Calvary Riverina Hospital Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Jody Fellows, and Midwife Vicky Fayle, support new mothers in the first few days of their breastfeeding journey. They recently sat down to answer some commonly asked questions about breastfeeding and the varying experiences of new mothers.

Q. What is the first thing you say to a new mother when they’re beginning their breastfeeding journey?

It is really important for new mums to know that everyone’s baby is different and that each breastfeeding journey is unique.

Everyone will go through ups and downs, so don’t be hard on yourself. Surround yourself with a good support network and reach out if you’re struggling.

Q. What do you teach mums about breastfeeding when they’re in your care?

Breastfeeding should be a positive bonding time between mother and baby. What we say to new mums is to follow your baby’s cues and breastfeed on demand.

It is also important to establish a comfortable attachment and position to ensure a good breastfeeding experience for both mum and baby. That is something we work on with new mums when they’re in our care.

Q. What are the benefits of breastfeeding and how long should a baby be breastfed?

There are many benefits with breastfeeding. It helps boost a baby’s immune system and provides optimal nutrition for easier digestion by baby. It is also easy, accessible and financially sound. The bond it creates between mum and baby is also a huge benefit.

The recommendation from the World Health Organisation is to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life and then to breastfeed alongside the introduction of solid foods for at least 12 months.

Q. If a mother is unable to breastfeed, what advice would you give them?

As a new mum, it is so important to have a good support network in place. If someone’s breastfeeding journey isn’t going well it is important for them to have family or friends they can talk to about the experience. There is also professional support available if you’re struggling.

New mums are provided lactation support when they’re in our care, and additional support is still available once you leave the hospital. To find out what support is available to you or to simply seek advice, you can call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268.

Nurturing that mother and baby bond is so important. If you are unable to breastfeed, we still encourage skin-to-skin time.

Don’t be hard on yourself about it not working out as planned. You can still express your milk and bottle feed, and formula feeding is a good alternative. What is most important is to be patient with yourself and love your baby.

Q. We know that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different. As a community, how do we support new mums through the challenges they may face?

If you have a friend or a loved one who is on their breastfeeding journey, just be there for them. Everyone goes through ups and downs and having a good support network is very important.

As a community, we need to make sure new mothers feel welcome and supported in public. That includes having breastfeeding-friendly spaces in our community and in the workplace.

For more information, resources and support, visit breastfeeding.asn.au.