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Main stockists forMamas & Papas, Phil & Teds, Silver Cross, Quinny, Britax,
Dr. Browns, Taggies, Avent, Tomy, Maxi-Cosi, Bebe Confort, Maclaren,Cosatto, Medela, Teutonia, iCandy, Baby Bjorn, Samsonite, Graco,
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T H E U L T I M A T E P R E G N A N C Y G U I D E 2 0 0 9 / 2 0 1 0
maternityI r e l a n d ’ s F a v o u r i t e B a b y M a g a z i n e
40WEEKS OF MAGIC
FASHION
LabourOF LOVE
Yummy Mummy
PAMPER YOURSELF DURING PREGNANCY
HEALTHYHAPPY
BABIES
FRENZY
Baby BlissTHE ART OF
BABY MASSAGE
FROM PARTNERS TO PARENTS
PAIN RELIEF ● PERSONAL STORIES ● MATERNITY RIGHTS ● CHILDCARE ● FASHION
OUR 10-PAGE GUIDE TO LABOUR AND BIRTH THE FACTS ABOUT
IMMUNISATION
BEAUTIFY YOUR BUMP!
IRE
LAN
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Y G
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20
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maternity 7
A recent UK study has revealed thatchildren born in late summer or earlyautumn are often taller and less prone toosteoporosis in later life than those bornduring the months of spring and winter. TheAvon Longitudinal Study of Parents andChildren (ALSPAC), also known as theChildren of the 90s, involved almost 7,000children born in 1991 and 1992. Researchersfrom the University of Bristol studiedmeteorological data from those years todetermine the mothers’ likely sun exposureduring the last three months of thepregnancy. They concluded that childrenborn to mothers with the highest sunexposure were, on average, a half centimetretaller and had stronger bones than thoseborn in the darkest months of the year. Thisincrease is believed to be attributed to thelevels of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin)the baby is exposed to in the womb.
Did you know?The top 5 baby names in Irelandare Jack, Sean, Conor, Daniel andJames for boys, and Sarah, Emma,Ella, Katie and Sophie for girls.
Shoes, Glorious Shoes!
If you are looking for fun,fashionable and functionalbaby and children’s shoes
then www.littlescamps.ie isyour one-stop-shop. Rangingfrom super soft newbornslippers to black leatherschool shoes, thisWestmeath-basedwebsite stocks all of themajor brands in kids’shoes, including Crocs,Pediped, Buckle MyShoe and Skechers.Many of the shoeslisted on the LittleScamps website havebeen awarded theAmerican PodiatricMedical Associationprestigious Seal of
Acceptance in support of theirbeneficial attributes for yourchild’s feet. So now you aresafe in the knowledge thatyour little ones’ feet can lookstylish and protected.
€89.73, WWW.CHILDRENSALON.COMBABY DIOR BLUE FOUR PIECE GIFT SET,
NEWS REGULARS
SMALLtalkHOT TOPICS FOR MUMS-TO-BE
Hello Sunshine!
Mammy Knows Best For straight forward advice on pregnancy and parenthood log onto www.mammy.ie.Whether your little one is still in the womb or starting school, this site is packed full of useful information aboutbeing a parent from conception through to birth and beyond. Easy to navigate, there’s lots of articles from
worldwide sources, including the US, and top tips on everything from fertility to childcare for your toddler. Just sodads aren’t left out, there are some good articles dedicated to new and expectant fathers about supporting their partnerduring pregnancy and coping with their new role as a daddy.
