This week is all about sharing. For me breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and it is great to share my journey with other breastfeeding mums and hopefully pass on some tips along the way. I have been extremely lucky in that, from the moment Sofia first latched on, I have had very few problems breastfeeding. Of course I have add the obligatory cracked and sore nipples but that it about it in terms of physical problems; I will talk about the emotional support in my next post. So it is great that I have had few little problems, which means that I have had very little occasion to visit breast feeding support groups etc. I do of course chat to friends and gamily about my feeding and it is good to share tips with other mums through blogs and social networking sites, which can be a great platform for support. I love the fact that with breastfeeding there is no definite right or wrong way as everybody has different problems and experiences , whether new or old to breastfeeding. I am definitely a newcomer but it is great that I can text friends with advice at 3am when we are both up and it doesn't matter that I am not a professional as mum to mum sharing is probably what most people feel comfortable.
With my little experience in problems I cannot offer great advice on a lot of things but I am sure that some of the other blogs will help those who are looking for something in particular. What I can share is my breastfeeding essentials, ranging from the all important nipple cream and the life saving treats that get me through the day when all Sofia wants to do is feed, I'm sure a couple of these are on your list too.
Mississipi mud pie slab from Hotel Chocolat ( the only thing to get me through the day sometimes)
Lansinoh from any chemist (a god send in the early days)
Large muslin cloths from Ikea ( I love these as they are thick so provide good cover and are very cheap)
Water from the tap! ( I cannot stress enough how much drinking lots of water has helped our feeding, drink, drink, drink)
Black vest from Dorothy Perkins ( put on under any top and will hide your flabby bits when you pull top up to feed)
Neal's Yard mothers bath oil from Neal's Yard ( Kind on skin and no nasties for when baby feeds, a great treat for a relaxing bath whist you have a well deserved rest)
It's been fun sharing, if you have enjoyed reading then take a look at some other mums who want to share their love of breastfeeding but before you go why not enter the great scavenger hunt competition at the bottom of the page. Leave a comment to be in with an extra chance of winning.
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Breastvest have very kindly donated a prize to the grand scavenger hunt competition. Breastvest s a great little addition to your breastfeeding wardrobe; to help when breastfeeding in public
I think even if you haven't had the need for much direct and targetted support e.g. support groups to get you through a specific problem, all breastfeeding mums need a certain amount of moral support from partner, friends and family to help them feel comfortable and valued in what they are doing, especially beyond 6 months when it starts to become seen as less 'normal' by many people. Thanks for sharing your tips - definitely agree with chocolate and muslins!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the fact that the chocolate is the first item on your list :-) Great post. I think it's really important to get out there and let people see you feeding once you feel confident enough, it helps other new mums to realise they can do it, too.
ReplyDeleteAttend a breastfeeding support group, when the going gets tough they can really help!
ReplyDeleteMy top tip would be to find your local support/peer supporters/breastfeeding group before baby is born so you can get to know them, this makes it much easier to contact them after baby is born; faces to names and voices. It good to know you have support from people who you know and are familiar with and that you trust.
ReplyDeleteI shall order some Mississippi mud pie slab now, thats obviously what I am missing!
Persevere and don't give up! It's the key! :)
ReplyDeleteIgnore the people who have horror stories about their breastfeeding attempts - this journey is your own and you can do it!
ReplyDeleteMy top tip is to set yourself up somewere nice and comfy and relaxing and have everything you may need to hand , i always had a muslin, drink and snack as my essentials as you never know how long you will be there especialy in the early days. This way you can just relax and enjoy your special time as i cant wait to enjoy it all again when bump decides to arrive : )
ReplyDeleteAgreed! My breastfeeding top tip is to eat as many Hotel Chocolate products as possible. Nom nom...
ReplyDeleteHa ha, the choccy keeps me going
DeleteI don't have a top tip as I'm 37 weeks pregnant. All my questions and concerns have been addressed through reading fabulous breastfeeding week blog posts like yours, thanks!
ReplyDelete