This is my second pregnancy. With my first son, I mixed fed. Our first son was born at 38 weeks but weighed just 5lbs, and after his final health visitor weighing, I was told that I needed to mix feed in order to help him gain more weight. By the time he was 9 months old, I rarely offered the breast … [Read more...] about My Pride and Joy at Breastfeeding my Baby
Soreness & Pain
Nursing after Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 29, a lot younger than the typical breast cancer patient. Luckily, my family’s history with breast cancer had made me very proactive about screening, so I found the tumour early. Nonetheless I needed surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. I … [Read more...] about Nursing after Breast Cancer
Getting breastfeeding on track after a difficult start – the “3 Keeps”
When you have early breastfeeding problems, it can feel as if it’s “all gone wrong” and the dreams you had about feeding your baby are in ruins. Fortunately, babies are very adaptable and resilient, and so are their mothers! With time, patience and, if necessary, skilled help, it is almost always … [Read more...] about Getting breastfeeding on track after a difficult start – the “3 Keeps”
Mindful Breastfeeding
Like many mothers, I spent much of my daughter’s early days fretting about breastfeeding. Was her head at the right angle? Did she have enough of my breast in her mouth? Was enough of her lip rolled out? I also struggled with the usual discomforts as my nipples adjusted to their new role, as well as … [Read more...] about Mindful Breastfeeding
Finding the right support
My second child has recently turned one and I find myself once again breastfeeding a wriggling, giggling, distractible toddler. I have been either pregnant or breastfeeding for the best part of four years, which is incredible when I think how hard it was to establish breastfeeding with my … [Read more...] about Finding the right support
My breastfeeding journey
I never for a moment doubted that I would breastfeed, it had never even crossed my mind that I might not be able to breastfeed; unless you count the times I imagined what would happen if I died or became hospitalised and wasn’t allowed access to my baby. During pregnancy, I couldn’t really think … [Read more...] about My breastfeeding journey
Positioning & Attachment
Getting your baby positioned and attached comfortably at the breast is an art—mothers often say it takes a little while for breastfeeding to feel entirely comfortable and natural, even if they’ve breastfed before. In the past girls grew up learning about breastfeeding by watching mothers in their … [Read more...] about Positioning & Attachment
Tongue Tie
Are you experiencing pain while breastfeeding, possibly combined with slow weight gain for your baby? While the vast majority of such breastfeeding problems can be resolved by adjusting positioning and attachment, and with good breastfeeding management, occasionally tongue tie might be the cause of … [Read more...] about Tongue Tie
Thrush and Breastfeeding
Do you have sore nipples, or deep breast pain? Have you read somewhere or been told that this could be caused by thrush? This has been a common suggestion for many years. But research, and what doctors understand about how thrush behaves, is changing our understanding. (1,2,3) Experts are … [Read more...] about Thrush and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Your Baby – Quick Read
Hold your baby skin-to-skin as soon as they are born. Encourage them to breastfeed as soon as possible. Latching on Get comfortable and relaxed—sit or lie with your back well supported. Keep your breast at its natural level. Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby. Keep baby’s head and … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Your Baby – Quick Read