Down on the FarmIf you’re in and around
the Long Mile Road area
of Dublin 12, pop into
Baby Farm to pick up a
few bits for the new
arrival. With a wide
range of products from
cots and buggies to organic baby clothes, maternity wear
and books, Baby Farm is the ideal place to spend an
afternoon for expectant and new parents. If the thought
of traffic doesn’t appeal to you, check out Baby Farm’s
online shop at www.babyfarm.ie. Pictured: Cosatto Oki
Doki Three-Piece Bedroom Set, €1,199.99, Baby Farm.
fin Maternity 09 1-62:Layout 1 19/06/2009 13:15 Page 7
8 maternity
NEWS REGULARS
SMALLtalkFifty years ago, Johnson’s baby brand
developed a new set of safety
standards to mark the quality and
gentleness of Johnson’s baby mild-
cleansing soap free shampoo with the
No More Tears formulation. A favourite
with mums the world over, No More
Tears products are formulated to
exceptionally high standards and
rigorously tested to ensure they
are mild and gentle so you
don’t have to worry about
protecting your baby’s
delicate eyes during
bathtime. Nothing should
come between you and
your baby enjoying bath
time, that’s why Johnson
& Johnson have spent 50
years making it their
responsibility to know as
much as possible about
your baby's
precious eyes.
SAFETY FIRST Looking after the
health and safety of your new baby can be a
daunting experience. That’s why Clap
Handies have joined forces with Responder
Training to bring you a practical up-to-date
paediatric first aid training course for
parents and carers of babies and young
children. The aim of the course is to teach
you how to respond confidently in an
emergency, and includes training in CPR,
temperature management and dealing with
accidents around the home. For
information about courses in your area log
onto www.claphandies.com,
www.respondertraining.ie, or call Liza on
(087) 919 6042.
Natures Nest,£164.99, Amby
UK (www.amby.co.uk)
Did you know?Taking good care of your teeth whilepregnant may help to reduce theincidence of some complications inpregnancy and newborn babies,according to researchers in the UK. Shhh!
Newborns sleep almost 16 hours
a day, and are often difficult to
settle as they adjust to their new
world. That’s why Amby have
designed the Natures Nest, a
baby hammock that creates a
womb like effect in which your
baby can enjoy a snug tactile
environment with a gentle
vertical bouncing motion. Once
placed in the Natures Nest, it is
virtually impossible for your
newborn to turn onto his tummy
keeping baby in the
recommended supine position
(on the back). For more
information about the Natures
Nest log onto www.amby.co.uk
or www.ambybaby.com.
New research
from Trinity
College, Dublin
has found that
using a
Clevamama
memory
foam mattress or pillow
instead of a standard mattress can significantly
reduce ‘flat head syndrome’ common in young
babies. The study found that the Clevamama
pillow reduced the pressure on the baby’s
cranium by almost 50 per cent, while
providing over 80 per cent more contact with
the head. The tests also found that the pillow’s
profile is sufficiently low and the material is not too
stiff, so the baby’s head will be allowed to rest in a
natural position that does not restrict the airways.
The Clevamama memory foam range is
available online at www.clevamama.com.
WITH BABYBATH TIME
REST EASYWIN!maternity, in conjunction with Baby Farm on theLongmile Road (www.babyfarm.ie), are offeringone lucky reader the chance to win this fantasticJeep Candy Duo Set Stroller. Retailing at€199.99, this lightweight stroller comes completewith a matching soft carrycot that can be usedfrom birth. It has three positions and has a five-point baby harness, so you know you’re little oneis in safe hands.
To be in with a chance to win this prize, popyour name, address and telephone number onthe back of a postcardand send to Editor,maternity, Ashville MediaGroup, 57-59 Sir JohnRogerson’s Quay,Dublin 2.Draw date: December 12th
2009 We regret if this date
precedes your receipt of
this issue.
fin Maternity 09 1-62:Layout 1 19/06/2009 13:16 Page 8
TIREDNESSTiredness is common, especially during the
early months of pregnancy, when your baby
is developing, and again during the last few
months, when your body is adjusting to your
growing baby. The problem is clearly more
severe if your routine is inflexible.
When feeling overtired:
� Relax and take naps when possible.
� Don’t be a superwoman – ask for help
and remember nothing is more important
than the health of you and your baby.
� Talk to your doctor to check if you
are anaemic.
