Breastfeeding, the Foundation of Life
Breastfeeding can be very difficult for many women, and here at Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on “working together for the common good” of keeping your babies well fed & happy!
- Want to feed your baby in private after a treatment? No problem!
- Want to feed you baby in the waiting room? No problem!
- Need to feed your baby during your Mums N Bubs Pilates Class? No problem!
- Need someone to warm a bottle up & feed your baby for you while you’re getting a treatment? No problem!
We pride ourselves on supporting our mum’s choices, whatever they may be, to create an environment of love, support and education where everyone feels comfortable!
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual event held every year from 1st to 7th August in more than 120 countries.
It is an event dedicated to raising awareness and protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding around the world.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week’s slogan was, “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.” You can see the social movement on social media by following the hashtag “#WBW2018” across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Exercise and Breastfeeding
Returning to exercise after having a baby has so many wonderful benefits including rehabilitating any abdominal separation, general strength & fitness, weight management and reducing stress, just to name a few.
Some mums are worried about returning to exercise because they are worried that it will affect their milk supply.
BUT… The great news is that research shows that moderate intensity exercise does NOT affect milk supply!
However, it is essential that you drink enough water for both you & your baby when taking on any exercise postnataly.
If you are noticing a difference in milk production after exercise, try increasing your fluid intake, and if there is no change, seek help from a lactation consultant or physio with further training in postnatal care.
As with any ligaments around pregnancy, the breast ligaments are vulnerable to stretch and damage, so be sure to wear a well fitted & comfortable maternity sports bra that doesn’t leave any red marks on the skin and has appropriate support for the type of exercise you choose.
Mums N Bubs Class
Here at SPHC, we offer a Mums & Bubs Pilates class which is specifically designed for postnatal rehab. It offers a low impact but moderate intensity exercise option that is pelvic floor safe but still challenging enough that you feel like you’ve had a good workout!
If you’d like to try our Mums & Bubs class, call us on 3869 1099 to arrange a Pre Class Assessment or click here to learn more.
What about Dads?!
With many women returning to the workforce, more & more Dads are choosing to take time off to look after and spend more time with their newborns. Aches and pains associated with feeding, repeated bending over to change nappies & non-stop cuddles aren’t exclusive to Mums!
Massage, Physiotherapy and Acupuncture are beneficial to all the Dads out there to help ease the aches & pains of being a busy parent. Dads are also welcome to attend our Mums N Bubs Classes with their little ones!
Physiotherapy & Mastitis
Mastitis isn’t always an infection!!! Research has shown that many cases of mastitis are actually inflammatory in nature.
Many women don’t realise that some simple changes in management techniques could get the same if not better results than antibiotics. Ice, Ibuprofen (i.e Nurofen), gentle lymphatic style massage toward the armpit and Ultrasound in many cases can effectively manage and treat mastitis.
Also making some environmental changes i.e. bra choices, ensuring good attachment and being careful with thumb/hand pressures and breast pumps are important in preventing engorgement, blocked ducts & mastitis.
A Blocked Duct or Engorgement can rapidly escalate to full blown mastitis within hours.
If you are having trouble with mastitis, call us immediately on 38691099 if you notice any redness, heat or tenderness in the breast.
Be sure to tell our reception staff that you require urgent treatment for mastitis and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding Myth Busting!
There is a lot of misinformation out there about breastfeeding which can be hard to navigate in the early days just after you’ve had a baby
Myth: “Breastfeeding is natural and easy.”
Whilst breastfeeding is natural, its not always easy. Breastfeeding is a skill, and as with any skill it takes time, practice and guidance. If you are having difficulties establishing a good latch, building milk supply or pain, see a lactation consultant ASAP. It is easiest and best to change feeding habits whilst your baby is still learning how to breastfeed.
Myth: “I have low milk supply.”
The statistics of True low milk supply is actually very low with only a small percentage of women being physically incapable of producing enough milk to feed their babies. The most common times mothers will feel that they don’t have enough milk is just before their baby has a growth spurt, when the baby will start to feed more frequently and mothers feel that they just can’t keep up. Breast milk is so dynamic, that within 2 days of an increase in demand, the breast will start to produce more milk. The more the baby empties the breast & stimulates the nipple, the more milk will be produced. This is where patience, persistence, drinking plenty of water and trusting in your body is so important. Always remember that stress inhibits your letdown reflex, so when in doubt, take a deep breath, relax & if that still doesn’t work, ask for help!
Australia Breastfeeding Association
If you are having difficulty breastfeeding your baby, a great please to get extra support and information is the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Breastfeeding Helpline
1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268)
Whether you need Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Massage or Pilates, our highly-qualified and experienced staff will give you an individual treatment that is ‘hands on’ and delivers results that allow you to move pain free, book online now.