Learning and Thinking

"𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆." – First-time mum, Jess. (But our CaFHS nurses are here to help 💜)

This #WorldBreastfeedingWeek we're recognising that while breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience, it isn't always easy – and no family should feel they have to navigate the challenges alone.

For Jess, breastfeeding her son Dexter was much harder than she expected.

"My problems with breastfeeding centred around not being able to get my son to latch due to my anatomy, as well as ensuring he was feeding frequently enough to gain weight as he was struggling to maintain healthy weight gain. I also had a problem with my milk supply due to complications at birth."

Before connecting with the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS), Jess had started using a nipple shield.

"I had started using a shield to help him feed prior to connecting with CaFHS but wasn’t really given any direction as to how to use it, or any guidance about how to increase my milk supply."

Jess said she felt incredibly supported and validated by CaFHS when she received at home visits and attended four appointments at the Marion Breastfeeding Clinic.

"Before receiving support, it was an extremely vulnerable and emotional time for me. It was really hard not to blame myself and feel guilty for breastfeeding to not come as easily as I wanted it to."

"It was so reassuring to be able to reach out for support and be given a plan to help my son gain weight. It was also just really reaffirming to be told that my goal of exclusively breastfeeding was achievable with strategies provided to help boost my milk supply, as well as how to get him to confidently feed with the use of a shield."

Jess hopes her experience encourages other parents to seek support if they need it.

“I think it’s important to remember that struggling to breastfeed is not a reflection of your ability as a parent. It’s okay to reach out and accept support as I know in my case, without utilising the services as CaFHS I don’t think I would be confident enough to have continued persevering to breastfeed."

Thank you so much to Jess for sharing your breastfeeding journey and CaFHS experience with us. 🫶

If you or someone you know needs breastfeeding support, CaFHS offers free advice, home visiting and breastfeeding clinics to help families achieve their feeding goals.

For more information about breastfeeding, visit our CaFHS website: tinyurl.com/2z2eecva ... See MoreSee Less