Lisa Wipfli: "5 things I wish I knew when I breastfed the first time."

Organising the nursery, preparing for labour, stressing about sleep schedules – parents have so much to plan for when they welcome their first baby into the world that sometimes, breastfeeding can take a backseat, says Lisa Wipfli.

“If I had my time again, I would have read less about the labour and having a birth plan (which went completely out the window) and more about breastfeeding and coping with a newborn,” says Lisa – wife of Nova host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli.

Now, with her second baby on the way, the mum-of- one is better prepared – and she’s sharing her knowledge with Mamamia.

There is a reason for this shameless heavily pregnant selfie… I suffer from really bad abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy (something I had no clue about with my first pregnancy). This time, I’m far more clued up and have the support and knowledge of the wonderful ladies @bodybeyondbirth. Thanks to Jackie and Becky and their online physio designed Pilates sessions I can do a pregnancy Pilates class whenever Ted is asleep and then, when Wipfli #2 arrives I can do their online postnatal Pilates classes as rehab to bring my abs back together. Thanks ladies, love your work.???????? #4weekstogo #sizeofahouse

A photo posted by L I S A W I P F L I (@lisawipfli) on May 18, 2016 at 4:02am PDT

1. Pressure doesn’t help.

Eight weeks after bringing son Ted, 15 months, home from hospital, I was faced with a sudden lack of milk, aching breasts, sleep deprivation and illness. I was expecting breastfeeding to be the most natural, easy part of being a new mother, but the reality is that it wasn’t. I wish I was armed with more knowledge about breastfeeding the first time, but I wasn’t and that is OK. Don’t put pressure on yourself to nail breastfeeding from the get-go – and don’t put pressure on other mothers who may not be able to breastfeed; mothers are already feeling stress during this really hard time. Yes, everyone tells us breastfeeding is best but if it doesn’t work for you, then no one should make you feel guilty or like you have failed.

2. Don’t forget your health.

I wish I knew that a new mum can’t look after her baby properly and supply sufficient and healthy milk unless she looks after herself too. I was so concerned about looking after my newborn baby Ted that I forgot to look after myself. It’s so easy to grab the first thing you see in the fridge or pantry but it’s really important to make sure you eat a healthy diet rich in protein, greens and fiber, and keep up your fluids with plenty of water.

A wonderful morning launching #elevitbreastfeeding A photo posted by L I S A W I P F L I (@lisawipfli) on May 3, 2016 at 8:03pm PDT

3. Ask for more help

Ask friends for the products and services they used whether it be lactation consultants, special tea blends, multivitamins, night nurses, special breastfeeding pillows, massage therapists that do home visits, breast pumps or nipple caps. Have the names of those products in a safe place, ready to use if you do need them – and don’t feel guilty for needing to do.

4. Try a multi

Whilst I know a multivitamin can’t replace a balanced diet, there are some great multivitamins out there to help fill in the gaps and ensure your baby and yourself are getting the right minerals, nutrients and vitamins. Personally I take Elevit daily and will be transitioning to the new Elevit Breastfeeding multivitamin just recently introduced, which is specifically for mothers in this stage. Knowing that this multivitamin will be giving my baby with everything he needs for ongoing healthy development, and giving me the energy I need to look after him, gives me peace of mind and more confidence with my second child.

5. Soak it up.

Lastly, it’s vital to stop and just enjoy being a mum. Just live in that moment and don’t worry about the laundry or the house being clean or having a fully stocked fridge. Just enjoy that time with your baby, treasure the cuddles and look after your own wellbeing.

Lisa Wiplfi writes on behalf of Elevit. Always read the label. Use only as directed.

There’s a lot women aren’t told about breastfeeding, and there’s a lot they aren’t told about giving birth. Post continues after video…