Breastfeeding Help Available!!
Jeannee Spears RN CM IBCLC (Lactation Consultant)

Q….What is a Lactation Consultant
A…..A Lactation Consultant is a specialist in Breastfeeding Management.
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Jeannee Spears is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. (IBCLC)
She is also a registered nurse/midwife with 25 years experience working with mothers and babies both in Australia and overseas.

She has a business in the northern rivers area of NSW called Jay- Elle Lactation and does home or hospital visits to you.

Frequently mothers only need reassurance that they are doing well and remember there is no “only one right way” for parenting.

We hope the following information provided by Jeannee is helpful. We strongly encourage you to contact not just a health professional but specifically, a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor for support as soon as possible.

Q…. Why should I breastfeed my baby?
A…. Breast milk is a Designer Mixture correctly made by you to meet the needs of your new and rapidly developing baby .Your milk changes throughout a feed, from one feed to the next, from day to day and throughout the weeks, months and the period of lactation, just as nature intended it to do. Breastfeeding provides many positive benefits for both mother and baby. It is the normal way to feed your baby and something only you can do. You breastfeed your baby for optimal health and intelligence

Q…. How will I know that my baby is receiving enough breast milk from me?
A…. There are many ways that you will know that your baby is receiving enough milk:

1. Your baby will be healthy with bright eyes and clear skin
2. Will be feeding well, mostly satisfied and settled between feeds
3. Will have 6-8 very wet nappies with clear urine in 24hrs
4. Will pass bowel actions appropriate to the age.

Q…. Does my baby require extra water in hot weather?
A…. No breast milk is 90% water 10% solids, and is all that your baby requires for approximately the first 6months of life, regardless of the weather.

Q…. Are modern formulas as good as breast milk?
A…. No, there are hundreds of components that are missing from the commercial formulas regardless of which foreign substance base (cow goat or soy) they are derived from. Some brands are better than others. Seek Naturopath advice on this topic to choose the right one for your baby should this be necessary.

Q…. If I am taking medication should I stop breastfeeding?
A…. No, with a few exceptions most medications are safe enough to combine with breastfeeding. A small amount of most medications go through the breast milk. If the medication is contraindicated usually a safe alternative can be found.

Q…. If my breasts don’t feel full, do I still have milk?
A…. Yes, when your milk supply is established your breasts will lose the initial fullness.
Your breasts become more efficient at making milk and it is known that your breasts make milk more quickly when your breasts are softer. Most of your milk is made during the time you are feeding.

Q…. can women with flat or inverted nipples breastfeed?
A…. Yes, babies breastfeed not nipple feed! You may need some extra help and advice in the early days but most cases will be successful.

Q… Should I eat and drink more when I am breastfeeding?
A…. No it is not a well balanced diet and drinking to need is all that is necessary in most cases. Drinking to need just means keeping your urine clear.

Q… Can most women breastfeed?
A….Yes, 96% of women can breastfeed successfully and almost all will produce some milk. Less than 2% are unable to produce any milk at all and there is usually a medical reason for this.

Q… I have every intention in breastfeeding, I like the sound of the organic formula and would like to know if while breastfeeding it is possible to formula feed as well? If so or if not, why??
A….Dear Hayley,
Until recently the answer to combination feeding would have been yes it is a suitable option but current research indicates it is thought to be much better to breast feed exclusively and if introducing a bottle to endeavour through expressing your milk to give your baby breast milk only for the first six moths at least. Due mainly to breast milk being specific for the human baby and your milk being genetically specific for YOUR BABY. Did you know that your breast milk changes during a feed, during the day, weeks, months and throughout your entire lactation to meet the needs of you growing infant

You can find the reasons for exclusively feeding and on many other subjects with regard to breast care, expressing and breastfeeding through the many stages on the Australian Breastfeeding Association website at www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

As a lactation consultant I am unable to recommend any formula specifically as I have not seen any of the research. If using artificial baby milk as a substitute the choice is a personal decision. Hayley perhaps you could review the reasons that you feel the need to use formula. Such as returning to work, baby's father involvement, and other situations. In many of these instances you may still be able to breastfeed your baby.

The introduction of artificial baby milk ideally should be delayed as long as possible and if you breastfeed your baby for a year formula is not necessary. If you are able, speak to an ABA counsellor or see a lactation consultant to discuss your concerns and needs further.