Making the transition from using bottles, cups etc., to feeding at the breast There are lots of reasons babies might need more milk than they can get directly at the breast: They don’t have enough energy to do all the work of feeding. They may have been born early or small-for-dates, or are … [Read more...] about Weaning from Supplements
Not enough milk
Breastfeeding with PCOS and a High BMI
November 2013: My first baby is finally here, and I am over the moon. But I am also leaving the hospital with formula forced upon me and already combination feeding 24 hours after a long, medicated birth. The midwives’ comments about the size of my breasts and the flatness of my nipples floating in … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding with PCOS and a High BMI
How milk production works
Mothers have successfully fed their children for thousands of years of human history without understanding how it works. It’s a bit like driving a car – as long as it’s working well, you don’t need to know what is going on under the bonnet! If you are having breastfeeding problems, such as low … [Read more...] about How milk production works
How to increase your milk supply
Is your milk supply really low? New mothers who are learning to breastfeed often worry that they might not be making enough milk for their baby. Their breasts might stop feeling full and their baby might sometimes be unsettled, or not want to be put down between feeds. (You can read more about … [Read more...] about How to increase your milk supply
Getting breastfeeding on track after a difficult start – the “3 Keeps”
When you have early breastfeeding problems, it can feel as if it’s “all gone wrong” and the dreams you had about feeding your baby are in ruins. Fortunately, babies are very adaptable and resilient, and so are their mothers! With time, patience and, if necessary, skilled help, it is almost always … [Read more...] about Getting breastfeeding on track after a difficult start – the “3 Keeps”
“Fussy evenings” with a newborn
My baby feeds all evening, and my breasts feel empty – have I run out of milk? Every time I try to put my baby down to sleep, they cry! What am I doing wrong? Why does my baby cry at the breast sometimes, even though they still seem hungry? If you’ve ever asked questions like this during the … [Read more...] about “Fussy evenings” with a newborn
Using donor milk and formula to support breastfeeding
Babies sometimes need more milk than they can take at the breast. This may be because they were born early or small, and don’t yet have enough energy to do all the work of breastfeeding. Sometimes, mothers don’t have as much milk as their baby needs. It is important that babies get … [Read more...] about Using donor milk and formula to support breastfeeding
What’s in a nappy?
As new parents, we suddenly find ourselves examining our babies' poo more closely than we could ever have imagined. We pay attention to the colour, quantity, texture and smell, and notice the slightest changes. We then go to the internet looking for answers and fear the worst. There are many … [Read more...] about What’s in a nappy?
Signs of effective feeding in the early days
Most babies are keen to feed in the first 90 minutes after they are born especially if they are in skin-to-skin contact with their mum. If your baby is too sleepy to take this first feed or needs medical attention, it's a good idea to ask your healthcare team to show you how to hand express and … [Read more...] about Signs of effective feeding in the early days
Relactation and Induced Lactation
Ask any breastfeeding mother why she’s chosen to breastfeed. She’ll probably tell you about the benefits to herself, her baby and her family, as well as the joy and satisfaction of meeting her baby’s needs for food, protection and security through breastfeeding. Mothers who stop breastfeeding after … [Read more...] about Relactation and Induced Lactation