� Do not take sleeping pills unless advised
to do so by your doctor.
BREAST CHANGESBreast changes may be the first sign of
pregnancy and, as early as the sixth week,
you will be conscious of your breasts
enlarging. They have a firm, tense feeling,
may have a prickling, tingling sensation and
are sometimes tender. The growth of the
breasts continues throughout pregnancy to
2lbs/900g, so good support is essential.
The nipples also become darker in colour
and more prominent.
BACK PAINBack pain, especially in the lower back,
occurs during pregnancy. The reasons are
numerous, including ligaments softening and
stretching and posture changing as your
baby grows.
For back pain:
� Good posture is vital. Stand tall, shoulders
relaxed, buttocks tucked in and weight
spread evenly on both feet.
� Footwear should be low-heeled.
� Sit with your lower back well-supported
by pillows.
� Lie on your side on a firm mattress with
your knees drawn up.
� Avoid lifting heavy objects.
� Do some exercise – swimming may ease
back pain.
� Consult your doctor if your back pain is
severe or persists.
CONSTIPATIONConstipation occurs during pregnancy due
to hormonal changes and extra pressure
from your growing baby.
To combat constipation:
� Drink plenty of water (7-8 glasses daily).
� Eat a well-balanced diet – including lots
of fruit, vegetables and fibre.
28 maternity
Pregnancy should be a time of great joy, but often it canseem spoiled by common pregnancy ailments. However,these shouldn’t mar the time for a mum-to-be.MARGARET FANAGAN explains how to alleviate thoseniggling pregnancy complaints.
ComfortableGetting
MORNING SICKNESSSome women suffer from morning
sickness, especially during the first
few months of pregnancy. It can occur
anytime during the day or night but is
always worse on an empty stomach.
To avoid morning sickness:
� Have some tea and dry toast or a
biscuit before getting up each
morning.
� Get up slowly.
� Rest on the side of the bed for a
few minutes.
� Eat small frequent snacks.
� Avoid fatty foods that may make
the nausea worse.
� Avoid strong smells that are likely to
make you feel sick.
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maternity 29
� Take regular exercise, such as walking
and swimming.
� Consult your doctor if you feel you need
a mild laxative.
SWOLLEN JOINTSSwollen joints, especially in the ankles and
hands, are fairly common. However, sudden
or severe swelling should be reported to
your doctor immediately.
To fight swollen joints:
� Raise your feet whenever possible.
� Avoid wearing anything tight.
� Wear well-supported shoes and
support stockings.
� Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
� Remove rings from fingers if tight.
HEARTBURNHeartburn is a form of indigestion and is
common during pregnancy, especially
during the latter months. It is experienced as
a burning sensation in the stomach and
throat and is due to the hormone
progesterone combined with pressure from
the growing baby.
To beat heartburn:
� Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
� Eat five or six small meals a day.
� Eat slowly and in a stress-
free atmosphere.
� If possible, rest for a few hours after you
have eaten.
� Sleep propped up on pillows.
� Try to drink fluids separate to eating.
HAEMORRHOIDSHaemorrhoids are varicose veins in the
back passage. They are caused by
constipation, the increased pressure of your
growing baby and hormonal changes.
The HypnoBirthing Childbirth method is as
much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique
for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress-
free method of birthing. HypnoBirthing
teaches you, along with your birthing
companion, the art and joy of experiencing
birth in a more comfortable manner.
Based on the theories and writings of Dr
Grantly Dick-Read, one of the pioneers of
natural childbirth. In his book Childbirth
Without Fear he explains that: “There is no
physiological function that gives rise to pain in
the normal course of health.” He also states “In
no other animal species is the process of birth
apparently associated with any suffering, pain
or agony, except where pathology exists or in
an unnatural state, such as captivity”. When
we are afraid, our body diverts blood and
oxygen from non-essential organs (like the
uterus) to large muscle groups in our
extremities. Our face drains of blood and we
are said to be ‘white with fear’. He termed this
phenomenon ‘fear-tension syndrome of
childbirth’, and said it occurred in 95 per cent
of women during labour.
He believed that by eliminating the fear,
women could return the uterus to its normal
function, thereby eliminating the pain.
Hypnosis’ main objective in labour and birth
is to reduce the ‘fear- tension response’ in
labour which can trigger:
� Excessive fear/anxiety
� Activation of stress hormones
� Inhibition of oxytocin/endorphins
� Sympathetic system initiated
� Uterine muscle conflict
� Lactic acid build-up
� Excessive pain.
When a woman is properly prepared for
childbirth and when mind and body are in
harmony, nature is free to function in the same
well designed manner that it does with all
other creatures.
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring
phenomenon, a little like daydreaming. Any
time we redirect or narrow our focus, such as
when engrossed in a good book, or watching
the flickering flame of a fire we are said to be
in a state of hypnosis. We are fully in control
and aware of what is happening to us and
around us.
In a HypnoBirthing class the mother will
learn a programme of deep relaxation, self-
hypnosis, breathing techniques, birth positions
and the basic physiology of birth and much
more. It will teach her to release all prior
programming about birth, how to trust her
own body and work with it, as well as how to
free herself of harmful emotions that lead to
pain – causing fear and unyielding muscles.
HypnoBirthing will teach her the art of using
her own natural birthing instincts. Gentle
birthing techniques are used to allow her to
breathe her baby into the world without hard
physical pushing. She is totally conscious, a
consenting participant, fully in control,
comfortably relaxed and fully aware of what
is happening.
Fathers have a big role to play in the birth
experience, guiding the mother into deeper
states of relaxation and protecting her. As a
result they feel closer to mother and baby
resulting in better bonding.
When the mother is properly prepared for
birth physically, mentally and spiritually, she
can give birth in an easier, more comfortable,
shorter time and as a result many mothers
find birth empowering and life-changing.
HypnoBirthing classes are held in four
sessions or over a weekend. A book and
relaxation CD is an accompaniment to the
course and mum needs to listen to CD daily
for maximum benefits.
Carmel Flaherty
CMM2/Yoga/HypnoBirthing instructor
LEG CRAMPSLeg cramps can sometimes occur during
the latter months of pregnancy,
particularly at night. The exact cause is
unknown, but they are more frequent
when the muscle is tired.
To avoid leg cramps:
� Increase your calcium intake from milk,
green leafy vegetables and the mineral
potassium from bananas.
� Gently exercise the foot by rotating in a
clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
� Stretch your legs just before bedtime and
massage them in warm water.
� Avoid pointing toes, as this seems to
encourage spasm.
Midwife CARMEL FLAHERTY on dealing with labour andbirth by HypnoBirthing.
Coping with birth: HYPNOBIRTHING
When dealing with
haemorrhoids:
� Follow tips for constipation.
� Consult your doctor.
VARICOSE VEINSSwollen veins usually occur in the lower leg
and may extend to the pelvic area. These
are due to increased pressure in the vein
and the action of pregnancy hormones.
For varicose veins:
� Follow advice for swollen joints in the
lower limbs.
� Avoid crossing your legs when seated.
� Consult your doctor.
Remember: pregnancy is not an illness, try
to enjoy it – it’s a special time!
PREGNANCY GETTING COMFORTABLE
fin Maternity 09 1-62:Layout 1 19/06/2009 13:18 Page 29
80 maternity
hether you’re expecting
or have just given birth,
the decision of how to
feed your new baby is an
important one. While modern formula milks
are always improving, they will never replicate
the essential mix of nutrients and immunities
that breast milk contains. Breastfeeding is
healthy, easy and economical yet, according
to a recent national survey, only 47 per cent
of Irish women breastfeed their newborn
babies with this rate falling precipitously to 24
per cent in the weeks following the birth.
