SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
CANBERRA
BRISBANE
GOLD COAST
ADELAIDE
PERTH
Results for 'baby feeding'
Introducing solids - the best first foods for babies
Introducing solids is an exciting and essential milestone; it's your baby's first step into the world of brand-new flavours and textures. Below is everything you need to know about recommended menu items and how and when to start baby food for a smooth transition. When is your baby ready for solids? Some parents go with the traditional weaning method (purees), some go for baby-led weaning, and some prefer both to avoid picky eating and mealtime tantrums. Look for these readiness signs in your…
How to create a special bond when bottle feeding your baby
With all the research and information surrounding the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers who are bottle feeding their baby can feel a little left out. And for those who would have preferred to breastfeed but for whatever reason weren’t able to, being constantly reminded of the “superior” aspects of breastfeeding can be difficult to cope with. Let’s start by saying at the outset that whichever way a baby feeds does not dictate the intensity or quality of the relationship they have with their…
Anxiety in Breastfeeding, Mastitis & Support
I always wanted to breast feed. I gave birth to my first born in the month of September. I had no idea what I was doing. A handful of nurses popped in and out of my room to check if bub was latched on. I was told that it was their busiest time of the year and that a lactation consultant will be visiting. This unfortunately did not happen. After complaining that breastfeeding ‘hurts’ I was informed by all staff that this was ‘normal’… Little did I know that I had the beginning of Lactation…
Dream feeding
The term dream feeding can be confusing to anyone who is not a parent. And even for those who’ve heard it before, sometimes there’s often still some confusion over who is doing the dreaming and who is doing the feeding. Breastfeeding mothers commonly dream they are feeding their baby with dreams so vivid and real that it can be very hard to recall if they really did breastfeed or were just dreaming they did. But this is not what dream feeding refers to. What is dream feeding? Dream feeding is…
Breastfeeding information from a Lactation Specialist
Important information for new and expectant mothers with up to date breastfeeding information to prepare you for, or assist you with, breastfeeding your baby. This Bupa Parenting Insights talk is given by Sam Foster, an experienced Lactation Consultant from Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital. Sam focuses on the following topics: The basics of breastfeeding What to expect in the first few days Importance of skin to skin Your baby's feeding cues Baby-led feeding Demand feeding How do I know if my…
Sleep and settling - what to expect in the first three months
Understanding how variable babies’ sleep patterns are from baby to baby, and from week to week according to individual feeding, growth and developmental stages can help relieve your concerns, and help you to ‘go with the flow’ of your baby’s individual needs. Here are some key takeaways: Variability in Sleep Patterns: Recognize that babies' sleep patterns vary greatly from baby to baby and can change week by week. Understanding these individual variations can help reduce anxiety and enable…
Why finding the right teat to support your breastfeeding is critical
We know becoming a parent can be a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right bottle & teat for your baby, but don’t worry, help is here. Understanding why the shape & design is so important will help you find the perfect teat to not only assist you when feeding your newborn, but also offer gentle support to you both throughout your entire breastfeeding journey. The way babies instinctively latch on to the breast enables them to efficiently feed, successfully digest…
My Top Five Breastfeeding Tips
Although breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy! As a midwife I’ve supported hundreds of women during their breastfeeding journey. These are the top tips that I share with all of my clients - I hope they help you on your journey too! 1. Learn as much as you can before your baby arrives Although breastfeeding is a natural, biological process, it also involves learning new skills and practice. I recommend learning as much as you can about breastfeeding, different positions, basics of good…
5 signs of low supply and practical ways to fix it
Are you concerned you’re not producing enough milk for your baby? Worrying about your milk supply can be hard, stressful and draining, both physically and emotionally. Low supply is a breastfeeding challenge that mums typically encounter during the first few weeks with their little one. While studies show it affects around 10% to 15% of mothers, many lactation consultants report it's one of the biggest reasons they receive calls for help. So, let’s go straight to the experts. We had the…
Baby's Daily Activity Schedule
Your baby’s feed, play, sleep cycle is the basic structure of your baby’s day. All babies have varied sleep needs and therefore the following information is a guide only that you can use and adapt to your baby’s individual personality and your own daily activities. Is a daily routine important for my newborn? In the early weeks, you and your baby are getting to know each other through activities such as feeding, sleeping, listening, and focusing on each other. Because feed times can vary so…
