Epilepsy & Preparing to Breastfeed/Chestfeed
There is no reason to believe that breastfeeding will be any less successful because you have epilepsy.
Here are some tips on preparing to feed and care for you baby
Ø Let your neurology team know that you plan to breastfeed
Ø Discuss with them if there is a need to change medication or increase it and how to optimise seizure control.
Ø Enrol in a childbirth class with your partner,
Generally, the less intervention takes place during birth the easier it can be to get breastfeeding off to a good a start. The reality is that one third of all births end in caesarean. Epidural and unplanned caesarean births can delay milk production. It is good idea to keep this in mind, while pain relief is very important particularly for women with epilepsy discussing and knowing your options are can help. Women with epilepsy need to consider access to pain relief as pain and stress be a trigger. Having a birth doula with you can help to alleviate anxiety and help with pain management; studies have shown that the presence of a birth doula can reduce certain interventions in birth.
Ø Learn all you can about breastfeeding and breastmilk. Take a breastfeeding class you will learn that there are many ways to offer your baby your own milk. Link in with a lactation consultant who can work with you and support you as you establish a rhythm of feeding.
Ø Depending on how you like to receive information, there are loads of videos on breastfeeding Global health media have a tremendous suite for videos all about 10 min long. www.globalhealthmedia.com . There are books galore to borrow or buy.
Ø Check out websites www.breastfeeding.support.com www.kellymom.com for general breastfeeding information. Follow Instagram accounts of lactation consultants and support organisations where you will get lots of information. Tap into local support groups like Cuidiu, Friends of Breastfeeding, and La Leche League. Your PHN may run supports groups or you may find on line support groups like my own - Zoom in Babybloom. Cuidiu and La Leche league have trained breastfeeding counsellors and Friends of Breastfeeding have a scheme called Breastfeeding Buddy System. it is worth finding out what is in your surrounding areas. Tap into Epilepsy social media platforms and check in with parents there. Use social platforms to talk to other parents who have nursed themselves. Find out what worked for them and what didn’t and why.
One parent I spoke to with epilepsy said she joined Cuidiu and went to their meetings and found out lots of information about breastfeeding and caring for her baby while she was pregnant.
Ø Tell your immediate family that you intend to feed your baby with your own milk and let them know how you would like their support to look like.
Ø Learn how to express colostrum from about 36 or 37 weeks and storing it in freezer. This colostrum can be used in the hospital in the first 24 to 48 hours if you baby is sleepy or finding it hard to latch. Colostrum can be used at any time really.
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/hand-expression-video/
Ø If you are considering using a breast pump. Research good quality breast pump that will be effective and help your milk production. There is nothing worse than buying a breast pump in an emergency situation – you don’t have to buy one before the baby is born but know which one you will buy when and if you need one. if you plan to pump every day at least once a day I recommend a double electric pump that is a closed system. Once again, an IBCLC can help you meet your needs.
Check out a live on my Instagram page with @twinswithepilepsy
Good luck in your journey