl and selfattachfor the first breastfeed. This is a magical experience! Communicate your wishes to your doctor and midwife and they will assist you.

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Avoid dummies, bottles and formula.

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Find a breastfeeding expert you connect with and trust to work with during the first six weeks of breastfeeding.

As Amberley has found both from her own experience as a mother and in her work as a midwife and consultant, having a trusted source of support is vital to successful breastfeeding. Those many hours sitting alone with your baby can seem overwhelming, so it is very helpful to know you have someone on your side when thigs aren’t going so well or you need some advice.

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Amberley has a breastfeeding education video series available on her website to help pregnant women holistically prepare for breastfeeding. For more information on Amberley and her services, visit www. maternal-instincts.com.au

Sarah Murnane: From An Image To A Community Credit: Sarah Murnane

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arah Murnane always had a passion for photography, but her passion reached a new level after the birth of her daughter.

Nothing is as beautiful as the perfect portrait of a new baby; the loving embrace of a mother’s arms, the quiet adoration in a father’s eyes and the wonder and excitement of siblings. Sarah became the first birth photographer in her area – but there were incredible things yet to come in her journey.

In October 2015, Sarah set up a photo shoot of 20 mothers and babies with the aim to celebrate the sisterhood and support she found through breastfeeding. The image captured the group on the pristine Breamlea beach, all styled like goddesses

in white, with elegant headpieces and an ethereal glow in the sky behind them. The image was pure love, pure collective peace and acceptance on a deep level. She chose white to represent the colour of their milk, as well as a unified colour to symbolise their togetherness.

Her spectacular image very quickly went viral and she was inundated with requests from other women to do a similar shoot. Children are only small for such a short time, and it became apparent how important it was for so many other women to preserve that moment and the closeness breastfeeding brought them to their little one.

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Instead of just another job, Sarah saw these requests as an opportunity to create something big, to encourage change and to further support those who supported her. Through her art, she could make a real difference to the community, to help break down the negative stigmas around breastfeeding in public and build a community of like-minded women.

The Australian Breastfeeding Project was born and in just four years has grown to employ over 40 photographers. The images have been widely shown across the globe in various media outlets and social media with the aim to normalise breastfeeding and break down barriers some mothers

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face when feeding their children in public.

She urges everyone, whenever they see a woman feeding her baby, to look at her and smile rather than shying away. For many mothers, feeding in public takes a courage and confidence that is not innate; but seeing and feeling that acceptance from those around brings value and comfort to an act that is both natural and necessary. “We aim to get every participant to share their images through their social media so that seeing images of breastfeeding becomes as normal as seeing a selfie in our newsfeeds,� Sarah said. “I want mothers everywhere to feel comfortable when nourishing their child. I

Credit: Sarah Murnane

want to live in a world where women and men alike encourage mothers to feed their babies, whenever and wherever they see fit, without a second thought,” she said.

In addition, the Australian Breastfeeding Project has amassed a community of over 30,000 people who support, encourage and campaign for change. They have successfully promoted the long-term benefits of breastfeeding and helped dispel myths and stereotypes so prevalent in society.

“We have seen a huge shift in support and stopping the flow of incorrect information out there. Our group is 30,000 strong, but I see the ripple effect in other groups where members are correcting and helping support thousands of others outside of the group. The project is more than images to help raise awareness, it’s a community.”

“We want to make sure that the support and education is there for many generations to come. I want to make sure my daughters get the support they deserve if they decide to have babies.”

Credit: Sarah Murnane

From one image, one idea sparked by her own personal journey into motherhood, Sarah has made a marked difference to how breastfeeding is looked upon in public.

Sarah and her team continue to travel Australia, taking exquisite images and promoting the Project.

If you would like to find out more or become involved yourself, visit the website www.australianbreastfeedingproject.com.au

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Credit: Sarah Murnane

Contributors Pinky McKay

Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding expert. She’s an IBCLC lactation consultant, a mum of five, best-selling author of Sleeping Like a Baby, Parenting by Heart and Toddler Tactics (Penguin Random House). She is also the creator of Boobie Bikkies, all natural and organic cookies to nourish breastfeeding mothers. Pinky McKay works with new mums to help build confidence, knowledge and comfort around feeding their little ones.

www.pinkymckay.com

Amberley Harris is a Melbourne based Midwife in private practice with her own breastfeeding consultancy business. Amberley has over 12 years’ experience working as a Midwife in both the public and private hospital setting and is a proud co-producer of two darling humans in more recent years. With a highly engaged audience of over 16,000 followers on social media, Amberley is also a micro-influencer in the world of motherhood & maternal wellness. Amberley’s move to entrepreneurship was for two reasons. Firstly because this is where she knew she could make significant, impactful change to global breastfeeding statistics and secondly because she could be philanthropic every step of the way.

Amberley Harris

www.maternal-instincts.com.au

Sarah Murnane

australianbreastfeedingproject.com.au

Sarah Murnane is the founder of The Australian Breastfeeding Project; an initiative to create awareness of the beauty of breastfeeding, generate acceptance that prolonged breastfeeding has several health benefits and take action to eradicate the negative stigma associated with breastfeeding in public. Her photo shoot featuring 20 mothers dressed in white, breastfeeding their children on the Breamlea beach started a movement for women around Australia. Her aim is to minimise the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in today’s society and bring awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding including long term and the fact that most women struggle.