’What ‘must haves’ do I need to breastfeed (apart from boobs!)’’ I was recently asked…
Honestly? Education & support. Breastfeeding is a learned skill. Yes it’s natural, but like walking🚶🏻♀️ , not like breathing!
It can be tough, exhausting, emotional, wonderful and magical - all rolled into one!
If it’s something you’d like to do, learn about it! 📚 Read up on newborn feeding behaviours, how to get a good latch, tongue tie, nursing positions and how to hand express (it can be useful to practice this by harvesting colostrum from 37 weeks, ask your midwife for more info).
It’s also important to have good support around you to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Save the breastfeeding networks phone number into your phone NOW, so you know who to call if you need some extra info or support! ( 📞 0300 100 0212)
Practical things that can help in the early days are a lanolin based nipple cream and breast pads! Don’t worry about a breast pump (unless you want to exclusively pump), ideally you want to avoid expressing milk if possible until 6-8 weeks after baby’s born to help your milk supply settle first and avoid mastitis.
Other practical things that are definitely needed in the early weeks, are big bottles of water 💦(it’s thirsty work!), lots of chocolate 🍫 (or alternative fave snack) & Netflix 📺 , so you can put your feet up and soak in those gorgeous sleepy post feed snugs with your little one 😍!
What breastfeeding ‘must haves’ did you need or ‘think’ you’d need, but didn’t? I’d love to chat in the comments below! ☺️
PS. When you book a hypnobirthing course with me you get free access to a pre-recorded online course on an Introduction to Breastfeeding! ☺️🧡