5 breastfeeding top tips | BreAstfeeDing success | Lactation consultant, Liz Brierley
One of the most asked questions and areas of concern among our parents-to-be at Bump to Cradle is undoubtedly breastfeeding. The hows, whens, wheres and what ifs spiral out of control and the myriad of information from less than reliable sources out there on Dr. Google (and amongst all groups of mothers everywhere) can seem like a mine field. Let’s remember first and foremost that a fed baby makes a happy baby, and happy parents for that matter. However you choose to feed your baby is an individual choice. At Bump to Cradle our aim is to help expectant parents and new mums and dads feel supported and confident. The speakers on our courses are experts in their field but the real expert of you and your baby is you! So if you do anything, do what feels right for you and your family. We are here to offer gentle practical advice. Breast feeding, bottle feeding, pumping, syringing milk for a newborn…these are all skills to master so go easy on yourself and allow time.
So we have asked our resident feeding guru Liz Brierley to give us (and now you) her top five tips for establishing feeding your newborn.
Have a realistic plan of action when in comes to your feeding objectives. In a similar way to a birth plan, having a feeding plan prior to the birth of your baby can be a great way to manage your expectations and relieve some pressure in those first few hours. Whether it is having a back-up plan to give a bottle of formula/expressed breastmilk if things aren't going according to plan in the first few days, or planning when your partner can give a bottle - it can all help in those first few days.
If you are planning on breastfeeding, getting the latching and positioning right from the start is so important. You should be in minimal pain (although there may be some pain at the start of the feed but this should diminish after about 20 seconds or so) and your baby should be drinking effectively i.e. with audible swallows and no dimples in the cheeks. If you're in any doubt in those first few days seek some support straight away from your midwife or a lactation consultant.
If you are planning to give some bottles (expressed breastmilk or formula) don't leave it too late. Babies have a very strong sucking reflex which diminishes the older they get. If you are confident that breastfeeding is going well your partner can give a bottle from about 4-6 weeks. This can be a your ticket to an early night and a wonderful way for your partner to bond with your baby.
Be prepared - before you feed your baby set up a 'breastfeeding station' - you will be spending quite a lot of hours in a day feeding especially in those first few weeks so make sure there is somewhere in your home set up which is comfortable. Keep a glass of water close to you, some pillows so you can support your hand/arm whilst you hold your baby, have your phone/book/kindle available if need be.
Remember like any new skill breastfeeding can take some time to master, not only for you but your baby too. It can take up to 6 weeks before you really feel 100% confident and this is normal. Don't be hard on yourself, although breastfeeding is 'natural' it can be hard at times and it can feel like there is a lot to remember in terms of positioning and latching so be kind to yourself and ask for help if you feel like something isn't right...
It’s no wonder breast feeding is such an emotive subject. Breastfeeding initiation from birth in the UK is at 81% (UNICEF, 2010) which was an +5% up compared to 2005 at 76%. According to NHS Digital, who started to publish data in 2017/18. NHS Digital via the Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) captures this data however the data and coverage has reduced since then so new research and data capture. We know that in 2017/18, 74% of babies had a first feed of maternal or donor breast milk, remaining flat in 2020/21.
The percentage of those mums exclusively breast feeding at 6 weeks drops to 24% and this drops to 17% exclusively breastfed at 3 months, and 12% exclusively breastfed at 6 months (UNICEF, 2010). One thing is for sure newer research and data coverage would be very useful to paint a more accurate picture of our UK breastfeeding rates. In most part so that support for new parents can be aimed at the right areas, for example help to keep breast feeding going in the early days after initiation, or supporting parents with mixed feeding (when babies have a combination of breast milk in either a breastfeed or expressed milk in a bottle, and or formula).
For some breast feeding their baby will come easily, for others they will have challenges. We can not walk in the shoes of someone else and these experiences are very personal. We have pulled together a few links to useful support sources, which we ourselves as mums found hugely valuable to help us on our feeding journey.
Useful sources of support and information:
A great source of support. You can connect with a local representative by text or phone. Or speak directly with an accredited breastfeeding counsellor. The Helpline number is 0345 120 2918 and open from 8am to 11pm, 365 days a year.
An very useful blog style source of information and advice on everything breastfeeding related to parenting top tips. If you need an answer to a feeding related question in the middle of the night, this is the place to look!
Bristol Breast Feeding Facebook Group
A local Bristol Breast feeding Facebook group offering community support and guidance.
NHS Breast feeding positioning and attachment
Useful info and video explaining breast feeding positions, getting your baby to latch well and attachment.