Abi Barham Lactation Support

16/11/2024

World Prematurity Day 2024
Focusing today on the most vulnerable yet resilient and inspiring little people.

This year I proudly celebrate 30 years of working in this specialty. So much has changed in this field due to the dynamic and ongoing research. Treatments have evolved and outcomes have been improved.

I love the uniqueness of each and every baby and of the family they are born into, the absolute determination of everybody to grow that baby strong and ready to go home to their family.

I adore the work, no one day is the same , the dedication and compassion of my colleagues, being part of a Neonatal team is hard to describe, the focus, the humour and the determination to do our best.

Giving 100% everyday, is non negotiable because those families are trusting us with the most precious thing they have. 💜👶🏻

31/10/2024

Sleepy- head. 👶🏼💜Sleepy little newborns are something I encounter in my work lots especially the preterm newborns that I look after in the Newborn Care Unit, sometimes they go home before they are even officially full term. The rules are a little different with these babies and rather than the responsive feeding that I advocate for most families, you may need to be a little more proactive with feeding in the early days after taking a brand new baby home. My recommmendations ~ gently wake at least 3 hourly ~ watch for and catch early feeding cues ( coming to quiet awake, moving head from side to side, opening mouth), ~ undress baby down to a nappy and remove your bra place your baby skin to skin, ~change a nappy half way through a feed, if baby is getting sleepy, try breast compressions while your baby sucks, ~ switch between breasts back and forth, to restimulate both supply and baby. ~ If they are still sleepy, hand or pump express and spoon or syringe feed. I would generally recommend support from a Lactation Professional if you have reached this stage. Remember they are sleepy.. never lazy. 💜

24/10/2024

This is my philosophy in every feeding consult I do, my aim is to meet you where you are, help you reach your goals, recognise your priorities and help you make a plan to move forward with, no pressure, no agenda just empowerment and empathy. I want you to feel heard and supported.

02/08/2024

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2024, I am offering a 30% discount on Antenatal Breastfeeding Consults booked between 1st- 7th August. ( you can use the consult later in your pregnancy if you are still in the early days) , the discount will still apply as long as you make the booking this week. These consults are a chance to make a breastfeeding plan, debrief past experiences of breastfeeding, learn how to hand express, get some tips on preparing for breastfeeding and what to expect from the very first moments you meet your baby through to the early days and weeks of breastfeeding. I love these consults. They make so much difference to families in empowering them to reach their breastfeeding goals! So pop onto my website or DM or email me. (Links in my Bio) and book yours now. I’d love to work with you.

31/07/2024

Ahead of World Breast Feeding Week 2024, when there will be inevitably be IG feeds full of breastfeeding positivity. I want to acknowledge that this can be upsetting and even triggering for those whose breastfeeding journeys weren’t as they had hoped and may even have left them with feelings of trauma and grief. I see you, I feel for you and I acknowledge the determination, effort and love that you put in. I want you to know that you have nourished your baby in so many ways however you ultimately ended up feeding your little one. Big love from me to you if this was something you needed to see today. 💜

29/07/2024

Monday feels…the very best perk of my job is meeting and making a rapport with my clients and that includes the babies . I adore meeting new families, no one family or baby/babies are the same. If I get a baby cuddle, my day is made! 💜

19/07/2024

I talk about this lots with families heading home from Special Care and with those early postnatal consults. Because of the dynamic nature of breastmilk and the unique synergy that happens with breastfeeding, it is more usual to see a less regular pattern of feeding intervals, cluster feeding in the afternoon and evening is completely normal, as are frequent feeds overnight in the early days and weeks. If you are feeling a bit lost in your breastfeeding journey, please reach out. I’d love to help.

08/07/2024

Celebrating NAIDOC week 2024. I acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live, and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country. I honour the wisdom of and pay respect to Elders past present and emerging. I feel so humbled and grateful to be here in Central Australia this week.

04/07/2024

03/07/2024

I have a very big soft spot for twins. I come across lots of multiples in my hospital work and I love the challenge of supporting twin Mummas to establish and build milk supply for two babies, helping them learn how to hold them together and coordinate tandem feeds as well as helping the family to troubleshoot support strategies… and then seeing these resourceful and resilient families thrive. 📸 .vemoa

30/06/2024

I love that each new client brings me a new challenge, a unique family to work with and it always feels like a privilege to be trusted to support families at this most vulnerable of times as they care for their new babies.