Breastfeeding Resources for Health Professionals
Documents & promotional materials
Videos
Breastfeeding Basics
Breastfeeding: Getting started (0:06)
Chapter 1: Starting out (0:32)
Chapter 2: Getting closer (1:55)
Chapter 3: What to expect (3:55)
Chapter 4: Feeding cues (5:04)
Chapter 5: Making feeding comfortable for you and baby (6:03)
Baby-led attachment (6:52)
Mother-led attachment (7:39)
Chapter 6: How do I know if baby is getting enough? (10:58)
Hand expressing (12:02)
Reverse pressure softening (12:13)
Chapter 7: Help and encouragement (12:30)
Articles
Breastfeeding in the Community-How Can Partners/Fathers Help? A Systematic Review.
Previous research has shown that family members can influence infant feeding decisions. A supportive partner can improve breastfeeding outcomes. The authors of this paper performed a systematic literature review to determine which particular methods of support have been found effective.
Human Breast Milk: Bioactive Components, from Stem Cells to Health Outcomes.
This review provides a brief overview of current knowledge of growth factors (GF) and stem cells (SC) in breastmilk. While recent discoveries are exciting and suggest great potential for using breastmilk research to increase our understanding of infant development and even to provide potential therapies, at this stage much is speculative.
Bedsharing and Breastfeeding: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #6, Revision 2019.
Bedsharing has been shown to be associated with breastfeeding duration and exclusivity but it is controversial because it is also seen as a risk factor for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, decreases the risk of SIDS, so a recommendation against bedsharing may have the unintended consequence of reducing breastfeeding, which would be counterproductive.
Lactation after infant death an analysis of Australian healthcare agencies online health information.
The physiological process of lactation is triggered by pregnancy and birth and is hormonally driven. It occurs even in the absence of a living infant. Each year, over 4000 Australian women experience late miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or older infant death. Previous research has shown that many women feel unsupported by their healthcare team in regards to lactation after infant death.
COVID-19. Breastfeeding Information and Research Team, Australian Breastfeeding Association
COVID-19 is a corona virus, with much still to be learned about its transmission. Breastfeeding and breastmilk are well-known to be protective against a wide range of viruses1 and health professionals can confidently reassure breastfeeding mothers that they can continue to breastfeed.
Positioning and Attachment
In the early weeks, it is common for breastfeeding women to experience some nipple pain that ceases after the initial attachment. Severe nipple pain, pain that continues beyond the initial attachment or any signs of nipple damage all require investigation. Nipple pain is a commonly reported reason for early breastfeeding cessation. The most common cause of nipple pain is suboptimal positioning and attachment. Hence, supporting women to establish good positioning and attachment is important to help women reach their breastfeeding goals.
