Breastfeeding - classes & lactation consulting - Pre-Natal Centre - Brisbane | Ann McLeod Taylor Pre-Natal Centre Brisbane

Breastfeeding

Ann's history of breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the very first food that the very first mother in creation would have given to her very first baby. How did she know how to do it?….Instinct…

How did the first woman and the first man learn how to make love… Instinct…

When pregnant how did she manage to survive and protect the infant she new nothing about… Instinct…

When it came to labour what did she know? Nothing… So why did she leave her campsite and head for the hills…

Instinct… would have told her that to stay and make noises would have warned marauding animals and enemies that her campsite was vulnerable and easy pray for attack.

Instinct…would have her going for the hills where she could seek shelter and safety, in a cave uninhabited by humans or animals, giving her protection from the elements, with water within easy reach, and with a view of the country side so she could have warning of any interruptions. Trying to find this safe place would be long and difficult as she would not have had to do this before, but when she felt safe she would no doubt have relaxed and felt the need to toilet. Not wishing to leave any signs of her presence at her refuge, she would have dug a shallow pit, and squatted over it and done what she needed to do, imagine her surprise when after a time of heaving and straining out popped a baby…..

Instinct…would have made her grab this new little thing as she fell back on the ground...

Instinct…would have made her wipe its face so that she could see it better.. and stimulating its breathing,

Instinct…would have let her lie back and hold this amazing surprise on her chest while she recovered.

Instinct…would have let her watch in amazement as the baby nuzzled and searched for the nipple and breast attaching and suckling, and keeping very quiet.

Instinct…would have allowed her to birth her placenta the same way.

Instinct… would have had her wait until this little creature fell asleep before she removed him and made sure he was safe, before she cleaned herself up and got rid of any evidence of her being there.

Instinct…would have immediately put him up near the breast as soon as he made a noise, so he could not warn others of their presence.

After she had recovered the new mother would have taken her baby back to her campsite,

Instinct… would have given her all the skills she needed. With trial and error she would have worked out the rest.

Breastfeeding is a very rewarding and enjoyable part of having a baby. You now have a great excuse to sit down and look at your baby, enjoy your baby, adore your baby, fall in love all over again and play with your baby.

Our society has lost the large family units living together, lost the village atmosphere, where everyone knows what is going on. So we never get to see what is normal anymore. We live in our isolated compartments, scared in case we invade someone’s personal space, by appearing nosey and watching them in natural situations like birthing and breastfeeding. These things should have been part of our heritage. As a small child this should have been part of our growing up and learning.

It is so sad that in modern times, we have no idea how we should birth or breastfeed our young. We now have to spend so much time working we have forgotten, or never knew, how to stay home and look after someone totally dependant on us. We now have to learn all the basics from someone outside the family.

Our childbirth courses cover breastfeeding as much as possible, but we are the first to admit that a plastic doll does not give you the same feelings as you would have when you have your own baby. We can only cover the basics with charts, videos and demonstrations.

The most important points that we like to emphasise are.

Breastfeeding should not hurt.
It takes time.
It helps to keep your baby content.
Breastfeeding is an investment in your babies future. Dare I say “Milk Banking”
It increases the bonding between mother and baby. While mother is the only one who can breastfeed, partners can bond just as well and show baby that love and affection does not just come from food.
Breast milk is species specific, age specific, having the correct nutritional value for your baby’s gestational age.
Gives baby the antibodies to cope in your environment.
A well breastfed baby should need nothing else than breastmilk, for the first 6 months of life, no extra water or solid food.
If you are having any problems with your feeding, please ask for help early rather than later, and keep asking until you get the answers that are right for you.

Want more information about breastfeeding?

Attend one of Ann's classes
Breastfeeding course: $60
Lactation Support: Initial consultation $60, follow-up $40
Home visit (travel) + $10

As a Previous Lactation Consultant Ann can be available for consultation during the weekdays, but due to work commitments Ann is unable to assist over the weekends. If the matter is urgent or Friday to Tuesday and Ann has not contacted you within 2 hours of your call, please contact one of her colleges, from the Lactation Consultants in Private Practice brochure. If you do not have a copy please contact your maternity unit for the names of other consultants, some of whom may be in your area. Another great source of assistance is your local Australian Breastfeeding Association Councillor or group. The ABA also has a 24 hour call line.

Read 'Breastfeeding - a brief overview'

Contact Ann for more information or to book into a class.