My Breastfeeding Journey
Before I get into the breastfeeding tips, I just wanted to mention a little of my breastfeeding journey. I have now breastfed five babies, but when I first started out with my first baby I found breastfeeding one of the hardest things I have ever done! My daughter was a very sleepy newborn who wasn’t interested in feeding. I saw breastfeeding experts and support workers. I was even told by one that I would never be able to breastfeed! Somehow I just kept going, and gradually it got easier, and now breastfeeding is easy and enjoyable for me. I hope these simple tips from my experience help you on your breastfeeding journey.
My Simple Breastfeeding Tips
Relax!
If you are in the middle of the exhausting newborn days and struggling with breastfeeding, the most important thing you can do is relax! I know this sounds impossible, but its so important. Before you begin a feed make sure you are calm, this means that the positioning of your body will be much better, and you won’t communicate anxiety to your baby.
Remember the Long term
It may feel like this season will never end, and you are constantly sleep-deprived, but don’t panic! The early days are soon gone, and before you know it your baby will be weaned and toddling around.
Rest when you can
It can be tempting to try to get things done between feeds, but try to adjust your schedule in your mind so that wherever possible you rest when your baby is sleeping. This will mean trying to nap during the day and in the early evening. Remember that the night will be broken up by feeds, rather than one continuous sleep.
Technique is not everything!
When you start to worry it can be tempting to endlessly look up information on your phone, but breastfeeding is one of those skills which you have to practice and relax in to. There is no perfect technique which will fix everything. Try not to worry about specific techniques and just do what is natural and comfortable for you.
Your Miraculous Body!
On a really hard day try to stay positive. Remind yourself of the wonderful work that your body is doing. This is something to be proud of and to find satisfaction in, even when it’s exhausting.
I hope these tips have been encouraging to you, and that you are able to enjoy the exhausting and wonderful journey of breastfeeding.
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