Breastfeeding provides not only the nutritional requirements for your baby, but also the immunological protection needed for the first months of your baby’s life. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for establishing a strong and positive mother-infant relationship. Angela Smith is the lactation consultant at Sydney Mother & Baby for patients of Dr. Stephen Morris. Her expertise in lactation will be of great benefit to you if you require antenatal or postnatal lactation consultation.
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ANTENATAL BREASTFEEDING CLASS
Angela also holds complimentary antenatal breastfeeding classes 3 times a month, on the 1st Friday of each month from 8am to 9am and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 12pm to 1pm . Her vision for these classes is for you to leave excited and looking forward to the prospect of breastfeeding your baby.
The class involves discussion about expectations and examining what is realistic and what is not. Some of the common myths about breastfeeding will be explored as well as some of the more unusual reasons for breastfeeding. You will learn some skills you will need to begin this exciting stage of parenting, including:
- Benefits of Breastfeeding
- What is a normal breast and nipple
- Anatomy and Physiology of the lactating breast
- How long to feed?
- One breast or two?
- Signs of a “let down”
- The first feed
- Colostrum, foremilk and hindmilk
- Normal feeding patterns for the first few days
- Engorgement/normal fullness
- Baby-led attachment
INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS
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Antenatally
There are various situations where input and advice on breastfeeding may be required, to which Dr. Stephen Morris and our midwives can guide you. Common conditions where antenatal lactation consultation is highly recommended, include:
- Breast reduction or breast implants
- Inverted nipples
- Hypo-plastic (underdeveloped) breasts
- Other breast surgery
- Women who have had previous breastfeeding problems, such as difficulty establishing lactation or recurrent mastitis.
- Women having a multiple pregnancy
- Anyone who would like a one on one discussion or education about breastfeeding
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Postnatally
The first few weeks of breastfeeding are always the hardest. If breastfeeding isn’t going well when you get home from hospital, we welcome you to either visit Angela at one of the drop-in clinic or make an appointment. Solutions are commonly quite simple and are more easily solved if dealt with sooner rather than later.
The drop-in clinic is targeted towards mothers whose babies are only a few weeks old. However, if your baby is older and you are still having problems, please come in. This is often the time when we find a permanent solution to the problem. The sort of problems and concerns you should attend the drop-in clinic for can include:
- Babies who have lost 10% or more of their birth weight and are slow to regain this weight.
- Babies who are slow to gain weight
- You are using a nipple shield
- Your nipples are either still very tender or have damage that is not healing
- You are having difficulty latching baby
- Your breasts are still feeling full even though your baby is more than 10 days old
- You need help learning to express
- You think you may have too much milk
- You think you may not have enough milk
- If you would simply like more information and/or encouragement for breastfeeding.
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During your visit with Angela, you can discuss problems that you may be experiencing, and can include an observed feed of your baby, in the comfort and privacy of the lactation room.
Angela’s consultation room is stocked with advanced lactation equipment including digital baby scales and an electric breast pump.
If you are uncertain which breastfeeding service would be best suited to you, or you would like more information regarding the services we offer at Sydney Mother & Baby; please call the rooms or email Angela directly at angela@www.drmorris.com.au.