Dear Readers...
Breastfeeding is not as easy as it looks and the early days are a steep learning curve for both mother and baby. My experience of breastfeeding as a new mother was clumsy, painful, exhausting and emotionally draining but I did persist and get to ‘grips’ with it after a few days. Weeks later Mastitis came along and a visit to a less than sympathetic GP advised ‘just stop breastfeeding’. Armed with this advice and a maternal instinct screaming at me to continue, I went to see Robin Barker (author of 'Baby Love') who at the time was our local clinic sister. Several cabbage leaves later, I got past the early hurdles and continued on. There are many experts keen to impart their advice but my advice, for what it’s worth, is to follow your own intuition on when to wean.
It is important to note that some women cannot breastfeed and as mothers we must support them. New mums are under a lot of pressure and need all the support they can get, breastfeeding or not. |
Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia |
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Babies who are not breastfed... |
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Have a higher risk of cot death. |
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Have an increased likelihood of allergy. |
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Cost more money - you need to buy expensive infant formulas and feeding equipment. |
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Non-breastfed babies are more likely to fall ill. |
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Become a Soup Mama...
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As a Soup Mama you have the very important role of caring for little croutons and with your special powers come unique and interesting opportunities within the Soup community.
You'll be sent products to try and even share with your friends. Then you’ll get the chance to have your opinion on them heard, by giving Soup your honest feedback (good or bad). It’s easy, free and your feedback can change the way companies do business.
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To get started, just click the banner below and join!! |
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“Tried & tested by mums! Word of mouth is very important to mums. I would recommend the product as I have tried it & like it.” Emily, 32 – Soup Mama
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How do I know if my baby is getting enough?
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If your baby is feeding frequently, has plenty of pale, wet nappies (at least 6-8 in 24 hours), on breastmilk alone, is gaining weight and seems reasonably alert, active and happy, they are getting enough. |
Parenting Australia competition...
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What I wish I knew before I became a Mother is written specifically for new and expectant mothers. This book addresses topics such as pregnancy, preparing for birth, encouraging communication with your partner, breastfeeding, ensuring you have a strong support network, knowing when to ask for help and looking after yourself.
‘What I wish I knew before I became a mother’ aims to help new mothers adjust to the demands of life with a newborn in a positive and uplifting way. Featuring gorgeous photography and practical tips and advice this book is the perfect gift for new and expectant mothers! |
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Win one of 6 copies of ‘What I wish I knew before I became a mother’ (RRP $20) - To enter simply Click Here and follow the directions. |
Parenting Australia supports the recommendations set out in the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003) which states that:
Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond . Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production.”
Click here for a full version of the Global Strategy |
Parenting Australia loves...
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Handy Hint
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Some people are frustrated by ‘wasting time’ breastfeeding. If that’s you, find a way to use this time to concentrate on resting, watching shows that you’ve taped or reading a good book.
“I had a friend who would use midnight or early morning feeds as an opportunity to phone her overseas friends”
~ Peace Mitchell Author of 'What I wish I knew before I became a mother'
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Discussion Topic
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Apology
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| Last week we sent out information about Generation Next Seminars with a link to a Today Tonight story on YouTube. Unfortunately some very unpleasant videos appeared in the sidebar whilst parents were viewing. We would like to thank the parents who took the time to email us and bring this to our attention and apologise on behalf of Generation Next and Parenting Australia. |
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Special editions of Parenting Australia’s eNews to look forward to
12th June
16th June
23rd June
30th June
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Early Learning
Health and Safety
Fussy Eaters
Family Budget |
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The content of this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.
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