Breastfeeding – Tips, personal reflections and how to stop when the time is right!

Breastfeeding – Tips, personal reflections and how to stop when the time is right!

If you’re a new mum, mum to be, or just looking for a little advice on what to expect whilst breastfeeding, this blog post is for you. I’ve put it together in the hope that it will help you to feel more at ease and feel confident to be able to stop too when the time is right for you (I stopped at when H was 18 months old – just as the 2020 lockdown started!). Perhaps you can resonate with some of my experiences too!

August 2020 (9 months old)

What the Recommendations for Breastfeeding, and what are the Benefits?

The World Health Organisation recommends that new mums breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond. 👶🏼

The U.K. unfortunately has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe 🇬🇧 Latest figures show that only 40% of babies are breastfeed at 6-8 weeks of age, in comparison to Norway where 70% are breastfed at 6 months. I am however in support of one of the RCPCH’s key messages that women who cannot, or choose not to breastfeed should be respected and supported as needed.

For me, breastfeeding is something that I’ve always wanted to do; not only for the proven health benefits to baby & mum but for the convenience & cost (it’s free!) too. I loved being able to leave the house with just nappies & wipes (ie not needing to pack any formula!) & although the first few weeks are extremely demanding on mum (I had never heard of cluster feeding before attending NCT!) it DOES get easier.

Breastfeeding is not only free & super convenient but it has a number of benefits for your baby too as it reduces your baby’s risk of:
• infections, diarrhoea & vomiting = fewer hospital visits
• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• obesity
• cardiovascular disease in adulthood

Breastfeeding also reduces YOUR risk of breast & ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis 🦴

What can help along the Breastfeeding Journey?

🤱🏻 Discussion at my @nctcharity class on breastfeeding; we were taught to ‘tickle’ the baby’s nose with the nipple to encourage ‘burger mouth’ ie big & wide! 🍔

🤱🏻 NIPPLE CREAM .. after each feed! I used Lansinoh & My Expert Midwife on my nipples for 2 weeks after the birth & after an initial ‘breaking in’ period of slight tenderness they soon got used to breastfeeding!

🤱🏻 Breastfeeding BRAS .. I loved my prettier bras from Dorina & more sporty/sleep bras from Emma Jane/Amazon.. linked below. I also loved my BF nightie from Fig Leaves 😴

🤱🏻 Breast PADS .. I used these during the first couple of weeks as my milk flow regulated & then occasionally on a night afterwards. I love the ones from Laninsoh 💜

🤱🏻 The La Leche League BOOK on ‘the womanly art of breastfeeding’ .. it’s a brilliant ‘how to’ manual! The @nctcharity also have a BF helpline, & there’s always the ‘National BF Helpline’ too! ☎️

🤱🏻 SUPPORT from my family & partner to breastfeed where ever & whenever; ‘if in doubt get it out’ was my motto 😂

🤱🏻 I planned to EXPRESS at 5/6 weeks post birth using the @lansinohfamily Breast Milk Collector & their electric pump.

My Breastfeeding Essentials

Silver nipple shields
Silver nipple shields
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
Silicone Meal Set
Silicone Meal Set
Personalised Bottle Labels
Personalised Bottle Labels
Six Steriliser Bags
Six Steriliser Bags
Bottle drying rack
Bottle drying rack
Lansinoh Bottle
Lansinoh Bottle
Designated Washing up Bowl
Designated Washing up Bowl
Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Electric Steriliser
Electric Steriliser
Microwave Steriliser
Microwave Steriliser
Self sterilising anti-colic bottles
Self sterilising anti-colic bottles
Padded Nursing Bra
Padded Nursing Bra
Non-Padded Nursing Bra
Non-Padded Nursing Bra
My Brest Friend
My Brest Friend
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breast Therapy
Breast Therapy
Gentle Eating Book
Gentle Eating Book
Baby Bibs
Baby Bibs
Nursing Nightie
Nursing Nightie
Nursing Bras
Nursing Bras
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Nipple Balm
Nipple Balm
Electric Breast Pump
Electric Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Slow Flow Bottle
Slow Flow Bottle
Reusable Nursing Pads
Reusable Nursing Pads
Breast Pads
Breast Pads

Expressing Experience & Tips!

Six weeks after giving birth I started expressing my breast milk & luckily for us H took to a bottle straight away.. my husband gave him this with the plan to give a bottle when I was away from him.

I was advised to wait at least 4 weeks after giving birth before expressing to let my milk flow regulate & for breastfeeding to be established.🤱🏻

I started with a breast milk collector from @lansinohfamily which works on a suction before plucking up the courage to assemble their electric pump & have a go at that & I quickly got the hang of it!

