‘Breastfeeding Just Happens’ – Lois Wattis
Motherhood Myths Busted – Breastfeeding just happens naturally, doesn’t it?Many new mothers experience surprise, disappointment and frustration as they struggle to master the new skill of breastfeeding. They may be bewildered by conflicting advice from caregivers and find themselves with wounded nipples and a crying hungry baby just days after giving birth. Discourse among experts further confounds the plethora of well-meaning advice, however research indicates that learning to recognise and follow baby’s instinctive behaviours is fundamental to success. This begins by “switching on” baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes with skin to skin contact, which triggers baby’s response to seek the breast. Optimal positioning allows baby to tilt his head back and place his chin firmly and well below the nipple. This stimulates the reflex to gape widely, latch deeply and feed comfortably. It takes time and patience to learn any new skill, and getting the right help sooner rather than later can ensure breastfeeding does happen – naturally.
View New Baby 101 free “How to Breastfeed your Baby” video www.newbaby101.com.au for a visual guide of positioning, attachment, and what a breastfeed looks like.
Lois Wattis
Clinical Midwife & Lactation Consultant
Author of New Baby 101 – A Midwife’s Guide for New Parents – App and eBook
Lois Wattis is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, Lactation Expert and a Fellow of the Australian College of Midwives. Working in both hospital and community settings, Lois has enhanced her midwifery skills and expertise by providing woman-centered care to hundreds of mothers and babies, including more than 50 women who chose to give birth at home.