When it comes to #mumlife, there’s something very reassuring about knowing that you’re not the only one struggling with a particular issue.
Whether it’s a newborn with poonamis  SO epic, you need to pack three changes of clothes to leave the house, or a toddler who will only answer when referred to as ‘Mr Bum Bum Poo Head’, a problem shared is a problem (kind of) halved.
This is especially true of breastfeeding. We won’t sugar coat it. Breastfeeding can be HARD. Breastfeeding can come easily to some. For others, it’s about as natural as dancing a hula to a Justin Bieber song; foreign, confronting and just plain hard work. So we’re using World Breastfeeding Week to share what Aussie mums just like you really think about breastfeeding.
It’s okay to cry over spilt milk
It’s true what they say – there really is no point crying over spilt milk. Unless it comes from your boobs. Aussie mums rank issues with milk supply, soreness and pain as the biggest issues they face. Too much milk? Not enough milk? Both these dilemmas are a struggle for mums of newborns.
Try and try again
The main reason that we persevere, despite the challenges? The health and wellbeing of our precious bundle. Â Nine in 10 Aussie mums persist with breastfeeding – despite biting babies, leaky boobs, sore nipples and the rest – for the health factor. Interestingly, other factors; bonding, convenience, budget constraints rank very low in the motivation stakes.
With so many women experiencing mild to moderate issues, it makes sense that breastfeeding mums are hungry for information and support. And the stats back that up. More than 70 per cent of mamas say they use an online support network, website, forum or app for parenting information and support. And almost all of them found these resources important in terms of providing new mums with support and information.
Fast boobing facts
- Pump it: 92 per cent of mums use a breast pump with most pumping to store milk for later use.
- The biggest issue women face when establishing breastfeeding? Fears about milk supply, usually not having enough milk to sustain baby.
- Midwifes and doctors rank as the most popular avenue for seeking advice for breastfeeding issues.
Help at your fingertips
If you’re one of the 90 per cent of mums who experience issues with breastfeeding, there is plenty of help available.
Struggling with supply and/or pain? Check out our post on the 4 most common breastfeeding struggles (and how to solve them).
Need more help? The Australian Breastfeeding Association runs the national Australian Breastfeeding helpline, with experienced volunteers who can help with advice or point you in the direction of relevant resources and/or other professionals. Contact them on 1800 686 268.
Medela Australia conducted a survey with 4000 Australian mums to discover attitudes towards experience with breastfeeding and who they turn to for parenting advice.  Medela provides breastfeeding mums, families and communities with the leading breastfeeding products, expert insights, and ongoing research and education to support the breastfeeding journey. Find out more over at Medela.
