Without family, friends, breastfeeding groups and information I would not have made it to where I am now with my breastfeeding journey.
I thought I would share some of the hints and tips I have come across on my breastfeeding journey with you. Hopefully they can help new mums or mums to be in the same way that they have helped me.
(I am not saying that any of these tips are right or wrong or that they are even what the medical profession would advise. They are simply tips I have been given that have made my life easier)
1. Get As Much Information As Possible - realising why breastfeeding didn't work with Snaffles and getting more information about this has helped hugely in preparing for Munchies feeding journey.
2. Surround Yourself With Supportive People - there is no denying that the first few weeks are tough. It is a learning curve for both you and baby and it does take practice. You are bound to have tough days where you doubt your decision and ability. Having people around you who will encourage you to continue will make a huge difference. You need to be able to talk, complain and cry. This is much easier to do if the people you are doing it with are not already set to thrust bottles and formula at you. Just hearing that you are doing a great job can be a real boost when you are struggling.
3. Determination - this is a very personal tip and one that whilst it has worked for me I appreciate that it is not for everyone. I made a conscious decision not to have any bottles or formula in the house as a back up. I knew that at the first sign of me doubting my decision to breastfeed I would be tempted to swap to formula (as I did with Snaffles). By removing the formula from the house I removed the temptation and increased my determination to succeed.
4. Breastfeeding Groups - see if there is a local breastfeeding group and start going as soon as you can. Many will welcome you when you are still pregnant. I started going as soon as I started maternity leave. It allowed me to speak to other mums, get honest accounts of what I could expect and I also got to know the other mums before I had Munchie. They were very friendsly, full of practical tips and more than willing to help with position and latch once Munchie was born.
5. Cluster Feeding - some babies can feed for literally hours on end. I did not realise this with Snaffles and assumed he was not satisfied on breastfeeding alone. This time I know that this is perfectly normal for babies to feed on and off for several hours, particulally on an evening.
6. Lansinoh Cream - Buy buckets of this and use make sure you use it. You can not use too much. Use it before the birth and the before and after feeds. It might be expensive but you really cant put a price on avoiding sore, bleeding, cracked nipples.
7. Practice In Front Of A Mirror - One of my biggest hurdles that I am proud to have conquered is feeding in public. Yes its natural and yes its your right but it can still be very daunting. Practicing feeding in front of a mirror showed me that in actual fact, the general public can see very little if anything while you are feeding. I have had a few friends/family come to kiss Munchies head not even realising he was feeding.
8. Feed In Public - After practicing the above get out and try it. The sooner you do the less you will fear it and then you can go anywhere at anytime without having to worry about the next feed. It is a very empowering feeling. I found that going with a friend or family member who was supportive of my choice to breastfeed and finding a location I was familiar and comfortable in helped hugely with the first few public feeds.
9. One Top Up, One Top Down - you will find that there are many different ways of arranging your clothes to breastfeed in. I opted for this approach. Basically you wear a cheap (Primark) vest top and then your usual clothes on top. When it comes to feed time your vest top is pushed down under your breast and your upper top lifts up to allow baby access (or vice versa). This leaves your stomach covered and also the top of your breast. Once baby is attached there is virtually nothing exposed.
10. Crop Tops - I have hated sleeping in bras since feeding. They are restrictive and uncomfortable in bed. I fab friend recommended Primark crop tops. They are so so comfortable to sleep in and also great in the summer for the one top up, one top down approach to feeding.
11. Water & Food - If you dont eat and drink how can your baby eat and drink? Make sure you eat well and drink lots. You will soon realise if your not getting enough fluids and you will get a headache and feel rough. Try to remember to have a glass of water to hand each time you feed. The time I was most likely to forget to drink was during the night. I ended up taking a sports bottle filled with water to bed with me each night.
If you are a mum to be and reading this then I wish you all the sucess with your breastfeeding journey.
Please feel free to share any tips you might have for new mums and even me in the comments section below.
2. Surround Yourself With Supportive People - there is no denying that the first few weeks are tough. It is a learning curve for both you and baby and it does take practice. You are bound to have tough days where you doubt your decision and ability. Having people around you who will encourage you to continue will make a huge difference. You need to be able to talk, complain and cry. This is much easier to do if the people you are doing it with are not already set to thrust bottles and formula at you. Just hearing that you are doing a great job can be a real boost when you are struggling.
3. Determination - this is a very personal tip and one that whilst it has worked for me I appreciate that it is not for everyone. I made a conscious decision not to have any bottles or formula in the house as a back up. I knew that at the first sign of me doubting my decision to breastfeed I would be tempted to swap to formula (as I did with Snaffles). By removing the formula from the house I removed the temptation and increased my determination to succeed.