These figures are astonishing when you
consider that every major health group,
including the World Heath Organisation and
UNICEF, recommends that babies be fed
breast milk exclusively for the first six months
of life, and that breastfeeding should continue
as long as possible after the introduction of
solid food.
Although breastfeeding is the natural
choice, it is not always easy. Breastfeeding is
a skill that needs to be learned by a mother
and her baby and attending a breastfeeding
class before the birth can make a huge
difference, both in knowledge and
confidence. All pregnant mothers have the
opportunity to attend antenatal classes
which will include a breastfeeding class. In
addition to these, some hospitals run
breastfeeding skills workshops which offer
more specific information on breastfeeding
and teach the skills necessary to help get
breastfeeding off to a good start.
The AdvantagesBreastfeeding has many advantages for babies,
their mothers, society and the environment.
Remember, your breast milk is perfect for your
baby and it adapts to meet your baby’s
changing needs.
Benefits for baby:k Strengthens your baby’s immature digestive
system and helps to kick start their immune
system.
k Lowers your baby’s risk of SIDS (Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome) and childhood
illnesses.
k Ensures a baby’s optimum growth and brain
development and contains antibodies to
protect your baby from infection.
k Helps prevent illnesses such as asthma,
eczema, bacterial meningitis and allergies
caused by certain foods in infancy
and adolescence.
k Children who are breastfed as babies tend to
have lower blood pressure than those who
are bottle fed.
k Children who have breast milk for seven
months or more have higher IQ scores and
have been shown to perform better at
school than babies who have been fed
formula milk.
k Helps prevent diarrhoea and vomiting, as
well as respiratory, urinary and ear infections.
k Breast milk is particularly important for
babies who are preterm or ill as your preterm
milk is especially designed for your
premature baby.
Breastfeeding will give your baby the best possible start tolife and can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience foryou too. LORRAINE O’HAGAN and DENISE MCGUINNESSexplain how to master the technique and makebreastfeeding successful for you and your little one.
SIMPLY THE
BreastW
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maternity 81
k Breastfed babies take less time to settle
when they wake at night. This means night
feeds are shorter and new mums and dads
can get more sleep.
k Breastfed babies have less tooth decay and
tend to have straighter teeth than bottle fed
babies who suckle from artificial nipples.
Benefits for mum:k Breastfeeding right after childbirth reduces
the risk of excessive bleeding after birth and
anaemia. It also stimulates the womb to
contract and return to the pre-
pregnancy state.
k Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian
cancer, as well as osteoporosis.
k Women with diabetes have a reduced need
for insulin when breastfeeding.
k Breastfeeding burns 600 calories per day.
This helps new mums lose the weight
gained during pregnancy.
k Breastfeeding mums tend to suffer less from
postpartum depression.
k A breastfeeding woman releases a chemical
called beta-endorphin in response to
suckling. This helps the woman to relax and
adjust to mothering and helps with the
bonding process between mother and child.
k Women who breastfeed report having a
sense of satisfaction at being able to feed
their babies with their own milk.
k Breast milk is always free and at the ready
wherever you and your baby go. There is no
shopping for expensive formula, no bottles
to carry around, no preparation, no sterilising
or heating, and breast milk is always fresh
and free from contamination.
k Employers benefit too, as research shows
that women who continue to breastfeed
when they return to work are three times
less likely to be absent from work to care for
their ill children, as breastfed children are
much healthier.
Getting StartedThe first hour after birth is a very special time
for the new family and a good time to initiate
breastfeeding. Regardless of the way your baby
is born, there is no reason why you cannot
breastfeed as soon as you have given birth.
The midwife may ask you if you would like your
baby placed on your tummy after he/she is
born and it is this skin-to-skin contact that has
been highlighted as very beneficial when
BABY TALK BREASTFEEDING
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maternity 83
initiating breastfeeding. Babies usually
experience a time of quiet alertness in the
first hour or two after the birth. They are
awake, but not crying, and seem to be
primed to take in new experiences – such
as actively seeking their mother’s breast.
