Happy Baby Corner: concerns of a breastfeeding mum

Starting to breastfeed can be a difficult time. You’re tired and emotional and then your new baby decides it’s time to feed, feed…and feed again!

As part of our new Happy Baby Corner series, Alison Jee, Infant Feeding Lead for the Trust, shares some of the most common concerns of a new breastfeeding mum and some tips for overcoming them.

I’ve tried but I’m not sure breastfeeding is right for me

In the early days it’s common to question whether breastfeeding is working for you and your baby. You’re worried that you’re not producing enough milk or that your milk isn’t good enough. ‘How will my baby survive?!’ you worry. 

This is all totally normal.

“The first two weeks can be tough but keep going – it will be worth it!”    – Kether

Your baby is stimulating your milk supply to meet their needs. The more your baby feeds in the first couple of weeks the more likely you are to establish a really good long-term milk supply for them.

Ask your midwife or health visitor for help to attach baby to your breast effectively so that you aren’t sore. Rest when baby rests. This period won’t last forever and is worth all the hard work.

“Ask for help! Get all the support you can, not only with breastfeeding but around the house too.” – Hannah

Am I picking my baby up too much?

Lots of new mums worry about ‘making a rod for your own back’ by feeding regularly. But this is definitely not the case.

The earlier you recognise and pick-up on feeding cues the more content your baby will be and the better your milk supply will become. Babies who are cuddled and comforted become more secure and will settle quicker.

I need more help - who can I ask?

Your midwife or health visitor can support you with breastfeeding. This can be at home or at your local health centre or children’s centre.

Have you thought about visiting your local BABES group too?

“Go along to your local breastfeeding group. The support is immense and you realise it’s not just you - solidarity in numbers!” – Hannah

You’ll meet other breastfeeding mums as well as the Trust’s volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters – they are mums with breastfeeding experience who have undergone additional training to be able to support new mums effectively.

You can attend a BABES group with a specific problem or just for some mum-to-mum support to help you breastfeed for a little longer.

“Facebook groups are invaluable especially at 2am! Bassetlaw Breastfeeding Buddies and Nottinghamshire Breastfeeding Mums Network each have closed groups and open pages.” – Vanessa

If you’re still struggling or have a more complex issue, the Trust runs specialist breastfeeding clinics across Nottinghamshire – your GP, midwife or health visitor will be able to refer you or you can ask for more details at your local children’s centre.

Most of all though, remember to take each day as it comes. Be kind to yourself and get lots of rest whenever you can.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Healthy Family Team offers antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support to mums and mums-to-be. For more information about breastfeeding support services in Nottinghamshire visit:
www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/infant-feeding