Feeding + Sleep Support

How We Approach Feeding + Sleep

People LOVE giving feeding and sleep advice when you have a baby, the only problem is, it’s always contradictory. Make sure you stick to a feeding schedule/Don’t stick to a schedule, feed on demand. Never wake a sleeping baby/Always wake your baby if it’s been more than 3-hours since his last feed. Dummies are absolutely fine, sucking helps newborns to relax/Whatever you do, DO NOT USE A DUMMY. Everyone can and should breastfeed/Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, and you don’t have to. Simple, right?

Inconsistent naps, overnight wake-ups, and feeding challenges are all really common, especially in the first 12-months of your little one’s life.  So if any of that's happening for you, don’t beat yourself up, you’re not doing anything wrong, it’s a reflection of where your little one’s at developmentally. That being said, if feeding and sleep challenges are wearing you down, small changes can make a big difference, so it’s definitely worth seeking help and advice.

The only ‘right’ way for your little one to sleep and feed is the way that works and feels best for you.  We can help you figure out what that looks like, so call us.  

Sleep Support

At Think Parents, Bumps + Bubs, we offer evidence-based strategies as an alternative to sleep training. Our approach to sleep is gentle, respectful, and responsive, and aims to strengthen your relationship with your little one, not compromise it. We also understand that every baby and family is different, which is why we work with families to develop tailor-made plans that work for them and align with their style of parenting. 

Making changes won’t necessarily mean your little one sleeps perfectly, but that’s OK, because once you’re getting more sleep and feeling more confident in your approach, the rest will feel more manageable.

Feeding Support

Breastfeeding is often referred to as natural, but you won’t hear us say that, because not much about it comes naturally. Breastfeeding is a skill and it can be really hard. It’s common to have breastfeeding challenges and you don’t need to grit your teeth in pain. Our lactation consultants can help with any breastfeeding issues you have.

Breast is best messaging is everywhere, and sometimes breast is best - but not always. Whether or not breast is best, and for how long it’s best, depends on your individual circumstances. If breastfeeding isn't working for you, or it is, but you just don’t want to breastfeed anymore, or ever, we love supporting parents in their bottle feeding journey’s too.

We’re passionate about supporting all parents. Our lactation consultants are trained to help you with whatever type of feeding you decide is best for you and your baby, judgement free. 

Feeding and Sleep Appointments

Prenatal feeding and sleep appointment (1.5 hours)

Preparation can make a positive impact on the early days with your bub. This consultation is done in the last trimester of your pregnancy. It covers what to expect in the first few hours and days of feeding, positioning, attachment, antenatal expressing, normal newborn sleep and behaviour, and how you can optimise feeding and sleep with your newborn. Advice will be tailored to you based on your medical and pregnancy history, your goals, preferences, and anatomy to set you up for as much success as possible. 

Postnatal feeding and sleep appointment (1.5-2 hours)

If you do run into challenges, this consultation aims to provide specific and individualised support to get you back on track again. It includes a medical, pregnancy and birth history, and an assessment of feeding and sleep. A plan will be made that is centered around your goals, with written resources emailed to you following our appointment.

Follow up feeding and sleep appointment (50 minutes)

For current clients who need additional support, we offer shorter follow-up appointments.

Subsequent feeding and sleep appointment covering new issues (50 minutes)

If new issues arise, we offer shorter subsequent appointments. We already have your history and have gotten to know you and your bub, so we can head straight into resolving the issue with you.