What I wish I knew about breastfeeding before I started
I had no idea what to expect with regards to breastfeeding my babies. Once I fell pregnant after several IVF cycles, I naively thought the next part would be simple. The reality was, like many first-time mums, I was going into the fourth trimester blissfully blind, with limited breastfeeding knowledge and lacking a plan for when things went pear-shaped.
Instead of spending all my time reading about double prams and baby monitors, I wish I had armed myself with more information to prepare me for what was to come. My tricky breastfeeding experience inspired me to upskill in breastfeeding medicine and train to become an IBCLC. Supporting other mothers during this new and often daunting time is a privilege.
Below are some snippets of advice I would have loved to receive four years ago -
1. Engage a lactation consultant well before baby arrives.
Understanding the basics of how lactation works and what you can do in the first hours and days of your baby’s birth to optimise breastfeeding will mean that you’re not a deer in headlights like I was.
2. Go into your birth with a ‘breastfeeding plan’ and know who you can call if things are rocky.
Be prepared for conflicting, well-meaning advice, and take it all with a grain of salt. The most confusing thing for me as a first-time mum was how varied the advice was. Remember, you are the ultimate expert in your baby!
3. Mummas of twins, don’t feel you must rush into tandem feeding.
In the beginning, feeding the babies individually will mean full attention can be given to each baby, so you can optimise the latch with each. Once the babies are a bit bigger you can experiment with tandem breastfeeding positions to be more productive and time efficient.
4. Learn about ‘paced bottle feeding’ and ensure all caregivers are aware of how to do this.
If a bottle is introduced, learning how to feed with a bottle will prevent bottle preference and help to support breastfeeding.
5. In the early stages, whilst it is common for your nipples to hurt, ongoing pain is not normal.
Don’t try and grit your teeth and bare it, this can cause nipple damage. The most common cause of nipple pain is breast tissue drag caused by a suboptimal latch which can be addressed by implementing techniques to improve positioning.
6. Speaking of nipples, don’t overdo the ointments and creams!
Change your breast pads frequently and let your nipples air. Moisture associated nipple damage is common.
7. Be kind to yourself.
Breastfeeding is a new skill that takes mum and baby time to master, like learning another language. With patience, practice and tips from a lactation consultant, it does get easier.
8. Don’t stress about a strict schedule or timing feeds and instead feed your baby freely and flexibly.
Trust your body to respond to baby’s cues and produce the milk that baby needs.
9. Find your village and accept all offers of practical help.
All support that enables you to rest and focus on getting to know your baby is invaluable.
10. Nourish your body with a well-balanced, varied diet and stay hydrated.
Take sleep and solo time wherever possible. Breastfeeding physically takes up 25% of your body’s energy! If you feel your mental health is suffering, make sure to check in with a trusted professional early.
Breastfeeding is almost never easy when you’re starting out, but with the right support it can be an incredibly rewarding and special way to bond with, soothe and nourish your baby.