This skin-to-skin contact also facilitates the
bonding process and it is important that
new mums use these first few hours and
days in hospital to become familiar with
your baby’s needs and the way he/she
communicates with you.
Positioning andAttachmentBefore you commence a feed, take time to
position your baby well at the breast to
avoid becoming sore and to ensure the
baby is milking the breast effectively. Start
by getting comfortable. There are various
ways to hold your baby when breastfeeding
and it doesn’t matter which position you use
as long as the baby is well attached. Most
mothers feed their baby in a traditional
cradle hold. Lying down with your baby is
another position and many mothers find this
position very relaxing and it’s a great
position to learn for night-time feeds. Other
positions are the cross cradle hold and the
rugby hold. Your midwife will help you with
different positions until you find one that
is comfortable.
To get your baby in a good position for
feeding, ensure baby is facing you with her
head, neck and back in a straight line. Her
head should not have to turn to reach the
nipple as this would make it
difficult for her to swallow. She
needs to be positioned so that
her nose is in line with your
nipple with her body tucked in
close to you. It is important to make sure
baby’s mouth is wide open so she can take
a large mouthful of breast, with her tongue
down. The baby can then be moved swiftly
towards your breast and allowed to latch on.
Sometimes a gentle brush of baby’s lower
lip with your nipple may encourage her to
open her mouth wide. Always move your
baby to the breast rather than moving the
breast to the baby. The baby should come
onto the breast at an angle so that your
nipple points towards the roof of her mouth.
The easiest way to remember this is:
k Tummy to mummy
k Nipple to nose
k Baby to breast
both mother and child are adjusting to the
new circumstances, it may take up a lot of
your time. Sleeping when baby sleeps and
putting aside things like housekeeping will
conserve energy. Don’t be afraid to ask for
help and support from your partner or
family and friends. Another thing to
recognise is that babies are ‘night-time
people’ for the first three weeks and they
can feed more at night than during the day.
Night feeds (between 1am and 5am),
however, remain a priority for baby. This
settles down after a few weeks so you will
then be able to get more sleep.
When you get the hang of breastfeeding,
though, it will not stop you and your baby
from going out and enjoying life. You can
breastfeed almost anywhere. With practise
and the right clothing, most people won’t
even notice that you are breastfeeding.
There are a number of support structures
in place to help you through your
breastfeeding experience. Many hospitals
offer breastfeeding support clinics for the
first six weeks following delivery.
Alternatively, ask your GP or public health
nurse for help and about breastfeeding
clinics in your area. Voluntary groups like La
Leche and Cuidiú have experienced
breastfeeding mothers who can assist you
in learning how to read your baby’s needs
and guide you as a mother.
Returning to WorkWorking mothers in Ireland now have the
right to paid breastfeeding/lactation breaks
where the employer provides facilities or a
reduction in working hours without loss of
pay for breastfeeding where no facilities are
provided. The law in Ireland defines “an
employee who is
breastfeeding” as any
employee who is breastfeeding
within six months of birth and
has informed her employer
accordingly. Lactation breaks are breaks
taken to express milk or breastfeed babies.
These breaks are essential if a mother is to
maintain her supply and comfort during
working hours.
Expressing Breast MilkThe expression of breast milk may be an
option you choose to ensure that your baby
continues to receive the benefits of breast
milk even on your return to work. There are
three main methods of expressing:
Breastfeeding should not be painful.
However, during the initial days of learning
you may feel some pain or discomfort when
your baby first latches onto your breast.
This feeling should fade quickly. If the pain
continues, your baby may not be latched on
correctly to your breast and you should try
to reposition him/her. It is important that you
continue to receive the support of your
midwife during this learning phase so that
you become confident in ensuring baby
latches on correctly.
