If you’ve not breastfed a baby before it might seem a little daunting. Our research with new mums shows that the one thing they wish they had done more of before they had their baby was to find out more about how breastfeeding worked and how to get support with any problems they might find. Mums told us that they often felt that antenatal education did not always prepare them fully for how to breastfeed and that they would have benefitted from finding out more before their baby was here.
The top things they wished they knew more about were...
1. That babies often feed lots and lots, wake up at night and want to be held and that this is normal
2. That feeding babies responsively e.g. whenever they want to be fed helps you make enough milk whereas trying to put them in a feeding routine can reduce the amount of milk you make
3. How to spot any problems before they become bigger ones and where to get support
The top advice from mums was to read up as much as possible before you have your baby and if you have any questions go along to your local breastfeeding support group – yes even before your baby is here. They will welcome you and give you chance to see lots of mums breastfeeding and ask questions. Ask your midwife or health visitor for details of your local group or look on social media – they often have a Facebook page.
It’s also a great idea to make a note before you have your baby of who you can contact if you need more support. Ask your midwife for the number of your local infant feeding specialist. You can also contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline for free on 0300 100 0212 if you have any questions. Put these numbers in your phone or on the fridge (and in your partners phone if relevant). Then if you need support you’ll know where to find help.
Find out more:
- Listen to Professor Amy Brown talk about the support that mothers find helpful at the Maternity and Midwifery Forum festival
- Support plays a big part in helping you to breastfeed. Read about what support is out there and how it can make a big difference.
- For a full guide on understanding everything you need to know about breastfeeding you can read our book ‘The Positive breastfeeding book: Everything you need to feed your baby with confidence’