5 tips to set up for breastfeeding success

Are you pregnant and preparing for life with a newborn? Are you starting to think about what you can do to prepare for feeding your baby?

However you chose to feed your baby is absolutely your choice and I support your choices whatever they are. If you have decided that you would like to breastfeed your child when they arrive then here are my top 5 tips to set yourself up for success.

I've fed babies for a total of 3 years, and am still breastfeeding my 2 year old. We have had many ups and downs along the way but it has been one of my greatest achievements! Breastfeeding can be absolutely magical once you're in the swing of things - it is a wonderful source of nutrition as well as comfort for your baby who is adjusting to life earth side. We're not here to talk about the benefits though, lets get into how you can set yourself up for success.

1. Educate yourself - having a basic understanding of how breastfeeding works is, in my view, essential to help overcome any hurdles you may face along the way. Knowing how the body responds to baby, how to know they're hungry, how they draw milk down - all super interesting and useful stuff. Often I find clients have a real fear that breastfeeding 'won't work' for them - that they won't produce milk or that it won't be right for their baby. In general experts quote that around 5% of birthing people are physiologically unable to breastfeed their babys- however this rate is likely to be a lot less and research is poor. Know that this is so unlikely for you - and prepare yourself for the beautiful breastfeeding journey that you want. The UK has low rates of breastfeeding compared to other countries, the rates of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months is 1%. Yes you read that correctly. All this means we're unlikely to see our friends and family breastfeeding, and can lead us to subconsciously think that being able to feed your baby in this way is rare. Educating yourself can be empowering. I read this book (both entertaining and educational) before I had my first and it helped SO much. Any reference materials from La Leche League here are also super useful.

2. Know that it can be difficult and could require real perseverance and hard work. But it is entirely worth it. There is so much of breastfeeding our babes that is entirely natural and hardwired into our bodies and brains. Yet at the same time some babies feel like they're born with literally no clue what they are meant to do - I've had one of those! If you know it can be hard work to establish then you will be prepared. They WILL get the hang of it and you CAN do hard things.

3. Research in advance where you can get help should you need it. There will hopefully be a breastfeeding support group in your area, run by volunteers where you can go for mutual support and advice. Lactation consultants are available privately or through the NHS through your health visiting team or GP. There are also SO many awesome accounts with free advice such as @milkmakingmama and @thebreastfeedingmentor on Instagram. I used peer support groups as well as a visit to lactation consultant through the NHS. Sadly GPs are often not well equipped to understand many of the issues you could face whilst breastfeeding so please do always seek out a second opinion. You are not alone - surround yourself with the support you need - ask questions. I am always here to help point you in the right direction too!

4. Communicate your desire to breastfeed to anyone and everyone. If it's important to you then your loved ones need to know so that they can support you best, as well as your care providers. Those who are with you for the weeks following birth need to know that they should be on hand to prop you and baby up with all the pillows, provide all the snacks and encourage you to drink lots of water, they are phone and remote grabbers (alternatively get yourself a handy litter picker!) they are your cheer leaders. Have sensible conversations about the steps you have taken above with those in your household, and talk to them about how you would like to be supported.

5. You could hand express colostrum in advance. Colostrum is the incredible sticky substance that your breasts produce for baby in their first few days (think of thick honey), believe it or not your body makes this before your baby arrives in preparation and you may find that late on in your pregnancy your breasts start leaking this. This stuff is actually gold and is full of lushness for your baby. By expressing some into little syringes you will have already practiced a super useful technique and have a store of nutrients for your babe. Ask your midwife for support an some little syringes to start you off!

In summary

You have absolutely got this. Like many things you've already done in your life, if you want it you can get it and you can overcome obstacles in your way!

If you want to find out more about preparing for meeting your baby please check out my antenatal and hypnobirthing courses, available both in person and online!