Suzanne John from Northern Beaches Midwifery
Suzanne John is a Northern Beaches based Endorsed Midwife and Lactation Consultant. She offers in clinic appointments in Manly, home visits or online consultations. We sat down and had a chat with her and she kindly shared some of her wisdom for navigating the post partum period and the breastfeeding journey. She is warm, nurturing and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend you reach out to her should you have any questions or concerns.
Are you able to tell us a little bit about your work and how you found yourself working in this space?
My work focuses on providing comprehensive care for women throughout their antenatal and postnatal periods. I offer continuity of care from the early stages of pregnancy through to the six-week postnatal period. During antenatal care, I collaborate with the Hospital team in the public system to ensure a smooth delivery. After discharge, I continue to support these women, as a Lactation Consultant, assisting with breastfeeding, normal newborn behaviour and other aspects of their postnatal recovery.
It often comes as a surprise to a lot of women how challenging the breastfeeding journey can be. Do you have any tips for mothers reaching the later stages of pregnancy and preparing for this early postnatal phase of life and hoping to breastfeed?
The early days with a newborn and the challenges of breastfeeding can be quite demanding. While much of the focus during pregnancy is on the birth itself, with strong support from partners, midwives, doulas, and doctors, it’s crucial to remember the importance of postnatal care. My key piece of advice is to build a strong support network for the first six weeks after birth. This might include family, friends, a postnatal doula, a lactation consultant, or even meal delivery services. In my experience, women who have a solid support system during this time are far more likely to navigate the postnatal period with ease and confidence.
Leading on from this, do you have any general tips for new mums navigating the newborn phase?
Newborn behaviour can be unpredictable and perplexing; what works one day might not work the next. Advice from well-meaning friends and relatives can add to the confusion. My recommendation is to fully embrace this demanding stage by focusing on yourself and your baby, without letting external commitments add extra pressure. One practical tip is to hand-express colostrum during pregnancy. This can be especially helpful if your baby is cluster feeding around the 48-72 hour mark, and you’re feeling sore and exhausted. The expressed colostrum can be fed to your baby using a syringe, allowing you a break from feeding while still meeting your baby’s needs.
Can you give some examples of the support you offer? And who might benefit from your expertise?
Continuity of care is the gold standard in managing pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the support I provide reflects this principle, offering consistent and comprehensive care throughout these periods. At Northern Beaches Midwifery, Dr. Lisa Robinson and I offer antenatal and postnatal care for women seeking a known care provider from early pregnancy. We guide them through this critical initial period and remain available for questions and support between appointments. My postnatal care packages range from a few visits to unlimited care, including telephone access throughout the six-week, six-day postpartum period. This model of care is beneficial for all women, particularly those who value personalised, individualised support, from a Lactation Consultant.
As a Womens Health Physio I have a therapeutic ultrasound in clinic, which a lot of women don’t realise can be really helpful in relieving blocked milk ducts. What are your go to tips or tricks for blocked milk ducts or mastitis?
The first six weeks of breastfeeding can be a critical period for experiencing blocked milk ducts and mastitis. To help prevent these issues, consider the following tips:
1. Ensure Proper Position and Attachment: Make sure your baby is positioned and latched correctly on the breast. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a lactation consultant.
2. Thoroughly Empty the Breast: Ensure your breast is fully drained at each feeding session to prevent milk from accumulating and causing blockages.
3. Feed Frequently: Aim for feedings every 2-3 hours and try not to skip any feeds to keep milk flowing smoothly.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Avoid tight bras or clothing that could restrict milk flow or put pressure on your breasts.
5. Vary Feeding Positions: Use different breastfeeding positions such as cross-cradle, underarm, and side-lying to help drain different areas of the breast.
6. Prioritize Rest, Nutrition, and Hydration: Get plenty of rest, maintain a healthy diet, and stay well-hydrated to support overall health and milk production.
7. Be Aware of Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs of blocked ducts and mastitis, such as redness, swelling, and discomfort, so you can seek help promptly if needed.
By following these strategies, you can reduce the risk of complications and support a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Enough about work, any favourite local coffee spots? Or favourite spots for a bite to eat?
Oh, that’s an easy one! My favourite spot for breakfast, lunch, casual dinners, and coffee is the Waterfront Café at Churchpoint. On Friday evenings, especially during the summer, you’ll often find me there with my dogs, enjoying the stunning view, listening to local live music, and unwinding from the week. Just between us, though—I’d rather keep it a bit of a secret, so it doesn’t get too crowded!
If you want to get in contact with the lovely Suzanne or find out more about her service you can find her at:
www.northernbeachesmidwifery.com/our-team
