Maximise your chances of breastfeeding
Amy Brown, in her excellent book “Breastfeeding Uncovered”, argues that the challenges to breastfeeding in the UK can be largely traced to two factors: a lack of knowledge of what normal breastfeeding is like, and a society which is not set up to support breastfeeding.
TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING SUCCESSFULLY:
LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN: Learn as much as you can about what to expect when breastfeeding: read a decent book [link to Autumn 16 magazine article], attend an antenatal breastfeeding class [link to NCT courses], talk to friends about their experiences.
USE RESOURCES: Find out about sources of skilled support [link to Spring 17 magazine article] and make as much use of them as you need. Do not suffer in silence and do seek skilled support quickly if you need it.
ASK FOR SUPPORT: Talk to your partner and family about your plans and what practical and emotional support you’d like to receive.
HELP BABY: Remember that there are two people involved. Some babies may be reluctant to breastfeed at first due to a difficult birth, or because of rough handling from being “helped” to get onto the breast or because there is something physically stopping them from latching e.g. tongue tie.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF: breastfeeding is a learned skill which can take time, patience and perseverance to master.
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their child. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk.
Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.