Breastfeeding: Is it for you?

While you might think that breastfeeding will come naturally after all, how hard can it be to feed your baby the way nature intended? But it isn't always successful: while nine out of ten women start breastfeeding in hospital, according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), by the time their baby is six months old, 85% of women are using formula instead. Here's how to decide whether breastfeeding is for you.

Breastfeeding tips to know

Even though you might think breastfeeding will come naturally, knowing different techniques and choices may help you succeed. You can make breastfeeding choices to suit you and your family. For example, if you're expressing at work, keep a picture of your baby in your wallet to help with let-down, says Carey Wood, spokesperson for the ABA. If you have a premmie baby, and want to build up your milk supply, you'll need to feed more than every four hours, as premature babies can only take small amounts. And women with gestational diabetes can express colostrum before the birth in case they have a c-section or a difficult labour.

Other mums can help

Research shows that it can be difficult to keep up breastfeeding if you don't have a good support network. Carey advises joining a mothers group to surround yourself with other breastfeeding women, and consider signing up to the ABA, who have expressing machines for hire and a free helpline (1800 686 2686). Nine out of ten women start breastfeeding when their baby is born, but back in the community they often don't feel supported and their confidence is undermined, says Carey. If you surround yourself with other breast-feeding mums, you'll have a great support network.

Get advice if breastfeeding hurts

While the early days of latching on can make you cry out in pain, long-term breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. With painful feeding often the result of incorrect attachment, consider enrolling with your partner for a breastfeeding class before the birth. Just as people do birthing classes, breastfeeding should be something you prepare for too, advises Carey, adding that some birth classes include a breastfeeding module, so check your class timetable before signing up.

Return to a breastfeeding-friendly workplace

Any workplace in Australia can win extra brownie points by being accredited as a breastfeeding-friendly workplace by the ABA. Sometimes all it takes is a push from a new mum to join the scheme, with the workplace providing a private room to express and a fridge to store milk. It's something that companies across Australia are doing, with almost 100 companies signing up. We've had HR managers asking what they need to do, because women are an integral part of our work system, says Katrina Dorrough, spokesperson for the ABA.

A healthier baby

Because breast milk contains antibodies, you're setting your baby up with a solid immune system, meaning they'll have fewer coughs, colds and illnesses. If you're planning to return to work, it also means you'll have less time at home caring for a sick child. Studies show that breastfed babies are healthier and mums much less likely to take time off work the rate of absenteeism is seven times higher for non-breastfeeding mums, confirms Carey.