Breastfeeding always looks easy on paper, but a lot of new mums do end up looking for tips and advice as it’s not quite as straight forward as it looks in the films or on social media. Breastfeeding can have highs and lows. But, Anita (who has also previously submitted a This Is Family story here) has been kind enough to share with us and our audience some of her best breastfeeding tips for new mums.
We hope that they prove to be useful!
At 10:56am on the 20th March last year, the anaesthetist (who’d somehow kept me calm through major surgery), uttered the words, “are you ready to meet your baby?” Minutes later, my beautiful daughter was born, fiercely suckling her tiny fists.
As I lay cuddling her in recovery, I felt completely overwhelmed with love for this little person I’d made. It was easy to see why this precious skin to skin time was known as the ‘golden hour.’ She latched on effortlessly and fed solidly for an hour and a half. Almost a year later, I am still breastfeeding; a journey that has been full of ups and downs, but has ultimately proven to be immensely rewarding.
I wanted to share twelve breastfeeding tips for new mums. They are things I’ve learned (one for every month), for anyone about to embark on this chapter. It goes without saying I’m not a professional and this shouldn’t replace expert advice. But I hope it provides some guidance, as many of them are things I wish I’d known myself!
1. Learn as much as you can during pregnancy.
Most couples and new mums enrol in antenatal classes (I loved my Bump & Baby course, even though lockdown moved it online) to find out some breastfeeding tips, but these might only include one session on the topic of feeding. The sad reality is most postnatal wards are incredibly busy places with midwives stretched beyond their resources (which isn’t their fault at all!). It just meant I left the hospital as clueless as when I went in. Aside from a perfunctory glance at my latch, I didn’t really receive any support. So consider reading books or looking for courses online that focus specifically on infant feeding. Instagram proved a really valuable source of information for me too. I particularly love @olivia_lactation_consultant, who makes the science very accessible.
2. Be open to all kinds of feeding.
I found combination feeding (formula and breastmilk) in the first few months a sanity saver. When I was struggling to cope with the marathon cluster feeding sessions, it meant my husband could help and I used the time to catch up on much-needed rest.
It saddens me now that at the time I felt like a failure for sending my husband to buy that bottle of ready-made formula. It was 10:30pm and I’d been pinned to the sofa all day. I needed a break for my own wellbeing and there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I’d recommend Lucy Ruddle’s book ‘Mixed Feeding’ for an unbiased and really thorough guide on how to do combi feeding successfully, whilst protecting your milk supply. Lucy is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and passionate about supporting parents, however they choose to feed their babies. At around 2 months, I moved to exclusive breastfeeding but many choose to continue with combi feeding.
3. Practise different breastfeeding positions and find the one that works for you.
Cradle hold is lovely but can be sore when recovering from a caesarean. Side-lying feeding is hands-free and means you can rest. This is still my preferred way to settle my own baby to sleep at bedtime and for some naps. You don’t necessarily need a feeding pillow so save your pennies and see how you get on before investing! I found mine quite cumbersome, although I know they can work brilliantly for others.
4. Find a support group
Both La Leche League and my Local Council Service have been so helpful for me. My LLL group has been a place to gather twice a month and gain invaluable advice from others. As time passed, I also found it incredibly rewarding to be able to offer my own advice to those in the earlier stages of their journey. There is such camaraderie in a room full of people breastfeeding. These meetings are free to attend and run by trained volunteers but rely on donations to keep going so it’s always appreciated when attendees take out a membership. There are also several helplines you can call, including the NCT feeding line or the National Breastfeeding helpline. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
5. You don’t have to replace your wardrobe!
One great tip is to simply wear a vest and another top over it to keep your tummy warm. But if you did want to invest in a top to help make breastfeeding easier when out and about, I’d recommend the B shirt. If you feel self-conscious, these are a great option as they have a flap you pull up to feed. I have a plain black vest, which goes with pretty much everything. A friend recently recommended the Facebook page ‘Can I Breastfeed In It? UK’ as another place for sartorial feeding advice.
6. Try to get comfortable feeding in public if you can.
It’s totally normal! Your baby is just eating. My first alfresco feed was on a sweltering June day following a turdnado of epic proportions. And it was still lovely! Just so you know, nobody can stop you from breastfeeding in public unless you are causing a literal obstruction! Get to know your legal rights.
7. Breastfeeding can be a quick, reliable and comforting way to get your baby to sleep.
If you find transfers tricky, you can feed to sleep lying down and then enjoy lots of lovely snuggles afterwards. Perfect! In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s become my solution to everything. Jabs? Boob. Poorly? Boob. Bumped their head while cruising? You’ve guessed it: boob!
8. It is totally possible to continue breastfeeding as a new mum when you return to work, if you choose to.
I have opted to continue as a way to help my baby cope with the transition to childcare and to help us reconnect after being separated during the day. If you choose to partially or totally wean, make sure you do this gradually to avoid blocked ducts or Mastitis. Again, the support services I mentioned earlier are a great resource if you’re not sure how best to approach this.
