On the Coast – Families Issue 96 I October/November 2019 | Page 9

While your
body is recovering
low-risk pregnancies, this can generally
be done safely from around 36 weeks
gestation.
It is important to discuss this with
your midwife first to be sure that it is
safe for you to do so and so that you can
learn how to store the colostrum safely.
Some women will be recommended to
express antenatally, for example, if you
have diabetes. This stored colostrum is
helpful for baby’s who may be separated
from their mum following the birth or
who may have low sugar levels.
First few days of breastfeeding:
Following your birth the best thing that
you can do is have uninterrupted skin to
skin with your baby.
During this time your baby will start
to root around in search of your breast.
Some babies can do their own ‘breast
crawl’ and find and attach themselves to
the breast independently. You can find
amazing videos of babies doing this on
YouTube. Most babies will feed within
the first hour after they are born. You
can ask your midwife for support or
Ensure that
guidance with this.
from labour and birth
you are drinking
You should allow
adequate volumes
your baby unlimited
as well as nourishing your
of water and that
access to your breast
you have healthy
and ensure that you
baby, remember to look
snacks to consume
are aware of their
after yourself
between meals.
early hunger cues.
Remember the old
Ideally, it is best to avoid
as well
saying, ‘sleep when your
supplementary formula
baby sleeps’ and do so! A
feeds and the use of dummies/
daily nap or two will make the
pacifiers unless they are medically
overnight feeds much more tolerable.
necessary.
If possible, keep your baby with you at
Once home: Remember that you are
all times during your hospital stay. This
never alone in your breastfeeding
will assist with your bonding, and you
journey. Seek advice, comfort and support
will quickly learn to know your baby’s
from your midwife, your early childhood
individual early hunger cues.
nurse, your friends and family and most
While your body is recovering from
importantly your partner. Have faith and
labou r and birth as well as nourishing
confidence in your body and your baby.
your baby, remember to look after
Trust your instincts, always. Remember
yourself as well.
that our bodies were designed to do this.
Jessica Moran is a Midwife and Registered Nurse. She can be found at The Pregnancy Centre at
Mingara Medical where she provides midwifery care, in conjunction with Mingara Medical’s GPs.
Call 4302 3333 for a preconception planning appointment, early pregnancy services and routine
antenatal and postnatal care.
School
n
u
F
y
a
d
i
l
Ho
KIDS BINGO October 4 & 11
2pm – $7 per child. Activity bag, marker,
10 bingo games & 10 lucky door prizes.
Pirate & Princess Disco
Tuesday October 2, 2pm
2–12 yrs. $5 entry. Under 2yrs free.
Disco, games & prizes. Pirate &
Pricess fancy dress!
Superhero Kids Disco
Tuesday October 9, 2pm
2–12 yrs. $5 entry. Under 2yrs free.
Disco, games & prizes. Dress
up as your favourite superhero!
BOOK
EARLY!
26 Central Coast Hwy West Gosford
Ph: 4323 2311
www.grsl.com.au
JITTERBUGS KIDS SHOW
OCTOBER 5 11AM TICKETS $15
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER – ISSUE 96
9