Midwives Assisting Mothers to Breast-feed: Practical Tips

Midwives Assisting Mothers to Breast-feed: Practical Tips

This lecture provides information and practical tips relating to breast-feeding. It focuses on workable approaches for the midwife in assisting newly birthed mothers to breastfeed their babies, (with as little stress as possible). The development of a baby’s brain is described and new midwifery lactation theory discussed. Evidence-based lactation strategies are provided. Psychosocial aspects of mother baby interactions are discussed, anxiety of mothers and babies and the importance of the relationship in terms of both physical and psychological development is emphasised.

This session will cover:

• Breast-feeding management and practical tips.
• The midwife's role in assisting newly-birthed motehrs to breast-feed.
• Development of a baby's brain.
• Psychosocial aspects of mother-baby interactions.
• Physical and psychological development of mothers and babies.

Speaker: Heather Harris

Heather Harris is a highly experienced midwife with a Master of Midwifery degree. She is also a Lactation Consultant. Currently Heather works in the Birralee Maternity Unit, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. In her Masters studies, Heather evaluated the validity and reliability of a midwife administered breast-feeding assessment tool. Her varied background, as a midwife, clinical teacher, lactation advisor and project manager includes successful ‘Baby Friendly’ accreditations for Mitcham Private Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Heather’s impressive midwifery achievements also include working for Medecins Sans Frontiers’ in a number of developing countries.

Recorded: 18th of March 2011
Duration of Session: 48 mins
Conference: Skills for Modern Midwives
Session in Conference: Breast-feeding Management: Practical Tips

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