Two actions, three items, and one piece of wisdom that saved my breastfeeding journey

Breastfeeding, for those that can and choose to do it, can be very rewarding.

It does have it's hurdles, but they are part physiology and part psychological, and they can very often be overcome.

When I set out on my breastfeeding journey a few months ago I felt determined to be successful, but I also did not know what to expect. After spending the first night in the hospital, surrounded by midwives, my first night at home was a shock and quite, 'rubbish'. We did not sleep, throughout the night I felt incredibly insecure that my son was latching properly, and the new 'activity' caused my nipples to crack.

Now almost three months in, I feel confident in my and my son's ability to breastfeed (no one tells you this when you start, but it is teamwork!). Looking back there were two actions, three items and one piece of wisdom that helped me to get to this point and saved me on my breastfeeding journey.

TWO ACTIONS:

1. Pre delivery: Express colostrum! Around 32 weeks my midwife gave me a little kit (a spoon and some syringes) and told me to express and collect colostrum in case the baby does not breastfeed immediately at birth. I was hesitant, but around 36 weeks I started. I made a little station for myself in the kitchen and then followed the motions for how to express colostrum. To my surprise it worked! The first few times I only expressed a very small amount but by the forth or fifth attempt I was expressing a spoonful! I did this several times a week for two weeks before I had my baby. Doing this ahead of time and seeing the amount increase each attempt, gave me the confidence that my breasts were functioning properly and that if I could express colostrum, then I could breastfeed my baby.

2. Post delivery: Get a lactation consultant. The second day that I was home I scheduled a doula, with breastfeeding expertise, to come to the house to observe my feeding and support me. About a week later I had another consultant come in to do the same. Their observations and advice helped give me confidence that I was on the right track and gave me crucial tweaks that improved my positioning and baby's latch. Breastfeeding is a new skill and the consultant is like a coach. If you can afford it, I would strongly suggest to arrange for a breastfeeding/lactation consultant to come into your home for an hour or two the day after you come home from the hospital and then again perhaps a few days or a week later to check in. Fees will vary depending on the consultant, but we paid around £50-60 for an hour's visit.

   
   

If you're in the UK, NCT have free Baby Cafe's, run by midwives and usually held in neighborhood community centres, where you can get breastfeeding support. Local activities & meet-ups | NCT

THREE ITEMS:

These recommendations are 100% my own and nothing is sponsored.

1. Momcozy Nursing Cover. Part of what makes breastfeeding both hard and easy is that it is completely baby led. Babies tell you (by crying/lip movements) when they are hungry, they tell you (by latching/unlatching) when they are done. As such, you are on call 24/7. In my determination to breastfeed I did not want to become home bound. Having a cover that would allow me to feed anywhere, with privacy and comfort, was very important to me. I looked at many covers but chose this one because it covers you from the front and back, and is lightweight and breathable. We have two, one for the house if we have company, and another in the car for when we are out They have been lifesavers, allowing me to go to dinner, for a coffee, to the park, etc. with the confidence that if my son is hungry then I can feed him on the spot.

   
   

2. Momcozy ultra soft bras. At home you can walk around topless, but when you are out in public and the baby is hungry, how quickly and modestly you can unveil your breast is important. I tried several different nursing bra brands, but the clips on the Momcozy bras unsnap and re-snap cleanly, and the fabric is comfortable but stays firm and does not lose it's shape. These bras again give me confidence that if my son is hungry then I can feed him on the spot.

   
   

3. Silver nipple shields. The first few days, where your body and baby are getting used to feeding, can be tough on your nipples. Thankfully a friend told me about the silver nipple shields and how the antibacterial properties promotes quick healing, so I bought them on Amazon to have on hand. I used them the first week that I breastfed my son and they got me through a few difficult days where if the pain had gotten worse I could have given up. The covers are very easy to use, just place them over your nipples in between feeds, and usually by the time the next feed comes around you are feeling better.

   
   

   Note: I have linked a pair sold on Mamas and Papas; however you can find similar shields on Amazon too.

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ONE PIECE OF WISDOM:

We all know that sometimes actions and 'things' are not enough. You can buy the best running shoes and go out for one run with a friend, but give up half-way through. One's mindset is the most important part of completing the journey as it helps us through when moments feel tough. For me that mindset booster came in the form of wisdom from a friend,

'Get through the first six-weeks' and you'll be fine.

It reminds me of what my mom used to say to me when starting a new book, 'get though the first fifty pages and if you don't like it, then you can put it down'. At the start of most new ventures we often struggle because it is just that, new and unfamiliar. In the first few weeks I was so paranoid that my son was not latching efficiently and I felt frustrated. I had to also learn how to 'form the boob' said the midwife, how to hold the baby comfortably, and how to interpret his face to know that he was hungry. Now I can do these things with my eyes closed, but it took time and the only difference, almost twelve weeks on, is that it is no longer new to me... or to him!

For me breastfeeding has been a wonderful experience. I hope these tips help you on your journey. If you are already experienced please comment with tips that other new moms may find helpful.

For more breastfeeding tips, this website was recommended to me by my GP and I found it to be very informative. La Leche League GB – Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards