World Breastfeeding Week 2011

Today is the last day for World Breastfeeding Week 2011

In recognition & celebration of World Breastfeeding Week I thought it an opportune time to share with you a simple outline of my breastfeeding experience.

~ Darling Daughter No.4 ~

All five of my children have been successfully breastfed for 12-13months each. I have so much gratitude for the midwife that was with me after the birth of my eldest daughter. I thank her for walking up to me grabbing my boob & helping me position DD1 then calmly & casually sticking my breast in my babies mouth.

 She gave me such amazing advice which helped with every aspect of feeding my first & subsequent children. I always remember to visualise myself drinking from a cup & what I would do. I tilt my head back & lift the cup up on an angle to permit smooth flow as I swallow. It is the same concept when breastfeeding…the baby has to drink from the boob in the same way.

If comfort for myself & good suction has not been established… I stick my little finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth & break suction & try again until I get it right. Sometimes in the beginning this needs to be done many times.

To establish a breastfeed…I hold the baby at the back of the head… bring their bottom lip up to the underneath of my nipple & lifting the baby up to the boob push on the back of the head… to get bubs to open wide & push the baby onto the nipple… rather than the nipple to the baby. I won’t allow the baby to stay on the boob until I am comfortable & happy with the suction.

I am still currently breastfeeding my 11 month old son, I can’t see him giving it away soon either. I have had times when I have wanted to give up… mainly due to tiredness & physical & emotional attachment. I persevered through those phases with tears… sore boobs & I’m sure tantrums were somewhere in the mix of it all.

I am happy to say that I love & have loved breastfeeding my babies & I am grateful to have been fortunate to have been one of the lucky Mums that has had easy & wonderful experiences. 
For more information on breastfeeding: Australian Breastfeeding Association.