Beyond the birth, prep for feeding PART 2

If you have read part 1 of my series, you will have seen why it’s so important for you to start planning your feeding journey.

Breastfeeding is natural like walking, not like breathing as someone wisely put it!

Which means it’s a learned skill and you will need all the support in place to help make this journey as smooth and hick up free as possible.

Here are some resources that you can access for free.

Here are some reading resources for you (printed and online) that I highly recommend.

It’s very common to hear that breastfeeding WILL hurt, it’s normal for it to hurt, it should hurt and you just need to put up with pain until it goes away.

Firstly, I’d just like to acknowledge all those parents out there whom breastfeeding did hurt. I’m sorry you were not given the right support and you put up with a lot of pain, in order to feed your baby. It’s not fair! Mothers and parents deserve better!
Do share your story: what happened to you? Do you think there was any way that would’ve made feeding your baby easier for you?

And let’s tackle the difference between PAIN and discomfort. When you try new shoes on, they might pinch. You know this is normal. You will put practical things into place to ease your shoes to mould to your feet: spray with some liquid to stretch it, wear it indoors fro short periods to begin with, stuff it while not wearing etc.
If you were to wear shoes that are a size too small or obviously the wrong shape, you wouldn’t continue wearing them until your heels bleed and you’re in excruciating pain, would you? You would seek help or exchange the shoes.

This level of assertiveness and instinct is required when feeding your baby:
is it just a little bit of discomfort while you’re both learning to feed?
Is it just ‘teething problems’? What are you going to do about it while the pain is bearable and just a bit of a warning sign, rather than wait until it turns into toe curling pain?

And who can you turn to? Your local breastfeeding support group, such as La Leche League (postcode search available on the web), a fellow breastfeeding mum or peer supporter or an IBCLC lactation consultant.

The purpose of my #beyondthebirth#prepforfeeding series is that you reach out and PREPARE yourself for what to expect BEFORE baby is born.

I talk about this topic on my Instagram page HERE

Get in touch for tailored 1to1 support in your own home or remotely.

Read my other BLOG POSTS on Beyond the Birth, Prep for Feeding, to learn about other aspects of breastfeeding and infant feeding in general!