GuidesFeeding & lactation

Collection · 15 guides

Feeding & lactation

Most feeding worries are not about doing it wrong — they are about not knowing what normal looks like. These are the guides I reach for most in clinic, arranged in the order families usually need them. Start anywhere. Nothing here replaces a proper assessment: if feeding hurts or your baby isn't gaining, please get seen.

Stage 1

Before birth

Worth reading in the third trimester.

01Colostrum harvestingHand-expressing your first milk from around 37 weeks, so it's ready if baby needs it.2 min read 02Partner support for breastfeedingPractical ways partners can support breastfeeding before, during and after the newborn days.4 min read

Stage 2

The first days

Learning each other, hour by hour.

03Newborn feeding cuesHow to spot early, mid and late hunger cues before your baby starts to cry.2 min read

Stage 3

Is it working?

The reassurance questions, answered properly.

04Is my baby getting enough milk?The nappy, weight and feeding signs that show your baby is getting enough milk.3 min read 05Newborn feeding behavioursWhat's normal newborn feeding behaviour, so you know what not to worry about.3 min read

Stage 4

When it hurts

Pain is a signal, not a rite of passage.

06Mastitis & blocked ductsRecognising a blocked duct and mastitis, how to manage them at home, and when to seek medical help.4 min read 07Nipple shieldsWhen nipple shields help, what to watch out for, and how to use one successfully.3 min read 08When breastfeeding hurtsHow to tell normal breastfeeding discomfort apart from pain that signals a problem.3 min read

Stage 5

Supply, pumping & storage

Including going back to work.

09Hand expressingHow and when to hand express breast milk, step by step.4 min read 10Low milk supplyPractical ways to help boost low milk supply, from pumping patterns to diet.3 min read 11Milk storageStorage times and temperatures for fresh and thawed breastmilk, at a glance.2 min read 12Power pumpingA step-by-step power pumping routine to help boost milk supply.3 min read 13PumpingA guide to pump types, power pumping and hand expression for returning to work.3 min read

Stage 6

Moving on

Weaning, when you're both ready.

1412 gentle, responsive ways to start weaning from the breastTwelve gentle, responsive techniques for weaning a toddler or older child off the breast, without cry-it-out.5 min read

Stage 7

Getting support

Making the most of a visit, whenever you book one.

15Preparing for your lactation visitWhat to do before, during and after your lactation consultant home visit.3 min read

Some things need hands and eyes, not a guide

If you’ve read your way through these and still feel stuck, that’s exactly what a session is for.

Single visit in-home breastfeeding support