It’s not always straightforward…
I believe that breastfeeding is within the grasp of the majority of mums and babies…. but I also know that it’s not always straightforward…
Breastfeeding is the normal, natural way to feed and nurture a baby. When breastfeeding is going well, there is an easy, symbiotic flow between mum and baby. However, there are a number of things that can impact on that flow and some new mums and babies find that the early days of breastfeeding are confusing or a struggle – perhaps painful too. How could something so ‘natural’ prove to be so demanding and difficult?
Breastfeeding is like a dance that both mother and baby learn together. Most of us have some early day challenges, just as we have with any new skill, and need some support to get past those obstacles.
It is:
- part science….. part art
- part instinct….. part learned skill…..
- part confidence… part patience and practise
- part determination… part help and support
Common issues can be getting baby to latch on comfortably, pain during feeds or low weight gain. After the first couple of weeks new issues can emerge, for example colic, reflux or allergy symptoms. You may have questions about sleep, feeding rhythms, or later about starting solids, returning to work or weaning. Sometimes those early day issues will have caused you to stop breastfeeding but if you change your mind a few weeks later, I can support you to restart (relactate). Or you may have questions about combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
I am available to help and support you at any stage of your breastfeeding journey.
