Happy World Breastfeeding Week

Our first brelfie!

I've always had great experiences nursing in public and conversing about it, even now that my son is almost two years old, but it is still glaringly obvious how low the numbers of Irish breast fed babies are, particularly beyond the first few weeks of age. Instead of placing the blame on the mother, it is important to acknowledge where the problem begins, and that is in the lack of education and awareness about the realities of breastfeeding. 

When I was pregnant, a question I was often asked was if I was going to breastfeed. When I said yes, almost everybody told me a negative story, whether it was about their own experience or of someone they knew. That breastfeeding was extremely painful was the most common complaint but the other common denominator was that none of the mothers were prepared before the birth, but had "hoped" to breastfeed. Of course, when your baby is unsettled and seems to be at the breast constantly, if you don't know that this is normal infant behaviour, who could blame a mother for availing of the free bottles of formula that are handed around without question in the maternity ward? After all, she has probably been misinformed that she does not have enough milk.

I think we can all agree that feeding the baby is probably top priority when it comes to the list of jobs that comes with caring for a newborn. I suggest that on your first maternity visit to the doctors, a straightforward fact sheet about breastfeeding should be given to every mother-to-be. This fact sheet should highlight the mechanics of breastfeeding (supply and demand, correct positioning and latching), realities of breastfeeding (cluster feeding, frequent feeds, length of feeds) and the benefits of breastfeeding (reduced infection/allergies/obesity/SIDS in infants, reduced breast and overian cancer/post natal depression in mothers and it also helps your uterus return to normal size more quickly). 

Currently most references made to breastfeeding in the media are either to preface a baby formula advert or some hysterical story about a mother who nurses an older child. It's time to start treating breastfeeding as a basic, essential part of a child's life rather than as a lifestyle choice.

Handsfree Breastfeeding with a Woven Wrap Sling

It can be done as I've just discovered today. I ordered two slings, a Didymos and a Hoppediz, to rent for two weeks from the brilliant sling library on the babywearingireland website, and they arrived today. After half an hour of playing around with the Hoppediz, and using this video [it's in Spanish but easy to follow], I managed to comfortably attach my three week old baby to me, where he has been happily feeding/snoozing for the last half hour. The slings come with instructions, and the Hoppediz supplies a great choice of holds, but none to compete with the youtube video for a hold suitable for nursing.

I'm so happy. I can finally get things done!

I Could Not Live Without My: Nursing Pillow

Since having my first baby two weeks ago, my life has been made infinitely easier by the addition of a nursing pillow, so much so that I bought a second one. And nursing is only one of the tasks it makes easier. In fact, as I type this post with one hand, baby is lying across the pillow [which is wrapped around my stomach] having his lunch and I only need one hand to support his head - sometimes, depending on my sitting position, I need not use any hands and baby can comfortably feed as the pillow provides ample support.


Other wonderful uses I've found for the pillow are:


1. Sitting on





Comfortable for everyone but especially to relieve pressure from post-labour stitches. This is the reason to own two pillows. It's easily portable to every chair/room in the house.


2. Allowing a young baby to nap safely outside a cot/crib





Any parent with a newborn knows that every nap is to be appreciated and a nursing pillow can be used to ensure baby can nap comfortably and safely. The sides cocoon the baby so it cannot roll over and it can turn a couch in to a baby bed instantly. Also if the baby falls asleep nursing and you don't want to disturb him, you'll find it quite easy to use the time constructively by reading your book/knitting/watching a movie/anything that can be done sitting down as you have two hands free.

3. Propping up baby

I haven't taken a photo to illustrate but for tummy time in the earlier stages. simply turn baby over on his stomach and use the pillow to help him prop up. You can also lie him on his back and support his head in the centre of the crescent for playing and talking to!

So even if you are bottle feeding your baby, don't overlook what a nursing pillow can do for you. They are wonderful creations.