9. You don’t have to buy a pump before your baby is born.
First, give yourself time to see how breastfeeding is going and whether you actually need one. Mine packed up after two uses (a very expensive £90!). I also struggled with a strong physical aversion to the sensation of an electric pump. I had much better success with a manual pump (I liked the Medela). Try to practise hand expressing too, which can be a good way to gently relieve some discomfort when needed.
10. Eat, eat, eat!
Breastfeeding can use up to 700 calories a day. It’s really important to replace all of that lost energy and nourish your body. In the fourth trimester, it’s helpful to set yourself up with a little snack and drinks station and your favourite boxed set. A great excuse to eat lots of Hobnobs, as if you needed one! If you have a partner, this is a good way for them to help out too. Those first few weeks are all about your recovery so accept any help that’s offered. You’re literally keeping a human alive and that’s no mean feat!
11. Don’t get bogged down with feeding schedules.
Breastfeeding is likely to be affected by a variety of factors. Illness, starting solids, the climate and periods of separation are all things that can impact the duration and amount of feeding. There’ll be times it feels like they’ll never unlatch and others they’re distracted by everything in sight. Trust in your baby’s ability to communicate their needs and learn to recognise their unique cues. That said, if you do have genuine concerns, there’s no harm in seeking expert advice.
12. Be proud. Breastfeeding as a new mum isn’t easy!
Finally, however long you choose to breastfeed, celebrate and be proud of yourself. Whether you exclusively breastfeed from day one, combi-feed or switch to formula after a week, every single feed counts.
Thanks for these brilliant breastfeeding tips for new mums, Anita! These are incredibly useful, and we hope that everyone who has read through the post has managed to gain some insight, or picked up a few useful ideas to try out for themselves.
Babies outgrow clothes so fast it can be hard to keep up! With little ones outgrowing 7 clothing sizes in just 2 years, it quickly can get very expensive and feels horrible seeing so many clothes go to waste!
A genius rental service is trying to change that. Meet Bundlee.
What is Bundlee?
Bundlee is the UK’s first rental service for baby clothes. Pick your Bundlee subscription plan and receive a set of clothes for your little one’s size and the season. Then just like magic, conveniently swap clothes as they grow.
Bundlee’s baby clothing rental service is a great way to get amazing quality clothes at a fraction of the price – you can rent from some of our favourite brands including MORI, Mini Rodini, Patagonia and more and save 75% on RRP. It’s also a great space saving hack as you return outgrown clothes, creating peace in your home.
With sustainability at the core, Bundlee want to provide a better alternative for parents. Clothes that are returned are professionally cleaned and sanitised before being shared with the next renting family. Bundlee’s model reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 86% – pretty amazing!
By trying out Bundlee for a month, you’ll have saved 7kg of CO2 emissions, helping to create a better future for your little one to grow into.
Bundlee offers 2 subscriptions to suit your style. With the Capsule Subscription, Bundlee’s expert team will curate a set of 15 quality essentials especially for your baby’s size and the season, for just £24 per month. Perfect if you’re not sure what your little one will need and would like a helping hand.
In the Personalised Subscription, you can pick your favourite 15 pieces to rent from Bundlee’s premium brands, for just £39 per month. Great if you know what styles and brands you want to dress your little one in, or if you want to refresh their wardrobe of hand-me-downs from your first baby.
Bundlee review: A review of Bundlee’s baby clothing rental service
We spoke to first-time mum Jaimie, for her review of Bundlee’s service. Here Jaimie shares her experience of renting baby clothes for her son, Fitz. Jaimie chose a Personalised Subscription and had her first set of clothes delivered before Fitz arrived.
Why did you try Bundlee?
Sustainability was my number one reason. Reflecting on my own household, I couldn’t stomach the amount of waste we would have simply through clothes alone.
I had been actively looking for ways to be as sustainable as possible as a mum, and Bundlee fit the bill! I loved that we could start to teach Fitz green habits from day 1!
Did you have any concerns about renting clothes?
My main concern was that I wouldn’t be able to “style” Fitz how I wanted. But when I discovered that I could personalise my bundlee, I was so happy to be able to pick pieces that I thought would suit his personality!
What do you think of the clothes?
I love shopping on Bundlee! The selection keeps me trying prints and outfits that I don’t think I would pick out normally when buying. My son wore a lavender Mini Rodini sweatsuit today – I am absolutely obsessed!
The RRP on buying a lot of these brands’ clothes means I couldn’t justify the purchase – but renting means we can have all the fun without the same outlay. The added bonus is I’m not figuring out what to do with everything when he’s outgrown it, or feeling guilty for spending so much on something he only wore a few times.
How clean are the clothes?
The clothes are delivered to the cleanest of standards. I’ve seen the stains my son can put on his clothes, so when I receive my bundlee without a stain in sight and looking brand new – I know they are immaculately clean! The fact that the clothes are sanitised has given me peace of mind.
I look after the clothes like they are my own, but unlike my own – insurance is included for those impossible stains so I don’t need to worry 🙂
Do you think it’s good value for money?
