Video Series: Breastfeeding Help & Advice
Learn from medical experts and real Kiwi mums in this 7-part video series on breastfeeding your baby
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Video Series: Breastfeeding Help & Advice
Whether you have just given birth to your first child or you are coming home with your sixth (either way: congratulations), breastfeeding can be challenging, painful, and frustrating. It can also bring great joy and it is worth persevering.
This video series from Breastfeeding NZ will help. Breastfeeding NZ is a popular community project backed by the Ministry of Health. The videos follow 9 Kiwi mums or mums-to-be as we share in their breastfeeding journeys.
Videos with subtitles can be found here.
Videos with sign language accompaniment can be found here.
Preparing to breastfeed
Viewing time: 7m 02s
What you will learn:
- Breastmilk is the healthiest way for baby to begin their life
- It helps against tummy upsets and reduces your baby’s risk of diabetes, cot death and respiratory problems
- Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
- It also strengthens the bond between mother and child and can help with weight loss
- You can attend classes before your baby is born to help with breastfeeding- you can learn some great techniques. Speak to your midwife who will be happy to help you.
How to initiate early feeds
Viewing time: 5m 47s
What you will learn:
- A newborn is placed straight on mums tummy when they are born
- Lying skin to skin with you straight after birth helps baby maintain a good temperature and is great for bonding
- Newborns will look around for food within the first hour of birth
- Breastfeeding is so instinctive for babies that if left, they will go toward your breast themselves
- Breastmilk is full of antibodies and protection against germs – key for a little newborn in their first days of life
- Your baby will tell you she’s hungry with sucking noises, turning her head from side to side and licking her lips
- Your baby will feed on ‘colostrum’ for a few days after birth until your milk comes in
How to find a good latch
Viewing time: 8m 18s
What you will learn:
- A good latch is a key to successful breastfeeding
- Bring your baby in close and tilt her head back
- Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful – if it is, you can break the suction by putting your finger in baby’s mouth, and start again
- There are different breastfeeding positions and you can do what is best for you
- Milk takes 2-3 days to come in (you are producing colostrum at first)
- Your baby may lose weight at first and will return to birth weight by day 10-14 …this is normal
- Nipples can be tender in the first week but shouldn’t be sore – speak to your midwife if they are
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding challenges
Viewing time: 7m 04s
What you will learn:
- Most challenges can start with a bad latch – it is painful for you and means your baby is not feeding properly either.
- If you feel even a little tinge of pain, take your baby off and try again
- You may experience cracked nipples, these often heal quickly
- A lump in your breast could be a blocked duct. You can use a hot flannel and massaging to help
- A blocked duct can lead to an infection called mastitis if left untreated.
- Keep an eye out for lumps or red patches and contact your GP asap if you suspect you have mastitis
- Remember, your midwife is there for you for support and a lactation expert can provide excellent guidance.
What to do if you’re going out
Viewing time: 3m 41s
What you will learn:
- Breastmilk is portable so you can feed your baby while out of the house
- You may like to double up with two layers, pull one up and one down to have easier access to your breasts
- You may feel shy at first. This is a normal feeling and remember that breastfeeding is natural.
- Avoid alcohol in the first month – it can lower your milk supply
- If you do drink, avoid breastfeeding afterwards for at least two hours and you may like to express milk before you have a drink.
Can partners, friends and family help?
Viewing time: 5m 45s
What you will learn:
- New mums are on call night and day.and this is exhausting
- It takes a few days for your milk to come in and some women experience baby blues in this time
- Receiving support from family and friends is essential for your health – you need to be well to take care of your baby
- Breastfeeding routine can take 6 weeks to establish – why not try a La Leche support group?
- It’s important for partners to look after baby to bond with them, too
Guide to breastfeeding when returning to work
Viewing time: 6m 15s
What you will learn:
- Some employers have a breastfeeding plan – ask if yours does
- Is there a lockable private room where you can express milk?
- By law, your employer has to provide you with support. It’s best to approach them early about this.
- Early childhood centres can support your breastfeeding too.
- Some employers really want you to be happy and comfortable and may let you bring your baby to work
Questions? Ask someone who has been there
Breastfeeding NZ is the largest community network in our country
The Breastfeeding New Zealand Facebook page is a place where breastfeeding mothers, mums-to-be, and their friends and family can come to share experiences, find out information and get support.Their goal is to make breastfeeding a natural and normal part of everyday life. Breastfeeding NZ want more and more New Zealand babies to be breastfed for at least six months. You can check out their YouTube channel here, too.
