Lisa Wipfli talks breastfeeding as a new mum

Her husband is one half of Nova radio duo, Fitzy and Wippa, she’s mum to 18-month-old Ted and new bub Jack, and now Lisa Wipfli is making her own headlines. After finding herself unprepared for the issues associated with breastfeeding her first child, she has opened up to Australian women about the experience. We had a chat to Lisa, thanks to the team at Elevit, about everything she has learned and what she will do differently with Jack. Check it out below:
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What was the most surprising/unexpected thing about breastfeeding that you discovered when you began breastfeeding your first child?
I think the most surprising thing for me was, how hard it was. I thought it was just one of those things that came naturally to all women, but in fact it's quite the opposite. I speak to very few women these days who say that breastfeeding is a breeze. Whether it's low milk flow, latching issues, cracked nipples or mastitis, every woman has her own story of breastfeeding battles.
The other emotion I never thought I would experience, is the guilt of feeding my son formula. Before becoming a mum, this was something I hadn't even thought twice about. Whether a child was breastfed or formula fed was ultimately a parent’s decision and it didn't matter either way, however once I became a mum, I felt the pressure and judgement of other women / mothers if I didn't continue to breastfeed for a long period of time. I tried so hard to pump as much milk for my son because I thought he would have a low IQ or have poor health (all the different facts that you read online) if I fed him formula. It is horrible to feel like you have failed as a mother when you can't exclusively breastfeed your baby and I don't like that advertising and some midwives, women and blogs are to blame for this pressure that is put on mothers.
What issues did you experience with breastfeeding and how did you combat them?
I thought everything was going perfectly for the first two weeks, however I quickly discovered that I had low milk flow and our poor little baby boy was a very hungry little newborn. Mike (Wippa) and I were ignorantly unprepared for any sort of breastfeeding issues so it was a mid-week late night crash course in sterilising and mixing formula.
We have learnt so much from this experience and this time we are far more prepared for any issues. However if it doesn't work for me and I can't breastfeed my second son, then I won't feel guilty and I won't be made to feel like a failure.
What are your top three pieces of advice for new mums when it comes to breastfeeding?
1. Be prepared. Talk to your friends who are mothers and ask them what sort of problems they encountered and ask them how they combated those problems so you know what to do if you encounter those same problems.
2. Don't let anyone pressure you or make you feel guilty. You are the mother of your child and you can make your own informed decisions that work for you and your child.
3. Make sure you look after your own health. Try and eat nutritious meals, take a specific breastfeeding multivitamin to provide your baby with the right nutrients and support your own needs too, my pick is Elevit Breastfeeding*, and get sleep when you can. A healthy mumma = healthy and happy baby.
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Will you do anything differently when you breastfeed your second child?
This time, I have a hospital grade double breast pump ready to go, as well as a lactation consultant, special breastfeeding teas, cookies and natural tablets to help my milk flow. I will give it my best to exclusively breastfeed my newborn but I also won't stress if I can't produce sufficient milk. I will be juggling a newborn and a 18-month-old so I know I'm going to be a busy mother, so I will do the most I can, and be proud of myself whatever the outcome.
*Always read the label. Use only as directed.
Did you breastfeed your children? Can you relate to Lisa’s experience?
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Everyone says how hard breast feeding is and I believe it!
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I've marked Peggy Rothchild's post, a few posts below, as SPAM!
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Interesting article.
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Very true! I breastfed both, my first I moved to formula within 3 months or so due but it was so hard as I really wanted to breastfeed and felt horrible but then I thought better fed than not at all! Each to their own though and whatever works best for them, nothing to do with anyone else.
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Quite an interesting read
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I myself was formula fed (and I have 2 postgrad and 1 undergrad degree so I don't think theres an issue with low IQ there) so I could not understand whats the fuss about not feeding babies with formula. Mothers should never feel guilty as long as the baby is healthy and happy.
That said, I have no issue in feeding my bub with breastmilk but sometimes she's really unsettled and refuses to stay on the breasts. That's when I give her expressed milk or formula.
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Thank you so much for sharing your story Lisa. This is still quite a sensitive subject for me as I had issues myself with both my children.
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Can totally relate! Considering im a new mum 2 a 10week old n been breastfeeding.. In a sense it comes naturaly just like ur motherly instincts, but you do need some help when itz ur first time. Itz not all fun n gamez, itz hard but itz something you n baby learn n do together. Use r both new 2 the territory but with patience n love.. U will get there! I knew from da beginning i wanted 2 breastfeed, no matter what! Breastfeeding truly is a art u have to master but hang in there.
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Breastfeeding has to be the most challenging but rewarding task i've ever experienced...the worst thing is i think that plays on your mind is if your supply is enough especially when you go back to work and have to start pumping.
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I was lucky enough to be able to breastfeed my 3 kids with relatively no drama (though the last one stopped early). I do wonder where all the stigma and pressure comes from as I was in the minority with most of the other Mums I know using formula. Breastfeeding is great and women should be supported more to do it if they want but if it doesn't work then I think we need to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves and remember that our babies will still be perfectly fine.
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I think its great Lisa talks about how hard it is to breastfeed. It’s not easy for all mums and you shouldn’t feel bad if you can’t breastfeed – its great if you can but some people for whatever reason it is not an option for them.
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There is so much pressure on mums to breast feed. Not everyone has the ability to do it and they feel guilty for it. I was very lucky to have been able to without any major hassles.
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she tells how it is for her
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Everything about babies and children grosses me out! Why anyone wants to have children I will never understand
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What a wonderful perspective that this beautiful lady gives to all new mothers.
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I think all mothers should breastfeed but I am not a mother myself. Interesting article.
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My breastmilk came late, luckily i was still in hospital they gave top milk formula, at 2am, you don't really care as long as the baby sleeps content. plus, really hate inconsistencies in education, nurses seem to be in the "you'll get there" category, or the "you have to do it now" category. Which is scary when you have a first born kid. good thing is, me and first kid figured it out in the end. bad thing is, he's severely addicted to boobs.... he's 3 now, no longer bf but doesn't stop him from trying
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I don't have kids but recently I was with a friend who was learning to breastfeed her newborn. It amazes me how society in general still has this concept of ... it's all natural and comes easily. My friend really struggled and her baby wasn't latching on properly and she was starting to feel like a failure. Luckily the nurses were fantastic and very supportive! They shared their own struggles and this did seem to help my friend.
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I can't believe the stigma still exists around all of this, usually from ill informed people. Shes being the best mum she can, that means feeding her bub, boob or bottle it doesn't matter
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I don't understand why people make such a big fuss about breastfeeding. It's natural, people have been doing it for thousands of years. Why is it even a topic for discussion. People should be left to make their own choices about whether they want to breastfeed or not without being judged.
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I am breastfeeding my baby born at 32 weeks. It was hard work and there's been times since I've wanted to give up but we've stuck it out and I'm glad I did. It was the best thing for us but it's not always the best thing for everybody. Every mama should feel supported!
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Never, ever let anyone make you feel guilty for doing what you know is right for you.
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Not a Mum here, but I think as long as bub is happy and fed that's all that matters. I don't understand how anybody can take issue with that.
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Both of my children were breastfed. It wasn't the easiest at times but I was pleased they were getting milk from me, although I'm a big advocate for formula too and think that there is nothing the slightest bit wrong with my babies having it. I breastfed one of my children for only three months and then gave them the bottle as it was best for me and baby at that time, No mum should ever feel guilty if they for some reason can't breastfeed their baby! Mum's need to be supported and cherished.
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