The document discusses breastfeeding education for mothers-to-be. It notes that women receive information from various sources, but often lack focused education during pregnancy. Pregnancy is identified as a key time to provide information to increase breastfeeding motivation and confidence. However, women frequently receive warnings that breastfeeding is difficult and requires experts rather than encouragement. The document also discusses how different types of birth can impact a baby's ability to breastfeed due to interventions like epidurals or forceps use. It argues that providing expectant mothers with confidence in birth and their bodies can positively influence breastfeeding outcomes regardless of birth experience.

1. Hypnobirthing Study Day
th October 2013
12
Breastfeeding & Birth
Claire Rocuzzi – Better Birthing
Doula and Antenatal Educator
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

2. Breastfeeding Education in the
Antenatal Period
Where do women get their information from?
• Google & Internet
• Friends
• Family
• Books
• Classes & Groups
• Professionals
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

3. Breastfeeding Education in the
Antenatal Period
What information are we giving mothers-to-be?
Can you remember what you were told/taught?
How much time did you spend thinking about breastfeeding?
Pregnancy is a teachable moment in life.
A ‘teachable moment’ is theorized to increase motivation to change a behaviour
through increased risk perceptions, emotional responses, and changes in self-image.
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

4. Breastfeeding Education in the
Antenatal Period
What information are we giving mothers-to-be?
Do mothers see mothers breastfeeding and do we see it as the norm?
Gonzalez (2012:25) believes that one of the reasons we have difficulties is because we do
not see mothers in our natural habitat breastfeeding often enough. Research with gorillas
in zoo vs wild and in the zoo the gorilla needs to be ‘shown’ how to breastfeed. He suggests
that we are in captivity, in our communal captivities and all instinct is gone and fear and
doubt left.
2010 Infant Feeding Survey (McAndrew et al 2012)
While increased initiation of breastfeeding levels from 76% to 81% in the UK, still issues
around early cessation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding.
Woman’s attitudes to breastfeeding shown as ‘deep seated anxiety and
embarrassment’, ‘uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of others’ and others made to feel
wrong and unaccepted when breastfeeding in public. (Angell: The Practicing Midwife March
2013:5)
Also makes mention of the media and it’s attitude to breasts as being purely sexual with
breastfeeding breasts being shown in a negative light if at all. (Angell 2013)
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

5. Breastfeeding Education in the
Antenatal Period
What SHOULD we be telling them?
‘The constant warning that help is needed decreases a mother’s confidence in her
capability to even hold her baby let alone breastfeed it. This discourse also classifies
breastfeeding as one of those activities that requires help from an expert. In that way
it expropriates breastfeeding and causes Nemesis’ (Colson 1998:29)
• Support
• Signposts
• Encouragement
• What to expect ie how much, how often, positions
• Feeding cues – to look and listen to our babies
•Skin to Skin – Biological Nurturing
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

6. Type of Birth and Breastfeeding
What is needed in order to breastfeed?
• ‘A woman’s confidence and trust in her ability to birth spills into her
confidence and ability to breastfeed.’ (McGrath KE 2007)
• Breastfeeding is a natural progression following birth.
• Baby needs to be able and willing
• Mother needs to be confident and supported
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

7. Type of Birth and Breastfeeding
How birth type affect breastfeeding.
• Smith (2009) looks at the impact of birthing practices on breastfeeding
•Pain relief crosses the placenta
•Epidural drugs found in cord blood
•Drugs used to numb sensory nerves in mother and also affect the infant namely sucking and
co-ordination
•Induction
•Forceps/Ventouse
•Position of the baby and time in birth canal
• 22 bones, 6 nerves and 60 muscles are required in order for the baby to
breastfeed.
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

8. What now?
• If we can provide a mother with enough support and confidence in her
own body throughout her pregnancy and labour, regardless of her birth
experience she will be more confident in her breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding needs to be normalised and seen as the norm and not as a
problem.
•Media portrayal needs to be changed
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk

9. Q&A
Hypnobirthing Study Day
12th October 2013
www.betterbirthing.org.uk