Everything You Need To Know About Breast Pumping And Breastfeeding From Midwife, Amelia Lamont.

What they say is right, 3 is a crowd. But a good crowd. A cute crowd. My own little mini-me crowd. Starting the new year with the birth of our third, Coco, was the gift and joy we all needed after a less than ideal 2020. So here we are, three kids deep, drowning in diapers, cartoons, play dates and cuddles - not to mention sleep deprivation, no alone time, and adjusting to the new Covid-norm.

Pregnancy was slightly more daunting this time around, with the restrictions and uncertainty.

I was preparing to have my hands full - literally! Thankfully, I had a brilliant obstetrician (shout out Dr Neil Israelsohn!), who gave exceptional care & reassurance, especially during my 16-week morning sickness glory. My partner, Ambrose, was my support, and we’re so thankful to have been able to still share scan appointments and milestones throughout the pregnancy, despite this not being available for everyone.

Preparing for the mayhem of 3 kids, I needed to brush up on my labour education and what to expect. I got a new Medela Breast Pump to help with the planning, as pumping has been pivotal in maintaining my sanity. Ambrose and family are able to help with feeds, and well, happy mum = happy baby. The flexibility allowed me to go back to work on my business shortly after Coco was born, and I’m so thankful for this. Surprisingly, bringing Coco home and expanding the fam was easier than having 2 kids, under 2 years old.

My main tips on bringing home a newborn would be to try and be as organised as you can, pre-birth.

Have your breast pump ready, meal prep, and apply nipple cream after every appointment (I cannot stress this enough!!). Routine conquers all and it starts from birth. Start simple with a daily bath at the same time, every night, followed by a feed and sleep.

Now let’s talk the good stuff, a favourite amongst the mums - Mastitis. Ouch.

Using Medela’s Purelan Nipple Cream was a lifesaver in managing nipple soreness, but this time I got mastitis at 2 weeks postpartum, due to a big oversupply.

Pain is often caused by poor attachment or tongue tie. Nipple cream and airing breasts help a lot, as well as getting support from a Midwife or Lactation Consultant and seeking help from your healthcare professional.

Pumping to remove any lumps, along with pumping for comfort if Coco didn’t drain a side properly, paired with some antibiotics, quickly got rid of the mastitis.

It’s important to stay on top of the pumping if supply is abundant and if the little one doesn’t have a big feed.

The Freestyle Flex breast pump was my godsend during my mastitis!! I pumped regularly after each feed to drain the breast because they were still so full and Coco didn’t drain them enough.

The Harmony Manual Breast Pump is a game changer for mums on the run, like myself! It gives me the option to pump anywhere, anytime… especially when my boobs leak in public, desperate for Coco to feed.

Add a breast pump to your baby shower list!! It is definitely an essential for a breastfeeding mumma.

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*If you are experiencing pain while breastfeeding or symptoms of mastitis, contact your healthcare professional or GP for advice. You can also contact the free Australian Breastfeeding Association breastfeeding helpline by calling 1800 686 268. The Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors who answer calls on a roster system in their own homes.