BREASTFEEDING: TOP TIPS FROM THE MOTHERS THEMSELVES

“I’m an advocate of ‘indiscreet’ breastfeeding- the more that people see babies at the breast, the more normal it will be”.

Dr. Jack Newman

I want to start off by saying thank you to all those mammas who shared their breastfeeding tips for this blog, offering to help other mammas around the world who might be struggling with breastfeeding. Hopefully there will be something here which may make your breastfeeding journey slightly more comfortable or enable you to have more confidence to seek for extra support. With so many useful points to consider, I have separated them into three sections: Preparation, Breast Care and Feeding.

Preparation

When feeding your baby, make sure you are comfortable and relaxed, your baby will feel if you are stressed and tensed so try and portray the emotions you want your baby to feel (easier said than done). Having everything you may need at an arm reach away, will allow you to spend more time in the moment with your baby.

• Invest in a comfy chair, find a chair that will be comfortable for your shape and build, allowing you to rest your arms down when needed. This chair can be used throughout your baby’s childhood for story time and snuggles, so don’t be too put off by the price.

• Use a pillow, if you are starting to get back pain make sure you are attending to your needs and not just your babies. Putting a pillow on your lap to raise baby to breast rather than breast to baby which may arch your back.

• Sit on a rubber ring, if you are finding it sore to sit down after birth. Place a rubber ring (small size) down underneath you. This will take the pressure off! You can equally design the same shape with the use of rolled towels.

• Keep water by your side, breast feeding is thirsty work. Keeping hydrated is very important this will: boost your energy levels, encourage digestion and flush out any toxins within the body and don’t forget it keeps your skin hydrated too!

• Keep a snack stash, having a cooled box of healthy snacks at arm reach from your chair is key as this will help to keep your energy levels and strength up. This might include fresh fruit, hummus and bread, flapjacks, sandwiches and yoghurts. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breastfeeding-diet/)

• Muslin ready- Before you settle down to feed, make sure you have a muslin ready. This will be used for any spilt-up milk or dribble. You can also place your muslin over your hand if you are burping your baby in a seated position, or over your shoulder.

Breast Care

“Nursing does not diminish the beauty of a women’s breasts; it enhances their charm by making them look lived in and happy”.

Robert A. Heinlein

• Are your nipples sore? Try using nipple shields and see if this relieves any of the pain.

• Are your nipples tender? Place breast pads in your bra to prevent any contact to unwanted fabrics.

• Are your nipples causing you pain? Apply cool breast pads/ cool gel pads onto your nipples after feeding. This will help soothe and even heal the nipple if it is cracked.

• My breasts are engorged, help! You can hand express to relieve pain, or massage in a warm shower.

• What can I do with engorged breasts? Place washed cabbage leaves onto your breasts and you can leave these in your bra. Cabbage leaves absorb fluid from the glands, so make sure you stop using them after your breasts start to feel better.

• How should I wash myself when breastfeeding? When washing make sure you do not use any harsh chemicals on your skin, a gentle wash is all you need.

• Are your breasts sore? Make sure you give your breasts some airtime away from clothes and fabrics.

Feeding

“If we wear our nursing covers backwards like capes, then everyone can see we’re breastfeeding superheroes”.

Cassi Clark

• Tongue tie - Before you get released from hospital make sure you get the health care professionals to check for tongue tie. Tongue tie might prevent your baby from latching on properly, causing it to be painful when you do and difficulties when feeding. If your baby has had his tongue tie sorted, be aware that it can grow back.

• Sleepy baby - During the first couple of weeks baby is very sleepy, by tickling your babies’ feet or changing their nappy halfway through will gently wake a sleepy baby. This will stop your baby from falling asleep on the breast and making sure they are getting a full feed. By waking your baby you’re creating good sleeping habits by not associating feeding with sleep (easier said than done).

• Swapping breasts- Swap breasts evenly to help stimulate your milk supply, using apps can help keep track (Baby Tracker App). https://apps.apple.com/us/app/baby-tracker-newborn-log/id779656557

• Finding it hard to latch? You need to gently but firmly put your baby to the breast, you want to get their mouth around the breast and not just the areola. Placing nose to nipple and chin to breast.

• Making breast feeding easier- Wear clothing with quick easy access, such as; wraps, buttons or maternity tops. Making feeding anywhere and everywhere easier.

• Leaking is normal- Are your breasts leaking? Not to worry place breast pads inside your bra or use a Haakaa. This will naturally catch any leakage to save for another feed, without over stimulating the breasts. If your let down is strong and makes your other breast leak whilst feeding, you can place the Haakka on to collect any let down milk. Use a Haakaa with a base and lid so it can stand and be covered. https://haakaaofficial.co.uk/

• Baby only sleeps on me after a feed- After feeding place a breast cloth into your bra or over your breast, you can then give this to baby when sleeping to help settle.

• Ouch, taking baby off hurts- When you want to take your baby off the breast, use a clean finger to break the latch, do not just pull away.