🤱 Ask The Expert | World Breastfeeding Week 2026

How long does he typically feed for? And when he is latching, do you see him actively sucking and hear him frequently swallowing milk? If feeds are consistently very long, your baby isn't gaining weight appropriately, has few wet and dirty diapers, it's worth having an IBCLC assess a complete feed.

Returning to work can be one of the biggest adjustments in a breastfeeding journey. If your work schedule makes this difficult, try to make the sessions you can manage as effective as possible. A comfortable flange fit, properly functioning pump parts and a relaxed environment can make a significant difference. Ideally, after returning to work and you are trying to maintain your supply, the total number of milk removal sessions daily remains the same as before. If you are not able to pump as frequently while in the office, you can consider pumping more after work, so the total number of milk removal sessions daily remains the same.

5) Some mums may try taking some lactogenic foods or herbal supplements to help boost their supply while they continue to pump regularly. 6) You may also try adding one more pumping session daily, or do a power pumping session once a day. Power pumping mimicks baby's cluster feeding which may signal the body to make more milk. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated and eat nutrient dense meals.

Yes — this is usually completely normal! Breast milk can vary considerably in appearance. It may look white, bluish, watery, creamy or even slightly yellow depending on when it was expressed, how long it has been stored and how much fat is present. Your diet and health may affect the colour of the expressed breastmilk too. The composition of breast milk changes throughout a feed, throughout the day and throughout your entire lactation journey, over the course of your baby's development.

I wouldn't encourage you to simply “wait for it to get better.” Some tenderness can occur during the early days of breastfeeding, but ongoing or significant pain at three weeks deserves assessment. Pain can be caused by shallow attachment, positioning difficulties, tongue or oral restrictions, nipple damage, engorgement, infection or other factors. Sometimes there may be more than one issue. If your nipples are cracked, bleeding, misshapen after feeds or you are dreading every feed because of the pain, please seek help sooner rather than later. An IBCLC can watch a complete feed, assess your baby's latch and milk transfer and help identify what is causing the pain.

Some babies develop a preference for one breast, and sometimes this is simply because one side has a faster or slower milk flow, or a different nipple shape. Sometimes it could be due to some musculoskeletal tension that causes baby to feel more comfortable lying on one particular side. It will be good if you could seek help from an IBCLC soon for a better physical assessment.

Yes! A prenatal lactation consultation can be particularly useful, especially if you're hoping to breastfeed and want to feel more prepared. You don't have to wait until you have a breastfeeding problem before seeing an IBCLC. During a prenatal session, you can discuss what to expect during the first few days, feeding cues, positioning and attachment, hand expression, what normal newborn feeding looks like and when to seek help. It's also a good opportunity to discuss any breast surgery, medical conditions or concerns you may have. Think of it like preparing for birth: you don't prepare because you expect something to go wrong; you prepare because having knowledge and a plan can help you feel more confident. At 36 weeks, you're actually at a great time to have that conversation.

Yes, this can happen, particularly during the early weeks. A baby's ability to latch can change depending on how hungry, tired or unsettled they are, and the breast itself can also feel different depending on how full it is. It doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. Try starting the feed before baby becomes extremely hungry and upset. Skin-to-skin contact can help calm baby, and allowing baby to approach the breast rather than trying to force the nipple into their mouth can encourage a deeper latch. If your breasts are very full and firm, expressing a small amount first may soften the breast and make latching easier. It's worth getting an IBCLC to observe a feed. Sometimes a small adjustment in positioning or attachment can make a huge difference.

Firstly, kudos to all mums, especially if you are still breastfeeding/pumping! Breastfeeding, pumping, caring for a baby, managing a household and returning to work can feel like several full-time jobs happening simultaneously. Please don't measure your success by how much you can endure. If possible, protect your rest by letting other people take over the things that don't require you. Someone else can wash bottles, prepare meals, handle household chores. Self care is very important; take time to do things you love and enjoy.