{"id":4027,"date":"2022-03-21T13:19:38","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T05:19:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medela.sg\/?p=4027"},"modified":"2022-06-16T15:33:29","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T07:33:29","slug":"breastfeeding-in-birth-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medela.ph\/blog\/mums-journey\/breastfeeding-in-birth-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Why breastfeeding should be in your birth plan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Giving your baby his first breastfeed within the first couple of hours of birth<\/a> gives you the best chance of establishing breastfeeding, as well as giving him the chance to enjoy all the benefits of colostrum<\/a> \u2013 the first milk you produce \u2013 as soon as possible. One way of helping to ensure this happens is to include breastfeeding in your birth plan.<\/p>\n What is a birth plan? Ideally you should write your birth plan well before your due date so you have a chance to show it to your birth partner and the healthcare professionals who\u2019ll be looking after you.<\/p>\n You can write it any way you like, but it\u2019s probably easiest to start with a simple list that you can expand on after doing a bit of research. Your birth facility may have some samples or templates that you can use, or you could look at birth plan examples online.<\/p>\n Why is it important? Preparing for breastfeeding Writing a birth plan also provides you with a good opportunity to discuss your breastfeeding wishes in general with your partner, if you haven\u2019t already. Explain that you\u2019d like them to be your breastfeeding advocate, helping your baby to have your breast milk even if the delivery doesn\u2019t go to plan or you\u2019re not actively able to breastfeed straight after the birth. Ask them to have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn if you\u2019re not able to, as this will help your baby feel comforted and calm.1<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n Writing your birth plan: What to include Here are examples of the type of statements you can put in your birth plan to make your breastfeeding wishes clear and give you and your baby the best chance of a good start:<\/p>\n What if the birth doesn\u2019t go to plan? Bear in mind some medications and interventions administered during labour and birth could affect your baby\u2019s ability to breastfeed at first. It\u2019s worth asking a healthcare professional about the effects of different types of pain relief and assisted delivery on you and your baby, as well as any impact they might have on breastfeeding, so you or your birth partner can make informed decisions.<\/p>\n And if you and your newborn aren\u2019t able to breastfeed in that first hour, don\u2019t be disheartened. Many mums and babies manage to establish and continue breastfeeding, despite not having an ideal start. Get as much support as you can from the healthcare professionals around you, and contact a lactation consultant<\/a> or breastfeeding specialist quickly if you need help getting breastfeeding back on track.<\/p>\n
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\nThink of a birth plan as a wish list of your options during labour, birth and the time directly afterwards. It might include things like your preferences regarding pain relief and birth position, what should happen in the event of a caesarean section, what to do if complications arise, and, of course, breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
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\nA birth plan provides clarity. It will help guide conversations and build trust between you, your birth partner and healthcare professionals. This is especially important during labour, where you may have other things on your mind! In addition, if there\u2019s a change in staff shifts during the labour, a birth plan can help the new staff get up to speed with your history and wishes.<\/p>\n
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\nIf you\u2019re keen to breastfeed, discuss your plans with your birth partner and healthcare professionals during your pregnancy. Your midwife will make your intentions clear in your medical notes and should be able to suggest useful local sources of breastfeeding support.<\/p>\n
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\nWhen it comes to the breastfeeding section of your birth plan, start by simply stating your intention to breastfeed exclusively. Explain that you want the healthcare professionals to do all they can to help you breastfeed your newborn, or give him your expressed breast milk if feeding from the breast isn\u2019t possible, so you can still initiate your milk supply.<\/p>\n\n
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\nEven with the most carefully considered birth plan, it\u2019s impossible to predict how your baby\u2019s birth will unfold. This is why it\u2019s also important to be open to changes.<\/p>\n