Blocked ducts and mastitis
What are the differences between blocked ducts and mastitis? Blocked duct A blocked duct is an area or segment of the breast where milk flow is obstructed causing a tender lump or spot in the breast. Local symptoms: Reddened area or segment of the breast which becomes tender, hard and painful Occasionally there can be localised tenderness or pain without an obvious lump Systemic symptoms: Occasionally a low grade fever may be present—less than 38.5 degrees celsius. Mastitis Mastitis is an…
Breastfeeding tips for new and expectant mums
Experienced lactation consultant, Susan Childs from Mater Mothers' Hospital provides new and expectant mothers with up-to-date breastfeeding tips to prepare you for, or assist you with, breastfeeding your baby. This Parenting Insights session includes breastfeeding tips and information on skin-to-skin contact, baby-led attachment, feeding cues, how to know if your baby is getting enough, cluster feeding and growth spurts, as well as answer your questions on breastfeeding.…
Bringing your baby home
Bringing your new baby home is such an exciting time! It is completely normal to have lots of questions. In this article, I share what you need to know about caring for your baby at home. Feeding Newborn babies feed very often – usually every 2-3 hours however, it is also normal for babies to cluster feed. Cluster feeding is a period of time where a baby may feed very frequently. A newborn’s stomach is tiny, and can only hold a small amount of milk, which means that they can be hungry not long…
Feed first: what to do when plan A doesn't work out
Your first pregnancy is often spent researching and planning every aspect of your baby’s arrival: from the nursery to your baby bag and everything in between. From Pinterest boards and baby shower gift registries, the preparation around your baby’s arrival can be planned right down to knowing what size fruit your baby is according to how many weeks pregnant you are. And rightly so - knowing what pram suits your needs or what capsule will fit your car and provide optimum safety are incredibly…
Introducing solids: purees vs baby-led weaning
Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting, messy and enjoyable milestone that marks the beginning of a long and tasty journey. As adults, taking food to your mouth, biting, chewing, and swallowing is automatic, but we must remember that our little ones need to learn how to eat step by step. Weaning has changed a lot over the past few generations and differs between cultures, for example mashed pasta as a first food in Italy and hand mashed mild curry in India. Irrespective of the weaning…
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
It is impossible for breastfeeding mothers to know exactly how much breast milk their baby is getting with each feed. Instead of looking at the volume markers on feeding bottles, it’s necessary to look for other, more subtle signs that your baby is getting enough milk to grow and thrive. This is not a difficult process, but takes just a little confidence and skill in learning what other signs to look for. But I have to know! If you are a person who likes to know precisely how much volume of…
How to successfully combine breast and bottle feeding
Whether you plan on combined feeding from the start, are going back to work or just want to add some flexibility to your routine, there are many benefits of having a baby that can bottle feed as well as breastfeed. 'Although it might sound simple enough, bottle rejection is a common issue that many mums and bubs struggle with, particularly if bub is exclusively breastfed for the first six months’ says NUK spokesperson Midwife Cath. Here are our top tips on how to transition from breast to…
Breastfeeding tips to help you minimise nipple damage
Many pregnant women express a desire to breastfeed their baby after they are born. Breastfeeding, although natural, is a learned skill for you and your baby, but many mums report that once they got the hang of it, they found it really enjoyable and rewarding. When you begin breastfeeding, your nipples may be sensitive and you can expect some early nipple tenderness. A little time and patience in the early stages, good attachment and taking care when getting baby on and off the breast should…
Tips for how dads can bond with their baby
Often we equate feeding with bonding, but there are so many other ways that Dads can bond and connect with their new baby. While Mum may be spending a lot of time feeding, here are some brilliant ways that you can connect with your newborn. Sing, read or talk to your baby in the womb – research has shown that babies can begin to respond to voices or noise from around 26 weeks of pregnancy. This is a great way to connect with your baby, and your voice will be something that comforts them once…
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2021
It's World Breastfeeding Week! Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both you and your baby. Breastmilk contains antibodies, good bacteria, and other nutrients that help reduce the risk of your baby developing gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections, and ear infections. Breastmilk also contains all of the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months of life - pretty amazing! Below are my 3 top tips for breastfeeding: Breastfeeding skin to skin can help your baby to get a better…
