Breastfeeding Resources

There's not much more exciting than packing your hospital bag.Your hospital and how long you're staying will determine what you need to pack in your hospital bag to some extent BUT there's still a list of essentials that can make even the shortest stay that little bit more comfortable.

There's a new kid on the block. Meet the Haakaa Silicone Milk Collector. Similar in some ways to the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump the silicone milk collector is more cousin than twin; yes, the two products share some features BUT they've also got some key differences. We walk you through them here and explain how and why a milk collector might work for you.

Am I making enough milk? It's a question most new mums have asked themselves when establishing breastfeeding for the first time. 

We spoke to registered nurse, midwife and Lactation Consultant Cathy Shortt from Milk & Mums Co to get the facts to help put your fears to rest.

Nothing snaps you out of a dreamy breastfeeding moment quicker than a nip to the nipple. Biting while breastfeeding isn't uncommon but it can come as a huge (and painful) shock, the first time it happens. 

Breastfeeding can be tough! There is no doubt about it. You know what is proven to help? Support and advice, both from experts and other mamas who have 'been there, done that'.

In the spirit of sharing, we have pulled together 101 of the best breastfeeding tips we've been given from the experts and our Milkbar community.

Here at Milkbar, we are proud to stock some amazing brands that have been created by equally amazing women. These brands are making a positive difference for breastfeeding mamas and it is the women behind them who we have to thank for that.

In honour of International Women's Day, we spoke with the brains behind some of our favourite brands; Fran from Franjo's Kitchen, Tracey from MaterniTea, Nickey from Junobie (the eco-friendly and reusable breastmilk storage bag launching in Australia and Milkbar later this month) and our very own Diana owner of Milkbar.

They shared with us their thoughts on 'work/life balance', founding a business and what it means to be a #girlboss in today's ever changing online business world.

Whether you're breastfeeding for the first, or fifth time, chances are good that some parts of the experience have been... surprising. 

What may have seemed like the most natural thing in the world prior to birth, may suddenly be really. flipping. hard. Who knew that a let down could hurt (or even that a let down existed?!) Or that breastmilk actually sprayed out of multiple holes? And speaking of 'spraying', plenty of mamas have been caught off guard by the ferocity and speed of their milk flow.

While we all know that breastfeeding SHOULN'T hurt, sometimes, well, it does. Nipple thrush is a less well-known but still common cause of breastfeeding pain and discomfort. We spoke to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Simone Mayze to find out what you need to know about breastfeeding and nipple thrush, including how to effectively treat it so that you can bid it farewell for good!

The decision to continue breastfeeding after returning to work can also pose some new challenges, at least at the start. Expressing or pumping means that your baby continues to receive the nutrition and goodness of breastmilk and allows you to continue breastfeeding when you're at home as well. The challenge is finding the time and space to express milk in the workplace, in order to maintain your supply and provide milk for your bub.

Buying the perfect Christmas gift is never easy. It becomes even trickier when you're buying for a new mama, whose ACTUAL gift list includes things like sleeping for 14 hours straight, employing a wet-nurse and an auto-replenishing block of chocolate. Fortunately, we've got the next best thing; a list of gifts to make life that little bit easier. And bonus; everything is available online so no trek to the seventh circle of hell AKA the local shopping centre, required.

Many breastfeeding mums wonder whether or not they're able to enjoy their favourite tipple and still breastfeed. The short answer? Yes. The longer answer? Still yes! But as this can be an emotionally charged issue with plenty of varying opinions, we got in touch with an expert! 

A cluster feeding newborn (or older baby for that matter) can be TOUGH. Yes, it's a completely normal behaviour and no, it does not mean that you're losing your milk but that doesn't make it any easier to handle.

So what exactly IS cluster feeding? And how can you best survive it?