Women throughout the ageshave managed to birth and breastfeed their babies without the modern equipment and multiple interventions. Western Society stands on the pinnacle of evolutionary achievements, yet there is a rising incidence of physical and emotional trauma associated with one of the most basic and primary human tenants, breastfeeding. The focus of this service is more on the breastfeeding aspect that is closely linked (not detached) to the giving of birth. 

In most cases the answers are simple

The drive to help find a solution with women who have sought breastfeeding assistance has taken me on an incredible learning journey. The women and the babies are my teachers. The key to breastfeeding difficulties in western societies relates to institutionalisation, systemisation and medicalisation of normal birth impacting on the first and early breastfeeds. In addition the marketing strategies for formulated animal milk products increases the prospect of resorting to formula in understaffed, busy hospitals. Breastfeeding is no longer the most important natural process for the initiation of health and wellbeing. The loss for many modern women is – the knowledge that our foremothers passed down through generations – fundamental, innate human knowledge that encourages strong women and healthy babies. 

Have we over compensated? Vast libraries and bookstores are filled with every type of study, report, DVD, and self-help book imaginable? This enormous expansion of information and knowledge is to be applauded. However, some of it has resulted in consuming the innately experienced woman? Does she feel overwhelmed or confused and dedicated to follow step-by-step instructions? Have we contributed to a loss of womanly confidence and do we create fear with conflicting or contradictory advice? 

To help me understand I decided with my research to look closely at the reason women were experiencing pain with breastfeeding and that led to learning more about the myriad of breastfeeding techniques and associated factors. As a practising midwife who had breastfed her own babies without any fuss, began to realise why breastfeeding was difficult and how powerless and alone some women felt. Thanks to these women my practice has a simple philosophy for understanding the breastfeeding process from -   

•   Breastfeeding at birth
•   Breastfeeding during the first few days
•   Breastfeeding for the first six months and beyond
•   Interpreting and communicating with your baby
•   Practical strategies to prevent or overcome problems
•   Is expressing breast milk necessary?
•   Pitfalls to avoid if you are compelled to bottle/teat feeding 
•   Introducing healthy, tasty, interesting foods that compliment continued breastfeeding

Mother-baby partnerships in most unobtrusive circumstances are capable of initiating breastfeeding without outside assistance. Modern ‘hands on’ assistance can interfere with intricate mammalian survival skills evident soon after birth. The handling of a woman’s breast or her baby by others' alters inherent evolutionary skills of the healthy newborn and the young baby. Interference that hurries a mother and her baby prevents them from working together at their own pace. Healthy babies are capable of, and skilled at, initiating multiple senses and reflexes to locate the breast and nipple for nourishment and emotional satisfaction. For most women the immediate link between Birth and Breastfeeding should be an instinctive ‘untouched’ mammalian event.