Breastfeeding 101 (ONLINE)

This session will be a chance for pregnant people and their support person to learn the basics of breastfeeding so they can feel prepared and informed about what to expect, and draw on this knowledge when their little one arrives.

This two hour information-packed session will cover:

- Birth: feeding and the ‘golden hour’ after baby is born

- Mum: what to expect in those first few days; when your milk might come in, changes in your breasts, how to manage these.

- Baby: feeding cues, normal baby feeding behaviours over the first few days including frequency, how often you might feed, volumes etc 

- Breasts: how they know how much milk to make, changes to milk in the first few days

- Technique: positioning and attachment, ways to feed your baby if not feeding directly from the breast 

- Expressing: techniques, when it may be needed etc.

- Support: the importance of partner support, and what they can do to help (seeing they can’t breastfeed!)

- Resources: what other support is available

Leave feeling empowered! You will have learned so much about what to expect with breastfeeding, and therefore how to support yourselves and your baby in those first few days and weeks.

Breastfeeding is a skill that requires preparation, patience, and practice. Each mother and baby dyad have their own journey with breastfeeding, and it can be both joy-full and extremely challenging (usually a bit of both!). As a midwife I have seen so many parents who know very little about breastfeeding until they’re trying to do it… Or a few days in and struggling because they’re underprepared and nobody has had time to help them.

You will likely find that having information on what to expect and knowledge of the basics makes a HUGE difference to your experience of breastfeeding. Rather than feeling completely overwhelmed, sore and unable to continue, with realistic expectations and practical knowledge you may feel more informed and capable on your breastfeeding journey.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Any pregnant person! Come along with or without a partner or support person (though it is HIGHLY encouraged that they join you, so a second pair of ears hears all info and can help and encourage you when you’re in that newborn haze). Whether you're having your first baby, or struggled and want to give it another go, I believe it is important to set yourself up with this information to give yourself the best chance of breastfeeding for as long as works for you and your baby.

Whether you know you really want to breastfeed but want to prepare yourself, or just want to give it a go, you’ll no doubt learn some things that will help you along the way.

You can be however early or late in your pregnancy you like, although it may feel more relevant as you near baby's arrival, somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. (Some people in late 3rd trimester find this a bit overwhelming, so it can be helpful if you're a little earlier along. You will receive a copy of the slides too, so you can review the info as you get closer to having your baby!)

THE FACILITATOR

Alyssa (pronounced A-Lisa/Aleesa) is a postnatal doula and registered midwife who has been supporting people as they transition through parenthood for over 12 years, feeling drawn to midwifery as a teenager. She recently stopped working as a hospital midwife in preference of supporting new families more whole-ly and sustainably for both herself and those she supports. She is passionate about working with people to empower themselves. Breastfeeding is one of her biggest passions, and she loves imparting her knowledge to those wanting to learn.