An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland

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Dream feeding

Many mums struggle with having to wake up to breastfeed their baby only one or two hours after they have dropped off to sleep.

Dream feeding involves nursing your baby just before you go to bed, even if your baby is already asleep. This extra feed ensures your baby can sleep for longer.

Gently take your baby in your arms and sit down close to his/her cot. Try not to switch on the light - use a torch or a dimmed nightlight so you are not waking up your baby.

Stroke your baby’s mouth with a finger or caress it with your nipple. You can even hand express a few drops of milk on his/her lips. If your baby doesn’t start sucking, try changing your position, then offer the breast again.

Let your baby feed as long as they like, you can even try offering the other breast when they have drained the first one.

If dream feeding doesn’t work, try again another day. If your baby becomes alert, just feed them as you usually do.

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t take to dream feeds, some babies just refuse or get upset if their sleep is disturbed.

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An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland

Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, research has shown that one of the reasons cited by mothers for this is lack of support. That is why we created a website to support breastfeeding and help mums with their nursing for as long as they wish. For over 50 years we have been committed to learning from the natural benefits of breast milk with an ongoing programme of research that now involves over 250 scientists, paediatricians and nutritionists. Although our nutrition products include infant products, we have always stressed, both in our literature and advertising, that breast milk is the perfect food for babies. It is because of this we strongly believe that www.mumslikeus.ie, a comprehensive website to support other national breastfeeding initiatives means we can work together to provide the support to mothers during this challenging and exciting time in order to improve and sustain breastfeeding rates in Ireland the long term. This is in line with the Aptaclub mission to make a difference to the long term health of babies in Ireland..

How Mumslikeus can help parents

Breastfeeding offers amazing, life-long, health benefits for mums and babies, is kind to the environment and, last but not least, is natural, free and convenient.

It is easy to feel bombarded by conflicting advice and feel uncertain about your baby’s wellbeing. We have created this online community to assist you at every stage of your breastfeeding journey through expert information, peer support and interactive tools. If requested, we can send you emails touching on what to expect at particular stages of your journey so you are prepared and fully supported all the way.

Dads and partners too can feel isolated and it is often hard to see a partner struggle and feel unable to offer any support. For this reason we have included a section for dads and partners who want to find out all about breastfeeding and how to help their partner throughout the journey.

Get in touch to help Mumslikeus support you

If you feel there is anything missing or you’d like us to address a specific concern, please get in touch and let us know how we can better support and encourage your own successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience. Email ask@mumslikeus.ie or call our dedicated careline between 8.30 and 5.30pm Monday to Friday – Freephone 1800 283054.

An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland