“Breastfeeding is a learning process” – a Rotunda Neonatologist Professor on that very first feed

Stephanie Buckley, mother of one and blogger at East Sleep Chic, initially didn’t consider breastfeeding her son, Phoenix, when he was first born.

In fact, it wasn't until her father approached the subject that she decided to give it a try. At first,  Buckley admits to experience some difficulty with latching and required manual assistance for the first feed. This continued, and she found herself needing support from midwives for the few days. However, after the initial difficulty with latching, the new mum continued to struggle a little: “I felt great after the issue with latching was sorted out," she explains. "However after I returned home, the milk came and Phoenix was getting sick after each feed. Luckily, I had the help of the Rotunda Hospital’s community midwives, who suggested I started to drip feed him slowly from left to right. The community team reassured me that he was getting enough milk, as he had wet nappies and was gaining weight.” In the spirit of National Breastfeeding Week this week, the Rotunda Hospital’s Consultant Neonatologist Professor Afif EL-Khuffash and Rotunda mum and blogger, Stephanie, share their respective clinical expertise and personal experience of the highs and lows of breastfeeding. "The majority of new mothers experience some difficulty when establishing breastfeeding in the days and weeks after discharge from the hospital," explains EL-Khuffash. "Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. However, knowing and anticipating the challenges beforehand can help with breastfeeding initiation." Skin to skin – and that 'golden first hour' after birth At the Rotunda, lactation consultants and specialist midwives are on hand to help mothers that have specific difficulties and are experienced in guiding and helping mothers to establish latching and initiate breastfeeding during the short time after birth while the mother is still in the hospital. Prof EL-Khuffash explains: “Colostrum is the early milk that the babies are exposed to and is hugely beneficial. It provides nutrition and immunity for the baby by protecting the gut. Colostrum has a high level of protein and secretory immunoglobulins and contains white cells that will protect the baby."     Whether the mother delivers by vaginal or caesarean section, support is provided immediately after delivery by enabling skin-to-skin contact in the early newborn period, something which encourages the baby to latch onto the breast and feed within the first hour, which has huge benefits for both mother and baby. This is driven by the fact that the babies naturally feed constantly for the first while until the milk comes in, ingesting smaller amounts at a time. Initially, colostrum is produced in very small quantities and the baby only gets the equivalent of a small snack during each feed until the milk comes in several days after delivery. New-born babies are demand feeders, but a common misconception with breastfeeding is how long it will take for a baby to get into a regular feeding pattern. Typically, babies don't settle into a routine for weeks, sometimes months. It is important to educate mothers and reassure them that this is a normal part of the process and encourage them to allow the baby to lead the demand for feeding. Prof EL-Khuffash continues: “Breastfeeding is a very personal experience for new mothers. For mothers that are unsure or want to find out more about breastfeeding, we outline the benefits and emphasise how beneficial it is to both mother and baby in a non-judgemental and non-confrontational way. We take it from there while respecting the choice of the mother.” Breastfeeding increases the calorific requirements of mothers by up to 500 calories per day, and the professor explains how new mothers need to remain well-nourished during this period due to the high level of calories expended during breastfeeding. "Studies show breastfeeding helps new mothers to regain their pre-pregnancy physiological status at a faster rate. In addition to this, evidence shows that breastfeeding for a mother can reduce the incidence of or the risk of diabetes and heart disease down the line." To celebrate National Breastfeeding Week, this is happening at the Rotunda this week: 1 All mothers delivered this week will receive a knitted gift pack 2.Breastfeeding Information stand at main hospital reception 3. Breastfeeding Staff quiz 4. Coffee morning in the front hall for the breastfeeding support group scheduled to be held on Thursday 3rd of October 5 Email: thought for the day 6. Facilitate a talk and stand at the Maternity Open Day on October 6th 7. Launch of a patient information leaflet on ante natal harvesting of colostrum Prof Afif EL-Khuffash and Stephanie Buckley feature in a segment on episode 6, ‘Breastfeeding', of the ‘Real Talk With Real Mums’ podcast series. The 10 part series was created by the HRB (Health Research Board) Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network and the Rotunda Hospital. The series is designed for both pregnant women and soon-to-be mums and is presented by broadcaster and journalist, Louise McSharry. Each of the ten episodes is expertly advised, mum-approved and will explore a number of different topics. A new episode will be launched on the last Thursday of every month and are available on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud and at realtalkwithrealmums.ie