Maternity Magazine

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Largest Selection of Products

Impartial Expert Advice

Over 65 Years’ Experience

Car Seat Fitting Service

Unit 2 Eaton House, Main Street, Rathcoole, Co. DublinTel: (01) 458 6793 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.murphysprams.ie

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm / Sunday 1pm-5pm“Making babies mobile for over half a century”

Formerly of Murphy’s Pram & Nursery Store, 17 High Street, Dublin 8

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,

Grobag, First Wheels, Babylo, Baby Elegance, Tummy Tub, Tiny Love, Aerosleep

Winner ofFavourite Nursery

Furniture StoreDublin

Murphy’sPram

& NurseryStoreEST. 1942

Professional Safety Seminar: a monthly in-store briefing youcannot afford to miss (please see our website for time & date details)

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!

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TE PR

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Maternity Covers 09 generic:Layout 1 19/06/2009 16:51 Page 1

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.


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.


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


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

xxx Maternity 09 63-129:Layout 1 19/06/2009 14:29 Page 80

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



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”



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.


“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.


Documents

Maternity Magazine