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: