When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to breastfeed my baby. Looking back, I'm not sure why I made that decision or whether it was even a decision at all. It simply felt like the natural progression of things. After all, breasts are designed to produce milk for our babies, so breastfeeding seemed like the obvious choice.
During my pregnancy, I didn’t dwell much on feeding my baby. My preparation was minimal: I read a small 'how to breastfeed' booklet provided by my local hospital and attended a brief feeding information session. I remember sitting around a boardroom table while a woman spoke at us for an hour, but I can't recall much of what she said.
Bleary-eyed me after birth trying to get to grips with breastfeeding
The Reality Check
Fast forward to a few hours after giving birth, and I quickly realised that breastfeeding was more complex than the straightforward 'your baby will cry, and you feed them' approach I had envisioned. The initial feeds were challenging. Although I eventually succeeded in exclusively breastfeeding for six months, stopping only because I needed to return to medication incompatible with breastfeeding, it was a tough journey.
Early Struggles
Whether due to my childbirth experience or the care I received at the time, those initial feeds were far from the idyllic image I had imagined. We eventually found our rhythm, but what stands out most is my perseverance and determination to make breastfeeding work.
The Importance of Knowledge and Support
In hindsight, I wish I had known then what I know now about breastfeeding. Understanding concepts such as breastfeeding hormones, milk production, feeding patterns, different feeding positions, and recognising hunger cues are essential for new mums. I was unaware of these crucial aspects.
Moreover, I lacked information on where to seek support. I vividly remember one medical professional suggesting I consider formula feeding instead of worrying about breastfeeding because "not many people in my area breastfeed." It was disheartening to hear such advice when I needed guidance and encouragement the most. I just wanted someone to tell me that what I was doing looked pretty good.
A New Journey Begins
Fast forward to 2023, and I'm on an entirely different path. I am now a training to be a breastfeeding counsellor with the NCT (National Childbirth Trust). Two decades after my own breastfeeding journey began, I am learning how to support mothers postnatally with their breastfeeding experiences. Armed with knowledge and training, I am eager to become that person a new mum can turn to if they are looking for advice or just someone to talk to about their feeding experiences.
Supporting Mums in a Modern World
To bridge the gap and offer new mothers the information and support they need, I have decided to launch an online breastfeeding information workshop called "Breastfeeding for Beginners"
This workshop is packed with evidence-based information about breastfeeding, delivered in a fun and informative manner. It is perfect if you have decided you want to breastfeed or if you are looking for more information antenatally to help you make your decision. The workshop doesn’t just stop at information; it includes relaxation tracks for pregnancy, positive breastfeeding affirmations, and more. Crucially, it directs participants to local support organisations.
Join the Workshop
To find out more about the workshop, click here: "Breastfeeding for Beginners"
Need Feeding Support?
If you are a mum looking for feeding support (breastfeeding or formula feeding), the NCT Feeding Line is there for you and is open from 8am - 12 midnight, 365 days a year. 0300 330 0700.
In person Antenatal Courses, Linlithgow, West Lothian
Online Antenatal Workshops
Comentarios