Breastfeeding
Our team of Clinical Midwife Specialists, Lactation Consultants, Physiotherapists & Dieticians have created a suite of breastfeeding videos. These resources aim to help parents to prepare for breastfeeding their babies. Topics covered in the videos include: preparing to breastfeed; the benefits of harvesting colostrum; positioning and attachment; signs of effective breastfeeding; common challenges encountered in breastfeeding; eating during breastfeeding and guidance on a number of techniques, such as hand expressing.
We have also included information for breastfeeding premature and sick babies.
Breastfeeding your Baby
Remember, breastfeeding is a learned skill, it takes time, commitment and patience for mother and baby to become skilled at it. Please contact our lactation services if you have any further questions.
A special thank you to all the mothers and babies who assisted us in the development of these videos. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Preparing to Breastfeed
In this video we discuss:
How your breasts change during pregnancy; why breastfeeding is important for the health of your baby and you; how you can prepare for breastfeeding and the collection of colostrum before the birth of your baby.
Breastfeeding your Baby
In this video we discuss the Golden Hour after birth in skin to skin contact and feeding cues from your baby.
Positioning and Attachment
In this video we show you how to help your baby to position and attach for breastfeeding.
Positioning and attachment is about how you hold your baby at the breast so your baby can feed effectively.
Signs of Effective Breastfeeding
In this video we’ll discuss how to recognise signs of effective breastfeeding and how to know that your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
Common Challenges in the Early Days of Breastfeeding
In this video we discuss some common challenges that you may experience particularly in the early days of breastfeeding.
This includes:
Sleepy Baby
Sore Nipples
Cracked Nipples
Using a Hospital Grade Pump
Engorgement of the Breast
Cluster Feeding
Mastitis
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Premature & Sick Babies
In this video we discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for premature and sick babies.
Expressing Breastmilk for Premature & Sick Babies
Here we discuss expressing breastmilk, it is especially important for premature babies to receive breastmilk, this can be done by breastfeeding your baby or by feeding your baby expressing breastmilk.
This video was created with premature babies in mind but the technique is beneficial to all breastfeeding mothers.
It’s important to know how to hand express.
Resons to hand express include:
Premature birth
Maternal/infant separation
If baby cannot breastfeed
Visit Standford Medicine for information on the Hand Expression of Milk.
Boosting Milk Supply for Premature & Sick Babies
In this video we discuss techniques that may help you to boost your milk supply.
Premature Babies Journey to Exclusive Breastfeeding
In this video we discuss your premature babies journey to exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a way for you to support your new baby.
NICU Lactation Services
In this video we discuss the lactation services available in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Coombe.
We recommend that all premature & sick babies receive breastmilk however we support and respect all families with their feeding choices.
Breastfeeding and Exercise
Moderate exercise while breastfeeding has many benefits. It can improve mum’s health and has a positive effect on emotional well- being. This feeling of well-being, improved energy and reduced stress levels can enhance maternal-infant relationship. For information speak to our physiotherapy department or download our Breastfeeding and Exercise leaflet.
Eating During Breastfeeding
In this video we will talk about tips for eating well during breastfeeding.
Other Recommended Resources
My Pregnancy book available from mychild.ie and given at your booking appointment.
HSE - Breastfeeding: A good start in life
The Coombe Hospital: Breastfeeding Your Baby
Hse - Safe Skin to Skin with your Baby after Birth
We also recommend you watch this video provided by health care practitioners at Global Health Media & Standford Medicine.
Challenges in breastfeeding
The following factors may pose challenges in breastfeeding. If you answer yes to any of the below please contact the Infant Feeding Department on 01 408 5761 when you are 34 weeks pregnant to discuss the possibility of harvesting colostrum (leave a message on voicemail).
Multiple pregnancy
Diabetes
Elective caesarean section
Assistance in conceiving
Mothers age above 35 on first pregnancy
No breast changes in pregnancy
Breast implants, breast reduction, or any other operations
Medical conditions: Thyroid/PCOS
Previous breastfeeding challenges
Common Challenges in the Early Days of Breastfeeding
In this video we discuss some common challenges that you may experience particularly in the early days of breastfeeding.
This includes:
Sleepy Baby
Sore Nipples
Cracked Nipples
Using a Hospital Grade Pump
Engorgement of the Breast
Cluster Feeding
Mastitis
Bottle Feeding
In preparation for bottle feeding we recommend you visit the HSE website and you read the information on the following:
Harvesting Colostrum Packs
If you wish to order a free harvesting colostrum pack please contact the Infant Feeding department on 01 408 5761 after 34 weeks of pregnancy. Packs can be ordered for appointments around 35/36 weeks with a minimum of 3 days notice prior to collection. Colostrum harvesting packs can also be sent to our community clinics with advance notice.