Will I Be Able to Breastfeed My Baby?

Hey there, mumma-to-be! I remember those days of excitement and wonder as I awaited the arrival of my little one. In the middle of all the anticipation, there was an uncomfortable question that lingered in my mind: “Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?” It’s a common worry that crosses the mind of many mums. Well, I’m here to tell you that breastfeeding IS possible for most mums, despite the many negative stories you might have heard! So, grab a cozy seat and let’s dive into why it IS possible for most mums to breastfeed and what you can do to increase your chances of that happening.

As I already mentioned, it IS possible for most mums to breastfeed when they have the right information and support. And that right there is the key: information and support. Breastfeeding is natural and your body is designed to breastfeed babies, but breastfeeding is also a learned skill. Without accurate breastfeeding information and support, lots of mums struggle and run into hurdles that can derail their breastfeeding journey and have them ending breastfeeding early.

Why is breastfeeding so important?

Breastfeeding is extremely important for the health of your baby, but also your own health! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed (that means with no other milks, drinks, or foods) for the first 6 months, and then continue to be breastfed along with the introduction of solids foods until age 2 (or beyond if mum and baby wish). A baby who is not breastfed or is breastfed for a shorter time than recommended has a higher risk of:

• gastrointestinal infections
• respiratory infections
• ear infections
• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• Necrotising enterocolitis in premature babies
• Sepsis in premature babies
• Leukaemia
• Dental malocclusions (misaligned teeth)
• Overweight and obesity
• Lower IQ

 And mums who don’t breastfeed or breastfeed for less time than recommended have a higher risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke

That’s a big deal, right?! So, for the health of you and your baby, let’s talk about what you can do to increase the chance of breastfeeding going well for you and your baby.

Learn about breastfeeding and normal baby behaviour

Your Incredible Built-In Support System

Let’s talk facts – your body is like a superhero when it comes to nurturing your baby. Think of your breasts as built-in milk factories. During pregnancy, they get ready by making more milk-making cells. Then, once your baby arrives, a special hormone called oxytocin signals your body to release milk when your baby breastfeeds. Your first milk, called colostrum, is like supercharged superfood for your little one. It’s all a natural part of how your body is designed to take care of your baby right from the start. So, whenever you wonder if you’re meant for this, remember, your body has got your back, mumma!

Get Ahead of the Curve: Prep for Breastfeeding Success

Learning about breastfeeding before your baby arrives is like having a helpful guidebook. It’s important because this knowledge boosts your chances of breastfeeding success. When you know how breastfeeding works – like how to hold your baby, how often to feed, how to tell if they’re feeding well and how to tell if they’re getting enough milk – you feel more confident. It’s like preparing for a special journey. This understanding helps you overcome common hurdles and enjoy the beautiful moments of closeness with your baby instead of stressing and worrying.

To learn about breastfeeding, you can either take a breastfeeding class (sign up to the waitlist of my upcoming Preparing For Breastfeeding course here!) or book an appointment with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) before your baby arrives so they can teach you all you need to know in a 1:1 session. You can book an online pre-birth breastfeeding appointment with me here.

Nurturing Through Connection: Understanding Your Baby’s Cues and Needs

Breastfeeding is a partnership between you and your baby, where you responding to their cues plays a vital role. By watching for and responding your baby’s cues, you’re decoding the language of their needs. This responsiveness is scientifically proven to foster healthy growth and development. Feeding according to your baby’s need (on demand) not only ensures your baby’s hunger is satisfied quickly, but it also ensures they put on enough weight, reach their developmental milestones, and increases your milk supply to meet their needs. Unlike strict routines, which are not evidence-based and can negatively affect your baby’s growth and psychological development, following your baby’s cues respects their unique needs, personality, pace of growth and fosters a secure attachment with you. Embracing this dance of responsiveness nourishes not only their body but also their emotional well-being, setting the stage for a healthy and happy life and a fulfilling mum and baby relationship and breastfeeding journey.

Building Your Tribe of Support: A Circle of Love and Encouragement

Guiding Lights: Lactation Consultants

Imagine having a lactation consultant as your own guiding star on this breastfeeding journey. IBCLC’s are like dedicated mentors who have extensive training in breastfeeding and are passionate about helping you overcome any breastfeeding hurdles. Think of them as a part of your support tribe, ready to empower you with personalised advice that boosts your confidence to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Just like a compass points you in the right direction, a lactation consultant’s guidance ensures you’re on the path to successful and enjoyable breastfeeding.

The Strength of Sisterhood

Here’s a little secret to share: Other likeminded mums are goldmines of wisdom and support! Imagine being surrounded by other mums who have been in your shoes, sharing their stories, cheering you on, and reminding you that you’re never alone. These connections can uplift you in ways you can’t imagine.

Stronger Together: How Partner Support Boosts Breastfeeding

Having your partner’s support is like having a cheering squad for successful breastfeeding. When they’re there to help and encourage you, it makes the journey smoother. From finding comfy positions to sitting with you during feeds and bringing you your water bottle and snacks, their role is important. Their support not only makes things easier but also brings you closer as a family. So, remember, their help and understanding are like a secret ingredient for happy and successful breastfeeding.

This might all sound overwhelming when you’re already exhausted and planning for the birth of your baby, but it really can make such a big difference to how breastfeeding turns out for you. The good news is, you can get all of this – the evidence based breastfeeding information and the support all in one place in The Breastfeeding Circle. This is a learning space and community where you will learn the all the tips, tricks and strategies that can make breastfeeding feel comfortable and work well for you and your baby without the judgement and the overwhelm of figuring out the breastfeeding fact from the fiction all by yourself. Join The Breastfeeding Circle here.

In a nutshell, successful breastfeeding is well within your reach. Remember, knowledge and support are your allies! If you found this helpful, come on over to Instagram and send me a DM letting me know what you’ve taken away from this post. We can celebrate your commitment to a thriving breastfeeding journey together!