Breastfeeding help & resources

Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, which is at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. What is important to understand is that it’s not just the frequency of milk removal, it is about the effectiveness of the milk transfer. 

Signs include regular wet and dirty nappies, steady weight gain and a generally content baby who is waking for feeds. If you have concerns I can assess your technique, positioning and attachment at the breast and your baby’s well-being.

No. Pain and damage signal that there is a challenge with breastfeeding. Some early sensitivity can be common in the first week or so as your nipples and areolae adjust to the frequent feeding.  Seek support if you experience pain and/or damage, as most problems can be resolved with expert guidance.

Sleep deprivation and exhaustion are one of the hardest parts of parenthood and can place a family under great strain. I can support you with naptime and nighttime strategies that will enable you to maximise your rest while meeting the needs of your breastfeeding baby.

If you need help getting more sleep overnight while protecting your breastfeeding relationship then Night Nannies Surrey can help. You stay in bed, your baby will be placed into your arms whenever a feed is required. The nanny will then do the winding, nappy changes and settling so you can stay rested. The nanny can also support with bottle feeds if you’re pumping and/or combi-feeding overnight making night feeds less exhausting.

https://www.nightnannies.com/surrey-and-east-berkshire-2/

Frequent and responsive feeding with effective milk removal and ensuring optimal latch are the most important factors in milk supply. Staying hydrated and well-nourished is also important. Sounds simple but it’s often not. Lactation and breastfeeding are multifactorial and challenges with low milk supply involve some investigative work and personalised solutions. Mental and emotional health, home/social context and physiological factors all play a part in infant feeding.

If you think that your baby might have an oral restriction then skilled breastfeeding support is vital in order to look at the whole picture and first work on strategies for getting optimal latch, help with positioning and attachment to improve your comfort and if needed, a plan to keep your milk flowing until your baby has a tongue-tie release.

I can support with an oral assessment of your baby during a consultation and make an onward referral if required.

Diagnosis and division of a restricted frenulum (tongue-tie) must be made by a qualified tongue-tie practitioner.

I can support your baby with breastfeeding after a frenotomy (tongue-tie division) with some gentle body work to support facial and lingual complex release. If your baby needs more intense and complex treatment I will refer you to a local paediatric chiropractor or osteopath.

Many medications are safe to use while breastfeeding, but it’s best to check with your GP or pharmacist. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can also provide information on whether your health condition(s) or medication could have an impact on lactation. There is also an excellent resource the Drugs In Breastmilk Service (DiBM) you can use to check drug safety while breastfeeding.

This question is often in the mind of a new family within weeks of giving birth. Returning to work after having as baby can be really tough emotionally, physically and practically and we can start worrying about the transition several months before it happens. Finding the balance is possible and countless mothers have successfully transitioned back to work while continuing to provide their breastmilk. Please don’t spend your maternity leave worrying about it, together we can come up with a personalised plan so you’re ready and confident for the transition.

Absolutely. There is no ‘right’ way to breastfeed or give your milk to your baby. It’s your choice and that looks different for each family. It is your body and your baby. I will provide expert guidance to empower you to ‘go with the flow’ however that looks for you.

Yes, I will compassionately support anyone wanting to give human-milk to their baby. This website uses the terms ‘mother’ and ‘breastfeeding’ but my intake form asks parents their preferred labels and terms which I will respectfully use during a consultation.