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Jane Barry
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Jane Barry is a registered nurse, midwife and child health nurse. She attained a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Queensland University of Technology and has qualifications in immunisation and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Jane has worked exclusively with families and children for nearly thirty years and has spent the last twenty years supporting and educating parents and caregivers in how to care for their children. Jane writes weekly parenting columns for national newspapers and a popular women’s magazine. She contributes regularly to radio and television programmes when parenting expertise is required. Jane has children of her own and knows first hand the challenges and joys of raising a family.
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Breast milk is best – but don't forget about back support
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Breast milk is the perfect food for babies – it's full of antibodies
and nutrients, readily available, free, and environmentally friendly
since there is no packaging or waste. However, while it's true that
you can do it basically anywhere, how do you make the physical act of
breast feeding an ever-growing infant kinder to your back and posture?
During attachment the baby needs to be brought to the breast, rather
than the mother bringing the breast to the baby. So it's important
that you are positioned comfortably with your baby well supported.
Some women like to sit up to feed, holding their baby across
themselves in a traditional "Madonna" hold. Other women prefer to use
the 'football hold' i.e. with their baby's body laying tucked
underneath their arm and positioned away from their side. Twins can be
fed simultaneously in this manner, allowing their heads to be well
supported by their mother's hands and for each twin to have enough
room to move.
Other women prefer to lie down on a bed or couch to feed, with the
baby's body supported in alignment with their mother's side.
Before commencing a feed, it is important for mothers to ensure that
they are comfortable themselves. Babies can develop a preference for
feeding on one breast, favouring one over the other. But as long as
each breast is getting adequate stimulation, this does not generally
cause a problem.
Many women experience muscle fatigue and strain in their shoulders,
arms and backs due to awkward positioning and supporting their baby
over the course of feed times. The act of breast feeding can consume
many hours in a day. Many women find that in order to maintain a good
milk supply they need to breast feed at least six times in a 24-hour
period. Therefore it is vital that unnecessary muscle strain, cramp
and fatigue is avoided by taking a few moments to ensure your own
comfort at the outset and throughout each breast feed.
Pillows can be positioned underneath the baby for support and to avoid
the mother having to lean forward during the feed. Finding a
comfortable pillow which is the right height and doesn't align the
baby too low or high to the mother's breast can take a bit of
experimentation.
How does my own well-being affect my breast feeding?
It is important for lactating mothers to look after themselves well
and not overlook their own needs for nurturing. This includes eating
nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and ensuring adequate
rest in order to maintain a bountiful milk supply, as well as to help
achieve good physical and psychological health.
Many women feel a sense of empowerment and a boost to their
self-esteem when they breast feed. They see this as intrinsically
linked to what it means to be a mother by being able to provide a
unique and individual gift to their baby.
Where can I find some further information about breast feeding?
Useful websites include www.breastfeeding.asn.au and
www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en
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