I’ve found that as time went on, the amount that I can express in one go got more and more.. I expressed either whilst breastfeeding or in a morning with the electric pump on one side & the handheld pump on the other. I usually expressed for 10-20 minutes (depending on my patience!!). ⏰

I stored my milk in breast milk bags in the fridge for around 3 days or the freezer (for up to 6 month) & although H did drink cold milk we sometimes warmed it in a bottle popped in a jug of hot water. ❄️

I was advised not to shake breast milk (you must swirl it if it’s separated) nor heat it in the microwave.🙅🏻‍♀️

I combined milks from different expressing sessions once they were at the same temperature ie cooled & I washed the parts in warm soapy water in a designated washing up bowl. I also had some microwaveable sterilising bags (just click ‘feeding’ on mummynutrition.com/shop to see what was recommended to me!).

👉🏼 For more information, don’t forget to visit the NCT charity website!

My Expressing Essentials

Pumping Bra
Pumping Bra
Lansinoh Bottle
Lansinoh Bottle
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Electric Breast Pump
Electric Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Pumping Bra
Pumping Bra
Lansinoh Bottle
Lansinoh Bottle
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Electric Breast Pump
Electric Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Pumping Bra
Pumping Bra
Lansinoh Bottle
Lansinoh Bottle
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Microwave Steriliser Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Electric Breast Pump
Electric Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump

The Highs and Lows of Breastfeeding!

THE HIGHS⁣

Health – Breastmilk provides all of the nutrients (including antibodies) that your baby needs for their first 6 months of life & it helps to reduce the risk of infections & diseases (it’s amazing stuff!).⁣

Convenience – This was a biggie for me.. I LOVE leaving the house with just nappies & wipes (ok & a spare change of clothes, a muslin & as time passed, a bib & food!) .. and not having to worry about taking formula or a sterilised bottle.⁣

Bonding – Breastfeeding encourages skin to skin contact with your baby which has an amazing calming & bonding effect. ⁣

Soothing – Hungry? Boob. Upset? Boob. Agitated? Boob. It seems breastfeeding calms down a baby no matter what the issue!!⁣

THE LOWS⁣

Sore Nipples – This lasted about 2 weeks for me & a kind friend who warned me about this told me to use a nipple balm ALL the time.⁣

Cluster Feeding – This lasted for a few weeks after the birth & is just something you have to embrace 5-7pm every evening 😳⁣

Being the only Feeder – The role of a mum is intense.. and when you’re EBF it steps up a notch.⁣

Pumping – Yes the Elvie is a game changer but pumping is pumping & it still requires washing & thinking about in advance.⁣

Wardrobe – This was such an annoyance for me, especially as I love jumper dresses!!⁣

What happens to your periods whilst Breastfeeding?!

If you breastfeed your baby day & night then your periods may not start again until you stop breastfeeding, or until you stop night-time breastfeeding. This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breast milk (prolactin) can stop your body releasing the hormones which allow you to ovulate & therefore have a period. I stopped breastfeeding H at night when he was 10 months old, & at 16 months old was still feeding him 3-4 times a day. I stopped BF at 18m PP.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🚲 My cycle returned monthly from the moment it reappeared (I track is using @flotracker) which I was surprised about as I’d read that they could be irregular. What I did experience though was a darker coloured period & more cramping than I remember .. however this did thankfully ease over the following months.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
👶🏼 I’ll say now that I was relieved when my periods made a return as I’ve made no secret that I would love to have a second baby & wanted my periods to return first (to reset the cycle so to speak!).⁣⁣

⁣⁣🙅🏻‍♀️ Just because breastfeeding can stop your periods, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant! And everyone is so different. Some women may get their periods as early as 6 weeks post birth, others not until 18 months or more. For some they may be heavier and more painful, for others they may be very light.⁣⁣

Stopping breastfeeding at 18 months – A personal reflection (this was written back in May 2020!)

“Although other mums may breastfeed for much shorter or longer periods of time (or not at all), each mum has to do what’s right for them & their baby.. and this is what was right for me & our situation.⁣

👉🏼 New norms are scary, and I’ll admit now that I was scared of stopping breastfeeding my LO. Mainly, I was scared that we would lose our special little connection.⁣

The thing though, is that new norms become just that.. the new norm, and it’s the THOUGHT of doing it that is the scary bit!⁣

👶🏼 When H was born, I planned to BF for 12m.. well, this is what I said anyway, “I want my body back after 12m”, .. but in reality I wasn’t ready to stop when the 12m mark came. However, over the last few months a few things have made me think that now IS the right time to stop & these things were amplified after lockdown began.⁣

I started to resent BF. I found it annoying when H asked for milk & I resented having to dress appropriately & decline delicious food (I haven’t eaten dairy & soya for a year now). The tipping point came when H’s skin took a turn for the worse & I knew it was because of my diet, and so the decision was made.⁣

We actually started by swapping H’s evening milk to oat milk (daddy gave it in a bottle & now a sippy cup), & then I went cold turkey last week (although this isn’t the advice from lactation specialists such as @feedeatspeak who has been so helpful).⁣

Last week I used an electric & then a hand pump to relieve some milk & this week I’m expressing by hand 1-2 times a day in the bath/shower to prevent blockages. H has adapted so well. Instead of calming him with milk, we are cuddling more & he loves giving little kisses.⁣

I have truly loved every part of BF (apart from these last few weeks) however I appreciate that I have been very lucky.. I received great support from NCT, staff on the birth ward & my mum. To me BF made being a new mum that little bit easier as it was one less thing to worry about.⁣

I can’t recommend BF enough and have loved our little journey.”

