The CABOOLTURE mums & little ones breastfeeding planner will help you to think about your plans for breastfeeding, gathering information, and building support.
Having support is vital, especially during the early weeks of motherhood.
Step 1. Think about you and your baby, and why breastfeeding is important to both of you.
Breastfeeding can offer many wonderful benefits for the health and well-being of mothers and their baby. Lots of women say they enjoy the closeness, with baby, that breastfeeding brings. Have a think about why you want to breastfeed, and what you hope to gain from breastfeeding for you and for your baby. Click here to read about what other mothers have said about breastfeeding.
Step 2. Know who you can turn to for support
Having people around you who agree with your decision to breastfeed is really important. Knowing who you can call on for help if you need it takes a lot of the anxiety away. There are many ways the special people in your life can support you to breastfeed.
Expecting a new baby is such an exciting time, people often ask for ways to help and be involved. Before the baby is born you can talk to your family and friends about your plans for this baby and the special ways that you would like them to support you. Most people like having a special role - it helps them to feel important and involved. Click here for a reminder of how these people can support you.
Step 3. Find out as much as you can about breastfeeding
Breastfeeding education classes at Caboolture hospital are free for patients. Ask at your next antenatal visit when the next breastfeeding education classes are being held.
You should also visit the Australia Breastfeeding Association (ABA) website. The site has information about breastfeeding, including a listing of local breastfeeding education classes.
Step 4. Find out about services to help you with breastfeeding after your baby is born
- Your local Community Health Centre can offer assistance with breastfeeding. The Community Health Centre in Caboolture is right near the hospital on McKean street (phone 5433 8330).
- The Australian Breastfeeding Association offers a 24- hour free counselling line. Call it if you have any difficulties breastfeeding. You don't have to be a member to call.
- Not all Hospitals have lactation consultants or lactation clinics. Find out what help your hospital can give you. You might be able to find a lactation consultant in your local area, but they do charge a fee (click here for a list of lactation consultants).
Step 5. Tell the hospital staff and your support people about your breastfeeding plans, and let it be known that you expect your plans to be respected and your instructions followed
The care that you and your baby receive while in labour and immediately after birth can have a huge impact on breastfeeding. For more information about making breastfeeding friendly birth plans click here.
Steps 6 & 7. Enjoy your pregnancy, and enjoy your little one
Now that you have your support network in place, the hospital knows your wishes, and you have information at hand...relax. Now you can focus on enjoying the rest of your pregnancy (it will be over soon!) and think about your hopes and dreams for your new little one.