Changing Birth with Hannah Willsmore

73. How to Protect Breastfeeding if You Are Separated from Your Baby.

Hannah Willsmore Season 1 Episode 73

While in the hospital, we always aim to keep mum and baby together, and your baby will routinely 'room in' with you. However, if your baby requires more extensive medical support after birth, they may need to be transferred to a Special Care Nursery/Baby Unit, or a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This can understandably be a very distressing situation for a new mum and family, and it is usually quite unexpected. This is where having a plan to support your breastfeeding journey becomes crucial.⁠

In this episode I discuss:

  • Common reasons why a mum and baby may be separated at birth and unable to breastfeed.
  • Why nipple stimulation and frequent milk removal are key for building and maintaining supply. 
  • The importance of skin to skin with your baby.
  • Hand expressing vs using an electric breast pump. 
  • How often to express to protect milk supply. 

When you book your Postnatal Midwifery Package with us you receive messaging support from your midwife between appointments, and whilst in hospital after your baby is born - this comes in super handy for navigating situations like this as you'll have your midwife cheering you on and supporting you every step of the way. If you're interested in learning more about our postnatal support head here! 

I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas for future episodes so please get in touch on instagram - my insta is @heldmidwifery or through my website www.heldmidwifery.com.au. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, and if you're enjoying the podcast I would be ever so grateful if you could rate and review  on your favourite podcast player. 

Disclaimer: Remember as always the info provided in this podcast does not constitute medical, midwifery, psychological, childbirth, pre-natal or post-natal education or other professional medical advice, and is provided for general information and guidance purposes only. Hannah Willsmore will not be liable for any expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damages) or costs which might be incurred as a result of your reliance on this information, advice, content or materials. This release includes but is not limited to any claim for personal injury, damages and death of any individual which has received information from Hannah Willsmore. Further, Hannah Willsmore does not make any representations or give any warranties about their accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. If you have any health concerns or questions you should speak with your midwife or doctor