4. Breastfeeding Groups - see if there is a local breastfeeding group and start going as soon as you can. Many will welcome you when you are still pregnant. I started going as soon as I started maternity leave. It allowed me to speak to other mums, get honest accounts of what I could expect and I also got to know the other mums before I had Munchie. They were very friendsly, full of practical tips and more than willing to help with position and latch once Munchie was born.
5. Cluster Feeding - some babies can feed for literally hours on end. I did not realise this with Snaffles and assumed he was not satisfied on breastfeeding alone. This time I know that this is perfectly normal for babies to feed on and off for several hours, particulally on an evening.
6. Lansinoh Cream - Buy buckets of this and use make sure you use it. You can not use too much. Use it before the birth and the before and after feeds. It might be expensive but you really cant put a price on avoiding sore, bleeding, cracked nipples.
7. Practice In Front Of A Mirror - One of my biggest hurdles that I am proud to have conquered is feeding in public. Yes its natural and yes its your right but it can still be very daunting. Practicing feeding in front of a mirror showed me that in actual fact, the general public can see very little if anything while you are feeding. I have had a few friends/family come to kiss Munchies head not even realising he was feeding.
8. Feed In Public - After practicing the above get out and try it. The sooner you do the less you will fear it and then you can go anywhere at anytime without having to worry about the next feed. It is a very empowering feeling. I found that going with a friend or family member who was supportive of my choice to breastfeed and finding a location I was familiar and comfortable in helped hugely with the first few public feeds.
9. One Top Up, One Top Down - you will find that there are many different ways of arranging your clothes to breastfeed in. I opted for this approach. Basically you wear a cheap (Primark) vest top and then your usual clothes on top. When it comes to feed time your vest top is pushed down under your breast and your upper top lifts up to allow baby access (or vice versa). This leaves your stomach covered and also the top of your breast. Once baby is attached there is virtually nothing exposed.
10. Crop Tops - I have hated sleeping in bras since feeding. They are restrictive and uncomfortable in bed. I fab friend recommended Primark crop tops. They are so so comfortable to sleep in and also great in the summer for the one top up, one top down approach to feeding.
11. Water & Food - If you dont eat and drink how can your baby eat and drink? Make sure you eat well and drink lots. You will soon realise if your not getting enough fluids and you will get a headache and feel rough. Try to remember to have a glass of water to hand each time you feed. The time I was most likely to forget to drink was during the night. I ended up taking a sports bottle filled with water to bed with me each night.
If you are a mum to be and reading this then I wish you all the sucess with your breastfeeding journey.
Please feel free to share any tips you might have for new mums and even me in the comments section below.
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10 comments
Really good advice there. I think the only thing I would add is be prepared to call in an expert if necessary as in many areas the midwives and health visitors don't receive much training despite constantly reciting "Breast is best."
After a caesarean I couldn't get to a group until the Wee Man was 6 or 7 weeks old as it was over an hour's journey by foot and bus. I had no idea there were people out there I could have called to come see me. Yes you may have to pay for their time but compared with the cost of formula, bottles and sterilising etc. it should be worth it.
I was lucky in that the advice I received from that group allowed us to return to breastfeeding after 13 weeks of expressing but I know I am the exception rather than the rule.
Great advice. Will share.
Great tips! Especially the one up one down tip!
Good tips, like you my first attempt at breastfeeding didn't go well and I gave up at the first hurdle. I am much more determined to really give it a go this time around.
Great tips! I tandem feed my 4 year old and 18 month old.I think the most important ones are being surrounded with supportive people and determination. Especially determination ;)
@Kat @ iRant iRave
Very true. Alot of the numbers you call for support only give standard advice. Sometimes you really need someone sat next to you watching you and baby and giving a helping hand for adjusting positions.
@The Princess Poet
One of my best friends gave me that one. I love it. I can still wear all my old tops and feed in them.
@Very Bored in Catalunya
I know I should feel guilt for not suceeding with feeding Snaffles but I do and I think it was that guild that has spurred me on. Good luck with your feeding journey if you do decide to breastfeed.
@Isil Simsek
I know that having no back up plan in terms of having formula in the house is not for everyone but really motivated me when I was having a bad day or night.
Im realy nervous about attemping to breastfeed again as i remember it not being an enjoyable experience the first time around, but i am more determind and will defimatly be going to feeding groups for some more of yours and others great advice! Im in to minds at the moment whether to buy bottles and a steriliser just incase or like you said not to so i dont give into temptation.
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