Absolutely! I’ve already saved £912 compared to buying the same pieces new. And when you consider rental insurance is included in the subscription, it’s a no-brainer. When I look at my cost savings across the year, it’s clear Bundlee was the right choice on this alone (although of course there are other reasons!)
Has Bundlee been helpful in any other ways?
Well firstly there is the massive space savings in my home! I’m not storing stuff we don’t need and can’t use right now. I’ve also found Bundlee to be helpful in introducing me to other sustainable and quality brands I don’t think I would have come across. Brands like Mini Rodini have now become a favourite.
Would you recommend Bundlee to other parents?
I’d definitely recommend Bundlee to all families! You save money and time on buying clothes your children will outgrow quickly – and you can put that money towards meaningful purchases, like a family holiday. Your baby will be stylish and sustainable. And your wardrobes won’t be filled with bags of clothes you need to donate.
Thanks Jaimie for that great review of Bundlee! It’s really interesting to see Jaimie’s experience renting baby clothes.
Are you interested in trying out renting baby clothes with Bundlee?
Bundlee have a special offer for the Happity community. You can try Bundlee now risk-free with a 30 day free trial. Just use code HAPPITY30 at the checkout. To learn more and start your trial go here.
Last October (2021) the Petitions Committee published a report called: ‘Impact of Covid-19 on new parents: One Year On’. It outlined the additional pressures new parents faced during the pandemic and called for strengthened perinatal mental health services, a return of face-to-face visits for new parents and a review into the funding and affordability of childcare. The government has now issued a formal response to the issues highlighted in this report.
The closure of baby & toddler classes
When baby and toddler classes were forced to run online during lockdowns they provided vital support for new parents. But we all missed being able to meet up face to face and it was a lonely time. When lockdown restrictions were lifted the guidance for when and how groups and classes could return face to face was often confusing. Providers were desperate to restart their classes. Parents couldn’t wait to join the classes and find company and friendship. The new report recognises the importance of classes and groups for new parents:
The Government understands the importance of community support groups and parent and child groups and will continue to review the need for guidance for specific groups on operating in a Covid-safe way on a case-by-case basis.
In recognition of the support needed by parents with young children, during the November 2020 national restrictions, the government introduced a gatherings exception for new parents, and excluded under-fives. When national restrictions ended on 2 December 2020, a new exception for parent and child groups was introduced.
The Department for Education continues to update guidance for parent and child groups in Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak—GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This guidance is for Ofsted registered early years and childcare settings and while some providers will meet in Ofsted registered settings, not all will, and there is no single responsible body with complete oversight of these groups. Parent and child groups are a cross-government policy with different departments having an interest
Impact of Covid-19 on new parents: one year on: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report
Thankfully all lockdown restrictions have now been lifted in England. By the end of March it is expected that remaining restrictions will be lifted in the rest of the UK too. Safety measures, such as wearing face-coverings and isolating if you have Covid will no longer be mandatory, but down to the individual choice, as we all learn to live with Covid-19.
We’re all so glad that baby & toddler classes are back. Even though the road was a long (and often frustrating one) to get here!
More support for new parents
The initial report looked in detail at the impact the pandemic had on new parents. It recommended that the government should produce a covid-19 recovery strategy to support new parents. While such a report will not be written, the government has set out a package of support for babies and families, which was announced in the Budget on the 27th October, 2021. This package of measures includes:
£100 million for bespoke mental health support for new and expectant parents, £82 million to expand the network of Family Hubs to a further 75 Local Authorities across England, and £10 million for Local Authorities to trial and test new and innovative recruitment models to train up more staff. Nursery staff will also have access to more high-quality training funded by a separate £153 million investment announced as part of the £1.4 billion education recovery package in Summer 2021.
Impact of Covid-19 on new parents: one year on: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report
They also highlighted the fact that:
GPs are required to offer a 6–8 week maternal postnatal health check for new mothers as an additional appointment to that for the baby. This should include a review of the mother’s mental health and wellbeing, in line with NICE guidance.
The impact will continue to be felt by parents
Chair of the Petitions Committee, Catherine McKinnell MP, is concerned that the impact on parents from the pandemic will continue to be felt, despite these plans for support. She says:
Although most restrictions have now been lifted, the pandemic’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Especially by new parents, for whom help was cut off when they most needed it. “The investment in family services in last Autumn’s Spending Review was welcome. But the Government’s failure to provide new catch-up funding for health visiting and parental mental health leaves new parents facing an accumulation of adversity without the support they deserve.
The Government’s failure to make progress on stronger employment protections for new mothers, which it promised in its response to our previous report, is particularly troubling. Its continued refusal to extend parental leave and pay entitlements to all new parents and guardians is equally concerning.
This response is all the more disappointing as it is the second time the Government has turned a blind eye to the impacts we have highlighted. This continued lack of action means new parents’ needs will continue to go unrecognised and unmet, with long-term consequences for their wellbeing and their babies’ health and development.
Chair of the Petitions Committee, Catherine McKinnell MP
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