A breastfeeding initiative spearheaded by Portiuncula University Hospital has been described as a "game changer" by its lactation consultant.
As part of National Breastfeeding Week, the hospital's maternity department has launched an "Antenatal Expressing of Colostrum" information leaflet and accompanying colostrum or "liquid gold" harvesting packs for pregnant women.
The project is being led by lactation consultant Olivia Somers who says learning to hand express colostrum from 37 weeks in pregnancy is a "great way" for mums-to-be to prepare for their breastfeeding journey.
"By expressing their colostrum towards the end of their pregnancy, they will be better prepared to meet any feeding challenges should they arise. Colostrum is often referred to as liquid gold. It is a fluid which is produced by the breasts from about 18 weeks of pregnancy and during the first few days after the birth.
"It is the perfect food for newborn babies. It is rich in antibodies which gives babies their first immunisation. It is low in volume but high in energy, it is very concentrated, containing lots of protective properties to give all babies the best start in life that they deserve. The amount will vary from a few drops to a teaspoon but this small amount is perfect for your baby. It really is liquid gold, every golden drop counts."
Practice and patience
Ms Somers says Portiuncula University Hospital believes that empowering, enabling, supporting, and protecting women's breastfeeding journey is of the "upmost importance".
"We recommend that you discuss harvesting colostrum with your obstetric team and we have a new leaflet on harvesting colostrum that has lots of information for mums-to-be. The leaflet also includes a QR code to link to a short video on how to hand express which is a learned skill which takes time to master. Practice and patience are a prerequisite along with a warm compress and massage.
"I also recommend that women attend the "Antenatal Preparing to Breastfeed" workshop which takes place virtually so women can log in from the comfort of their own homes. During the workshop, women learn the skill of hand expressing along with what to expect in the first few days and weeks after birth. I find once women are aware of the norms of breastfeeding in the early days, it reassures them and gives them the confidence in their own ability to successfully breastfeed their own baby."
The workshop covers the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of skin-to-skin contact, correct position, and attachment. It also advises how to establish a good milk supply by stimulation early and often and ways of protecting the milk supply if the baby is unable to latch.
These classes are available online and can be booked at puhmaternity.ie There are also several videos available on preparing to breastfeed by logging on to mychild.ie