Click right on the image below for information on how to stop xx

I would love to hear more about your breastfeeding experiences?! Feel free to comment below or let me know on my instagram page.

You can read more about others’ experiences in the comments of my #mummynutritionbreastfeeding posts.

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Sensory Balls
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Idela for little hands
P’s favourite sensory rattle
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P’s Vitamins
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Car Mirror
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This is our new one so we have one in each car!
Our new cellular blanket
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Our new swaddles for 0-3 months
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Our gro bag for 0-4 months and beyond!
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Arms in or out!
Our new nappy caddy
Our new nappy caddy
Great value!
Our new milestone cards
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H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
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Just one tiny drop a day is all you need!
Your Baby Week by Week
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Loved this book!
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
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Grey Changing Backpack
Grey Changing Backpack
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Changing Backpack
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with changing mat
Baby Bag
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Ideal for your changing bag to keep your baby's nappies, wipes & a spare change of clothes!
White Noise Maker
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Another of your suggestions!
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
I would get this for baby 2!
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Use the promo code NIPPER for 10% off!
Sanitising Water
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Travel Size
Our white-noise maker
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it's bluetooth so connects to your phone with an app!
Video Monitor
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Quinny Pram
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Love this brand!
Nappy Caddy
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Socks On
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Because baby socks ALWAYS fall off!
Sleepsuits
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Baby on Board Sign
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For your car!
Baby D Drops
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Just 1 tiny drop daily is all you need. Needed from 0-6 months old if breastfed.
Baby Nail File
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Love to Dream Swaddle Up
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Hana Baby Wrap
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For baby wearing!
Baby Car Mirror
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Lamaze Firefly
Lamaze Firefly
Great for development!
Baby Bibs
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Love the design!
Baby Thermometer
Baby Thermometer
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Teether
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This one is so popular!
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Such a gorgeous gift!
Soft Book
Soft Book
For the pram!
Lots of Links
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To attach to the toys!
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
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Hair Brush
Hair Brush
The bristles are so soft!
Baby Coconut Oil
Baby Coconut Oil
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Black and White Book
Black and White Book
For your newborn!
Nipple Balm
Nipple Balm
Essential if you're breast feeding.
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
To have on hand to catch excess milk
Slow Flow Bottle
Slow Flow Bottle
To mimic breast feeding
Reusable Nursing Pads
Reusable Nursing Pads
More environmentally Friendly
Breast Pads
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For leaky nipples!
Pretty Muslins
Pretty Muslins
Love these from Storksak
Mother’s Cocoon
Mother’s Cocoon
For nursing your baby.
Nursing Pillow
Nursing Pillow
For you and baby.
Changing Bag
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Suitable for mum and dad!
Pramsuit
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Essential in colder weather!
Baby Carrier
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I love this mini from Baby Bjorn
Car Seat
Car Seat
We have this fixed car seat - it's 0-12 years! You can get it cheaper else where though FYI.
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Love this one!
Water Wipes
Water Wipes
For nappy changes!
Aqua Wipes
Aqua Wipes
For nappy changes!
Hooded Towels
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So cute for after a bath!
White Muslins
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I love multipacks of these!
Swaddle Blankets
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Love the panda print!
Baby Sponge
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For bath time!
Soft Fleecy Blanket
Soft Fleecy Blanket
For tummy time!
Baby Bouncer
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This one vibrates too!
Angel Care Nappy Bin
Angel Care Nappy Bin
I have this in our nursery.
Nappy Sacks
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These are Eco Disposal
Nappy Cream
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We use this to protect H's bum!
Whale Scoop
Whale Scoop
To help wash your baby.
Bath Thermometer
Bath Thermometer
Aim for 37 degrees C.
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Perfect for bath time!
Top & Tail Bowl
Top & Tail Bowl
For cotton wool & water washes.
Shnuggles Changing Mat
Shnuggles Changing Mat
Perfect for nappy changes!
GroEgg 2
GroEgg 2
This is bigger than the original!
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
Perfect for those early months to sleep in (available in summer & winter versions)
Shnuggles Moses Basket
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For 0-6 months
Flat Sheets
Flat Sheets
To go over your baby at night.
Cellular Blankets
Cellular Blankets
To go over a flat sheet at night or to be used alone in the pram.
GroEgg Original
GroEgg Original
To track room temperature (aim for 18-20 degrees!)
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