Please note: The information on this page is general and in no way replaces consultation with a health professional. Whereas every effort is made to ensure accuracy and relevance this in no way replaces seeing a Health Professional.
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Preparation for Breastfeeding
Most woman have good strategies when it comes to preparing for birth, and yet beyond the decision to breastfeed it is often given little thought. Dr. Petrina Duncan will be happy to discuss and assist by way of referral or recommendation to health professionals to specifically prepare for your breastfeeding.
Most of the preparation can be made simply by taking time to plan and assess your expectations, motivations and restrictions.
Motivation and Preference:
The most paramount and essential factor of which is your own motivation and preferences. There is a lot of extrinsic pressure to breast feed and in some cases an expectation that this is to be seen as not really a choice. This in itself can inhibit the potential to optimise breastfeeding.
With all of the supportive evidence showing the advantages of breastfeeding to both mother and baby of course it is hoped that you choose to breastfeed, but it has to be a choice you make and feel good about. Most women who express concerns about their own ability to breastfeed their baby successfully, come from inaccurate fear ridden perceptions or third hand misinformed fears. Whilst pregnant irrespective of your initial intention to breastfeed or bottle feed it would be excellent preparation to discuss your preferences, expectations, fears and questions with Dr. Petrina Duncan or a lactation consultant or midwife
It is also a good option to contact breastfeeding support groups if you are committed to breastfeed in the antenatal period in case but also before you need them. This familiarity could pay off if you do encounter challenges.
Discuss your decision to breastfeed with your family and friends, and right from the get go establish a supportive structure of friends and family committed to assist you.
Diet and Hydration.
Looking after yourself is the quickest way to looking after your baby. Having a healthy balanced diet and maintaining hydration is essential when breastfeeding. It is recommended that the supplementation of Vitamin D through pregnancy is maintained whilst breastfeeding
Most woman have good strategies when it comes to preparing for birth, and yet beyond the decision to breastfeed it is often given little thought. Dr. Petrina Duncan will be happy to discuss and assist by way of referral or recommendation to health professionals to specifically prepare for your breastfeeding.
Most of the preparation can be made simply by taking time to plan and assess your expectations, motivations and restrictions.
Motivation and Preference:
The most paramount and essential factor of which is your own motivation and preferences. There is a lot of extrinsic pressure to breast feed and in some cases an expectation that this is to be seen as not really a choice. This in itself can inhibit the potential to optimise breastfeeding.
With all of the supportive evidence showing the advantages of breastfeeding to both mother and baby of course it is hoped that you choose to breastfeed, but it has to be a choice you make and feel good about. Most women who express concerns about their own ability to breastfeed their baby successfully, come from inaccurate fear ridden perceptions or third hand misinformed fears. Whilst pregnant irrespective of your initial intention to breastfeed or bottle feed it would be excellent preparation to discuss your preferences, expectations, fears and questions with Dr. Petrina Duncan or a lactation consultant or midwife
It is also a good option to contact breastfeeding support groups if you are committed to breastfeed in the antenatal period in case but also before you need them. This familiarity could pay off if you do encounter challenges.
Discuss your decision to breastfeed with your family and friends, and right from the get go establish a supportive structure of friends and family committed to assist you.
Diet and Hydration.
Looking after yourself is the quickest way to looking after your baby. Having a healthy balanced diet and maintaining hydration is essential when breastfeeding. It is recommended that the supplementation of Vitamin D through pregnancy is maintained whilst breastfeeding