Mums Express

30/10/2025

MYTH: You can't really learn how to breastfeed til the baby is here
There is SO much that expecting parents can do to prepare for life with a breastfed baby. Talking to other parents about their experiences of the early months, and having both parents attend a breastfeeding class can help to set expectations and provide some essential knowledge
* How many times per day does a newborn need to feed?
* When does milk production start?
* What is cluster feeding, and why do babies do that?
* How do I know that baby is getting enough milk?

If you have a young baby, what do you wish you had known about babies and breastfeeding? What has helped you get through the early days and weeks?

We offer personalised antenatal breastfeeding education and planning in the comfort of your own home, with the option of postnatal support. Please reach out if you would like to know more.

29/10/2025

The Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance started right here in Perth with Prof John Newnham and his team - it has now been rolled out across Australia with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth! Fantastic work!

25/10/2025

Starting at around 6 months, introducing your breastfed baby to family foods that contain common allergens is important for the prevention of allergies. Here's some useful guidelines, and if you have any concerns about food allergies, you can reach out to our dietician Tanya: tanya@mumsexpress.com.au

https://preventallergies.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Food_Ideas_Babies_around_6_Months.pdf

24/10/2025

TIPS FOR GETTING BREASTFEEDING OFF TO A GREAT START
Newborn babies need to feed frequently (between 8-18 times in 24h is normal) to help you establish a healthy milk supply. This early phase is busy but important so try to go with the flow and plan some strategies to make life with a newborn easier.
* Plan to nap each day so you have the energy needed for night time feeding
* Have a few different places set up for feeding your baby - maybe the lounge, your bedroom and a comfy outdoor chair
* Set up a basket or caddy with supplies that you can access while feeding - water bottle, snacks, phone, baby nappies and wipes
* For older children consider having a bag with special activities eg books, colouring in, special toys that they can access when you are breastfeeding
* Prepare and freeze some meals, and have a list of easy-to-prepare meals and snacks - and ingredients - ready to go

24/10/2025

Here's a great opportunity for families expecting multiples to meet up in a supportive environment hosted by Multiple Birth Association for Western Australia

🤰🏼Are you expecting multiples?? We’d love you to come and join us at our next FREE Expectant Parents Meeting.

🩷Sunday 16th November at 1pm
💙Agnes Walsh House Subiaco
💛Open to Members and Non-Members

Please spread the word to those in your community expecting multiples and ensure they book their free tickets via the link below 👇🏻

http://thq.fyi/se/7642e0a9d4cf

Any queries? Please email Alicia
👉🏼 expectant@mbawa.org.au

21/10/2025

Australian researchers have recently confirmed that breastfeeding protects women from aggressive forms of breast cancer. Each pregnancy followed by breastfeeding for 5 months reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 9%, with specialist immune cells remaining in the breast for years after weaning!

Australian researchers have uncovered how having children and breastfeeding reduces the long-term risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer more commonly seen in younger women.

18/10/2025

Mothers are biologically wired to respond to their baby’s cry. If you feel an urgent need to act, to protect your baby and pick them up, you are not over reacting, you are doing what you need to do!

16/10/2025

MYTH BUSTER: You can't overfeed a newborn breastfed baby.
Research has repeatedly shown many good reasons why young babies want to feed a lot:
* breastfeeding at least 8 x 24h right from birth helps your milk to 'come in' sooner = cluster feeding on that second night is actually a GOOD thing
* breastfeeding stimulates prolactin (good for milk supply) and oxytocin (boosts bonding and uterine contraction to help speed mum's postpartum recovery)
* frequent breastfeeding keeps mothers and babies close - your baby feels safe and secure in your arms
It's perfectly okay to spend hours snuggled on the couch feeding and bonding; a baby that is content and that has plenty of wet and dirty nappies are proof that you are meeting their needs .

14/10/2025

It can be A LOT to deal with an unsettled baby! After that initial sleepy first 2 weeks, newborn babies typically become more vocal and fussy, with my studies of both term healthy babies and preterm/sick babies showing a peak in crying during the day and evening, and longer time taken to settle at around 6 weeks of age.
Breastfeeding, skin to skin cuddles with both parents, bathing, wearing baby in a carrier and walking outdoors can all help baby to feel safe and secure. Make sure you plan for extra support around this time, and nap during the day whenever you can manage it.

I know several of you are have just been through this phase...please comment, telling us what you found helpful at this time 🌼🚶‍♀️💙🛀

term healthy baby study: Perrella et al (2022) https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013098
preterm/sick nursery baby study: Lim et al (2024) https:// doi.org/10.3390/children11060655