Breastfeeding
is natural….
Breastfeeding is natural….
The process of breast milk production and starting to feed your baby after giving birth is a natural process, but there are so often unnatural factors like medication given in labour, having stitches making it uncomfortable to sit, or previous breast surgery that can make establishing breastfeeding more challenging.
Hormones, sleep deprivation and conflicting advice and opinions on what you’re doing cause confusion….
Overwhelm and frustration, and often contribute to the tough start so many mums experience with breastfeeding…..
Breastfeeding is a wonderful, unique experience you share with your baby, providing them with the best possible start in life. Although it is a natural event, it is also a learned skill and sometimes challenges arise that can leave you feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. With expert advice, guidance and reassurance, it is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
The team at Best Start work with you to identify feeding issues and devise an individualised plan, and provide follow up support via phone or multiple consultation packages.
There will be a full assessment of you and your baby to identify challenges and provide you with the best advice and ongoing support specific to your needs!
Signs you may need support
- Your baby is sleepy at the breast / has attachment issues
- Has breast refusal
- Is fussy when feeding/pulls off frequently/ clicks/dribbles milk
- Has low weight gain
- Has a tongue tie
- Unsettled / vomiting after feeds
- You have nipple trauma / Blocked ducts/ Mastitis / low supply / need to use a nipple shield
When you make an appointment with us, we will take a full history of pregnancy and birth, underlying medical issues that may affect lactation, assess your baby’s oral anatomy and function, measure pre and post weights and observe a full breastfeed.
Our assessments include:
- Assessment of baby:
- Oral function assessment
- Suck reflex
- Tone
- Behaviour at the breast
- Attachment
- Transfer of milk
Assessment of Mum:
- Breast shape / size / changes in pregnancy
- Medical history
- Pregnancy history
- Previous breastfeeding challenges
- Supply
- Wishes/desires/expectations
- Hospital/Home visits (local area)
We will support you and provide evidence based information on all areas of lactation including:
- Nipple trauma/vasospasm
- Thrush/infection/nipple bleb
- Nipple shields
- Tongue and lip ties (Anykloglossia)
- Low supply /over supply
- Low weight gain
- Supply lines
- Engorgement/blocked ducts/mastitis
- Multiples
- Relactation
- Going back to work
- Expressing
At the end of your visit, you will have an individualized plan and the knowledge and confidence to overcome your challenges. A follow up phone call is offered to ensure that things are going to plan. Multi sessions at a discounted charge are encouraged where there are complex feeding issues that will take time to work through.
We also have Spectra Hospital grade Electric Breast Pumps for hire and purchase. Having to correct size flange for expressing is essential to optimal success and we can measure and fit for you.
How to get started?
First, have a look at the appointment types, and choose one that fits best for you.
Consultation Options:
Oral Functional Assessment – $140
Assessment of baby’s oral structure & function if you are concerned your baby may have tongue tie.
Clinic Sessions – $185
Initial consultation.
Follow up consults.
Multiple sessions encouraged to consolidate feeding. Discounts on appointments if booked as a block of 3 ($550).
Every session includes a plan, and follow up phone support.
Sessions can be in person (Perth) via Telehealth.
Please check with your private health provider if they offer a rebate for lactation consults.