Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful and transformative experience. Throughout this journey, women deserve the utmost care and support. Private midwifery care in the comfort of one's own home offers numerous advantages, enabling mothers to embrace the benefits of breastfeeding, gain confidence, receive unwavering support, and access consistent advice. In this blog post, we will explore the transformative impact of private midwifery care, emphasising the importance of these elements in creating a positive birthing and postpartum experience.

1. Breastfeeding Support:

Breastfeeding is not only a vital source of nutrition but also strengthens the bond between mother and baby. Private midwifery care provides personalised guidance, addressing any challenges that may arise during breastfeeding. Midwives are trained to help mothers establish a successful breastfeeding routine, ensuring the baby receives optimal nutrition and fostering a deep emotional connection. However care with an Endorsed Midwife with additional qualifications of IBCLC can further enhance this support!

2. Building Confidence:

Bringing a new life into the world can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Private midwifery care offers personalised attention, allowing mothers to build confidence throughout their journey. Midwives provide emotional support, empowering mothers to trust their instincts and make informed decisions. This personalised care and encouragement are invaluable in promoting self-assurance during the transformative postpartum period.

3. Unwavering Support:

Private midwifery care extends beyond the confines of the hospital, providing comprehensive support in the familiar setting of home. Midwives develop a close relationship with the mother, offering continuous support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. This support is particularly beneficial for mothers who prefer a holistic and intimate approach to childbirth, ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met. Our home visits are at least one hour long and cover all aspects of care with careful attention to your needs at each stage.

4. Consistent Advice:

Consistency is crucial when it comes to receiving advice throughout the birthing and postpartum journey. With private midwifery care, mothers can rely on a single trusted source for guidance. Midwives offer evidence-based advice on a wide range of topics, including postnatal care, nutrition, mental health support, and postpartum recovery. This consistency promotes a sense of security and eliminates conflicting information that can often lead to confusion.

Private midwifery care in the home is a remarkable choice for mothers seeking a holistic and individualised approach to care. The benefits of breastfeeding support, confidence building, unwavering support, and consistent advice contribute to a positive birthing and postpartum experience.

By embracing private midwifery care, mothers can experience the transformative power of nurturing and knowledgeable support, empowering them to embark on their journey of motherhood with confidence and grace.

We offer postpartum packages and lactation consultations within Adelaide and surrounds that attract a Medicare Rebate all within the comfort of your home. No need to miss out if you live rurally as we also offer our packages via Zoom to those families unable to access us directly. We are often able to offer an appointment or two whilst you are in Adelaide (if birthing here) and then pick up once you are home via Zoom.

See our website for all offerings and book accordingly. Our services can also included full antenatal and postnatal care with birth in your chosen hospital.

Adelaide Lactation Consultants, Midwifery & Hypnobirthing

Most mothers produce enough milk for their babies. Your milk supply is considered low when there is not enough breast milk being produced to meet your baby’s growth needs.

Many mothers worry about their milk supply, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding. In fact, women who have stopped breastfeeding will most commonly say it was because they ‘didn't have enough milk.’ However, most mothers do produce enough milk for their babies. Often the reason for ceasing breastfeeding is lack of support or knowledge about what is considered normal and expectations surrounding breastfeeding. The support of close family and friends is important to guarantee success. Sometimes well meaning relatives make mums doubt their abilities unnecessarily.

If the breast milk supply is genuinely low it is usually a temporary solution and can be improved with appropriate support from a Lactation Consultant.

There are some common reasons why women may think their milk supply is low:

My baby feeds often, sometimes every 2 hours

Babies naturally feed frequently (between 8-12 times in 24 hours), and in the early postnatal period babies can be very unsettled as they try to figure life out.

My breasts always feel soft

When your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs your breasts may not feel as full (generally this is 6-12 weeks after birth). As long as your baby continues to feed well, your breasts will produce enough milk.

My baby has started to feed more frequently

Your baby may want to feed more frequently during ‘growth spurts’ or ‘wonder weeks,’ but this increase in feeds over a few days/week will increase your overall supply and meet baby’s requirements for growth.

My baby feeds for a short time

This is no cause for concern as long as your baby is happy and continues to grow. After two or three months your baby becomes more efficient at feeding therefore will take less time at the breast.

Signs your baby is getting enough milk:

After the first week following birth, your baby should:

Wake and demand for feeds by themselves
Have at least 6-8 soaked nappies (4-5 heavy disposables) in 24 hours
Settled between most feeds
Pass soft yellow stools at least once per day

Your baby should be back to birth weight around 2 weeks of age and gaining approximately 150grams per week for the first 3 months of their life. Growth can slow after this time.

Possible causes of low milk supply

Your baby is not attaching well at the breast. This may also cause nipple pain and damage.
Your baby does not feed often enough
Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast
You have recently had mastitis or have been unwell
Baby may have an issue with their mouth/tongue e.g. thrush, tongue, lip ties
Your are taking oral contraceptive pills containing oestrogen
You have started using formula (for even one feed) as well as breastfeeding.
You have had breast surgery that is effecting your milk supply e.g. breast reduction/augmentation
You may have some medical conditions that can affect the amount of milk you produce (occurs in less than 5% of mothers) such as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, Thyroid disorders
You smoke
Some medications can effect supply including herbal and over the counter preparations

How to increase your milk supply

There are many ways to increase you milk supply. This may take some time and it is important that you seek advice and support from an experienced lactation consultant who can guide and encourage you.

Talk to Adelaide Lactation Consultants & Midwifery about strategies to manage feeding and expressing while you are increasing your supply. Often it can take about 1 hour to feed and express. Then you and your baby can rest between feeds. Your partner or support person can settle baby, while you express so you do not feel overwhelmed.

BOOK NOW for Adelaide-based lactation consultations.