Flashcards
Breastfeeding 101
Cards in this deck (23)
- 1Why is breastmilk important for the health of infants?It is a complete food containing all of a baby’s nutritional needs for the first 6 months of life,satisfying hunger and thirst.
Not having breastmilk increases the risk of ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, SIDS, necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis in premature babies, dental malocclusions, obesity, lower IQ. - 2How is breastfeeding beneficial to mothers?Not breastfeeding increases the risk of ovarian and breast cancers.
It is convenient, cheap, fresh, clean and safe.
It quickly soothes a fussy, unhappy baby.
It helps your uterus return to its normal size after birth.
Helps create a close and loving bond between mother and baby. - 3What are the Australian guidelines for breastfeeding?The NHMRC recommendations exclusive breastfeeding for around 6 months, followed by the addition of complimentary foods to at least 12 months, and beyond, if mother and baby desire.
- 4What enables a mother to breastfeed successfully?A strong desire to breastfeed
Preparation to breastfeed e.g. self education or attending a class
Good positioning and attachment of mother and baby
Community, family, medical, cultural and workplace support
Minimal intervention required at birth - 5What barriers to breastfeeding may mothers experience?Cultural or family beliefs that clash with current guidelines e.g. to introduce solids too early
Peer or family pressure to wean or to use formula if baby is unsettled
Workplaces not supporting breaks to express or breastfeed or not providing a private space to do so
Members of the public vocalising their disapproval of breastfeeding mothers n public - 6What is the ideal attachment for a baby breastfeeding?Chin pressed into breast
Nose clear or just touching breast
Latch a little off centre towards chin
Lips curled outwards, especially lower lip
Attachment includes areola and not just nipple
Attachment should be comfortable and no deformation or nipple afterwards
Jaw moves up and down
Swallowing can be heard - 7What is the ideal position for a mother whilst breastfeeding?If sitting, the mother should be relaxed but with good posture (use firmer chairs with lower back support)
Bring the baby to the breast to avoid hunching towards the baby - 8What is the let down reflex?Let down, or the milk ejection reflex is hormonal response to nipple stimulation. Oxytocin is produced which causes breast alveoli to contract, sending milk into the ducts to the nipple. The initial reflex is strongest but multiple let downs will
occur over a feed. - 9How do you know your baby is getting enough breastmilk?At least 5 heavily wet disposable nappies or at least 6-8 very wet cloth nappies in 24 hours
Soft bowel motions
Good skin tone and bright eyes
Generally content
Gaining weight and growing in length and head circumference - 10How is milk supply maintained?By the principle of supply and demand. The act of removing milk stimulates release of prolactin which stimulates milk production, and the more thoroughly the milk is removed, the more milk is made which is controlled by a hormone called FIL - a well drained breast makes the most milk.
- 11What causes nipple trauma in breastfeeding mothers?The most common cause is poor attachment with the nipple being squashed against the hard palate of the baby’s mouth, instead of being drawn further back towards the soft palate. This may be due to poor attention to, or difficulties with positioning.
- 12What is mastitis and how can it be prevented?Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue (and may or may not involve infection). It often follows a blocked duct or nipple trauma. Avoiding nipple trauma with good positioning and attachment is ideal and if the nipple is damaged, being careful with hygiene is essential.
Ensuring regular and thorough milk removal is the best prevention of blockages, as well as avoid compression to breast tissue such as from poorly fitting bras.
Mastitis should be treated with guidance with a health professional - 13What situations may interfere with establishing or sustaining breastfeeding?Retained placenta post birth
Medical conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders or diabetes
Insufficient glandular tissue
Infrequent feeding/expressing (low demand = low supply) - 14What are the risks and benefits of breastmilk substitutes?Benefits include being able to feed a baby when access to breastfeeding or breastmilk is not possible.
Risks include over feeding, hygiene must be considered, potential financial burden, loss of immune supportive properties of breastmilk and if mixed feeding, increased risk of loss of breastmilk supply to to low demand. - 15Where can information on breastmilk substitutes be found?Healthcare providers such as GPS and MCHNs are a good source
There is also a useful article ‘guide to feeding your baby formula’ on the ABA website
breastfeeding.asn.au - 16How do you establish and maintain breastfeeding?Ideally have initial, unlimited access to your baby and feed on demand when baby shows early feeding cues. Newborns typically feed 8-12 times a day.
The best way to maintain milk supply is to feed exclusively and on demand, or at least every 3-4 hours, and to continue feeding overnight. - 17What strategies can be used to negotiate breastfeeding hurdles?Having supportive family and peers is always useful, particularly emotionally.
Being educated about breastfeeding is very important which can come from things like reading books and web articles, attending education classes.
Contacting the ABA helpline to speak with a qualified counsellor is also a great option and is available 24 hours a day
1800 686 268 - 18What are lactation aids?Anything that physically assists breastfeeding, removal of milk from the breasts and feeding infants e.g. breast pumps, bottles and tests, nipple shields, cup feeders, or supply lines.
- 19Why might a mother re-lactate or induce lactation?A mother may have stopped breastfeeding earlier than she hoped, the baby is unwell or is not tolerating formula, and wishes to get lactation going again.
Non birth mothers such as lesbian partners or a mother adopting a child can induce lactation to feed their baby. - 20When should solids be introduced and should anything be avoided?Solids should be introduced around 6 months old when the baby shows signs of readiness including good head control, interest in food, and loss of tongue thrust reflex.
Nothing should be avoided including allergenic foods, other than avoiding honey till 1 year old and avoiding choking hazards like whole grapes and nuts. - 21What happens with breastfeeding after introducing solids?As the volume of solids gradually increases, breastmilk will gradually decrease. Breastmilk is a complete food till 6 months then complimentary foods are required to compliment nutritional needs. Breastmilk is still the most important food till 1 year. Introduction of solids too early and/or in too high a volume may compete with breastmilk and result in lower demand, which in turn can negatively influences milk supply.
- 22What breastfeeding information and services does the ABA offer?Website and magazine articles
Education booklets (paper and electronic form)
Livechat web based support during the day at breastfeeding.asn.au
Phone helpline 24 hours a day 1800 686 268
Breastfeeding education classes
Facebook groups
Local group meetings
Breast pump hire
Education for health professionals - 23What options are there for professional support with breastfeeding difficulties? Such as ongoing issues with supply, positioning, nipple pain and trauma, managing oral restrictions and limitations in baby such as tongue ties and cleft palates?In addition to ABA breastfeeding counsellors, and health professionals with a special interest breastfeeding and lactation, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are health professionals with breastfeeding creative qualifications that specialise in this area.
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- Flashcards on Breastfeeding 101, created by Kristine Miles on 27/03/2018.
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