BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT FOR WHEN IT COUNTS

Author: Michaela Suddick

A little bit about me:

My desire to empower women during their breastfeeding journey and adjustment to motherhood was cultivated during my time as a Registered Midwife and led me to become certified as a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2022.

As a Registered Midwife since 2016, I’ve practised across all areas of midwifery care within the hospital setting and in the Midwifery Group Practice, which provides continuous one on one care to women during their pregnancy, birth and postnatally. In late 2021, I commenced working with a local private midwife attending home births throughout the Illawarra. In pursuit of my passion about natural health and treating the root cause of disease, I am also undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy).

After the arrival of my first child in September 2022, I took a short break from work and recommenced working as a Lactation Consultant in January 2023.

What does a Lactation Consultant do?

A Lactation Consultant has obtained a qualification to provide specialised support to breastfeeding women, and women who may be experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges. Some of the common breastfeeding challenges I can support you with include:

• Nipple pain or damage

• Attachment and latch concerns

• Concerns about reduced milk supply or oversupply

• Colic and reflux symptoms

• Blocked ducts or mastitis

• Weight gain concerns

• Assessment for oral function and tongue ties

• Referral to appropriate health services as breastfeeding problems may require a multidisciplinary approach from other health practitioners

• Tandem feeding/breastfeeding during pregnancy

An in home consultation (approximately 90 minutes), typically entails:

• Full assessment of you and your baby, and your breastfeeding history

• Identification of any oral restrictions

• Observing you breastfeed while in a familiar and comfortable space

• Discussing how I can best support you based on your preferences and values

• Development of a plan to support your breastfeeding goals

All consults include a written summary of the visit and recommendations, including any resources relevant to your breastfeeding challenges, and a 15 minute phone call follow up or email.

Breastfeeding Education Session

Breastfeeding education sessions provide one on one support in the comfort of your home or virtually. During the session, you will be empowered with the essential knowledge and tools to feel confident when embarking on or continuing your breastfeeding journey.

Some of the topics covered in a breastfeeding education session include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding for mum and baby

• What to expect in the first few weeks

• Impact of birth intervention on breastfeeding

• Skin to skin contact and demand feeding

• Positioning and attachment

• How to know if your baby is getting enough milk

• Breastmilk composition and changes

• Nutritional support while breastfeeding

• Preparation for the fourth trimester

• Antenatal hand expressing

• What is not normal when breastfeeding and when to seek advice and support

For more information, visit www.michaelasuddickibclc.com