When You Get Homefrom HospitalMany mothers are concerned when they go
home about how often their baby should be
feeding. It is important to note that baby’s
feeding patterns vary enormously. The
feeds may be very frequent and quite long
at first, particularly in the first few weeks.
This is quite normal. If you feed your baby
whenever they seem to be hungry, you will
produce enough milk to meet his/her
needs. This is because every time the baby
feeds, messages are sent to your breast to
produce more milk.
A very important note about
breastfeeding is that if your new baby feeds
a lot, particularly in the first few weeks when
It is important that your baby is latched
on properly to the areola and is
“breast” feeding and not just “nipple”
feeding; otherwise, your baby may not
get all the milk he/she wants during a
feed and your nipples may become
sore. If the baby has latched on well:
k She will cover more of the areola
with her lower lip than her upper lip.
k Her chin should be touching the
breast.
k Her mouth should be wide open
with a big mouthful of breast.
k Her sucking pattern changes from
short sucks to long deep ones.
“The first hour after birth is avery special time for the new
family and a good timeto initiate breastfeeding”
BABY TALK BREASTFEEDING
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84 maternity
k by hand
k by hand pump
k by electric pump
You should discuss all of the above
options with your midwife. Regardless of
which method you choose, it is vital that you
maintain strict hand hygiene and all
equipment for pumping and storage is
washed and sterilised before use. When
storing breast milk you must ensure that it is
placed in a sterile container with an airtight
seal with the date and time of expression
recorded. Refrigerated (2-4oC) breast milk
can be kept for three to five days, ensuring
that you do not place the milk in the fridge
door where the temperature varies. You
should freeze any expressed breast milk
you do not intend to use within 24 hours
straightaway; this can be kept in the ice
section of a fridge for one week and a freezer
for up to three months.
When defrosting expressed breast milk you
should do so slowly, in a fridge or at room
temperature. Defrosted milk can be stored in
a fridge but must be used within 24 hours. It is
important to note that once milk has been
warmed to room temperature it must be used
or discarded. It may be useful to keep this in
mind so you only warm the amount you think
you are going to use. It is vital that you never
refreeze breast milk. Microwaves are not
suitable for thawing breast milk as they may
cause uneven temperatures, which place the
baby at risk of burns. Once the expressed
breast milk is defrosted and at room
temperature, you are ready to feed.
Breastfeeding is the best method of infant
feeding for you and your baby. If you
experience any kind of difficulties when you
start breastfeeding, seek professional
assistance as soon as possible. He/she will
be more than happy to advise you on how
to successfully establish a mutually
rewarding feeding pattern and will know
that you and your baby will benefit
enormously from doing so.
Lorraine O’Hagan and Denise McGuinness are
Clinical Midwife Specialists in Lactation at the
National Maternity Hospital.
BABY TALK BREASTFEEDING
“Breastfeeding is the best method ofinfant feeding for you and your baby”
Getting HelpBreastfeeding clinics, hospitalsupport & advice
National Maternity Hospital Breastfeeding support service: Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, 10am-12.30pm by
appointment, Tel: (01) 637 3251. Antenatal
breastfeeding skills workshop are held on
the first Friday of the month, 12.45pm-
1.45pm and on the third Tuesday of the
month, 6pm-7pm. No appointment
necessary. A breastfeeding support
phoneline operates from Monday to Friday,
from 8.30am-3.30pm, Tel: (01) 637 3100.
Coombe Women & InfantsUniversity Hospital For information, call (01) 408 5761.
The Rotunda HospitalBreastfeeding support group meets
Thursday, 11.30am-12.30pm. You should call
in advance to book a place, (01) 873 0700.
Lactation midwives available to take calls
from Monday to Friday, 8.00am-3.30pm.
University College Hospital Galway24-hour breastfeeding helpline, call
(091) 544 210.
Cork University Maternity HospitalNoreen Connolly, Breastfeeding
Co-ordinator; Rebecca O’Donovan,
Lactation Consultant, 087 662 3874;
087 050 6928.
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