Breastfeeding support means more than just having a great maternity bra. For so many mamas, the global pandemic has meant that our access to breastfeeding support has been impacted. With lots of health care appointments going online, rather than face-to-face, some of us just aren’t getting the hands-on help we need.
But there are some positives – like more workplaces embracing flexible work, meaning many of us are able to work from home. This is good news for breastfeeding mamas who may be able to work around their baby’s schedule.
If you’re struggling with some of the common breastfeeding challenges, help is at hand.
By Mama Disrupt®
Why do women stop breastfeeding?
While plenty of mamas intend to breastfeed, many just don’t get the support they need to continue. Some of the challenges are physical, like nipple soreness, painful latch, mastitis, and other breastfeeding challenges.
For other mothers, the challenges are emotional, or they aren’t given the support they need from partners, employers, or support networks. That’s why we’re here to help!
Where to get support //
Women should be given evidence-based information to support them to meet their breastfeeding goals. A great place to start is World Breastfeeding Week. There are lots of organisations who can provide breastfeeding support, such as:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association – ABA helpline
- The Maternal & Child Health Line
- Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand – private lactation consults
- Maternal and Child Health Nurse local centres. Contact your local council to find them.
- Local hospital breastfeeding clinics. Phone your local hospital for an appointment.
“YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THIS BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY IS OURS, TOGETHER, AS MUMS.”
Social systems of support //
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s never been more true than when it comes to breastfeeding support. In traditional societies, people grow up witnessing breastfeeding, whereas many new mamas today have never watched a baby latch until they’re attempting to do it themselves.
This is where our social support systems can help, whether it’s by having someone to watch your other children, or cook for you so you can focus on feeding. Make sure you enlist:
- Family
- Friends
- Your partner if you have one
- Mother’s group
- Online forums and chats
Medela //
Our expert BFFs at Medela provide free evidence based information via their website, app and eBook.
- Medela Family Program is here to support you throughout your feeding experience. They share knowledge, offering the support you need to empower you to make informed decisions about your feeding goals. And they connect you with other mums, to get all the support you need.
- The multi award-winning Medela Family app is your personal helper. With the app you can easily track important stats for pregnancy, baby, and breastfeeding and it gives you tips and support to help you meet your goals.
- The Amazing Science of Mother’s Milk free eBook is jampacked with information about breastfeeding, the incredible qualities of breast milk and more!
- In A Guide for Breastfeeding Mums During COVID-19, Medela shares advice for mums to stay healthy and calm during the Coronavirus pandemic.
