Breastfeeding in Public

Breastfeeding in public was for me a very scary thought when I was pregnant with J, I did lots of research as I had said in my previous post, but something you can't research and practise is that of gaining the confidence of feeding without feeling like you are being revealing and to realise that if people have an issue with you feeding your baby, then that is what it is, Their issue and quite frankly they can eff off with it, sit on it! And enjoy it in their little narrow minded heads. As you can see this is something I feel very strongly about. On numerous occasions I have been told 'you know the toilet is just over there?!' 'You would get more privacy in our toilets, you know I am just thinking of you!' and so on and so on. Do you think that these people would go and eat there dinner in the toilet... I am pretty sure they wouldn't! Anyway getting back on track breastfeeding in public was one of my big fears when pregnant, and once J was born it took me a good few weeks to take the plunge and venture out into the big world knowing I was a breastfeeding mummy.

Me Breastfeeding at The Baby Show

I travelled to Ikea where upon I sat in a quiet corner in there quite packed cafe. I pulled out my Mamascarf which for me was a godsend at first to gain my confidence and fed my baby. I thought people would look at me but to be honest no one did, in fact I might even go as far to say people didn't even know I was feeding. It took a few feeds after that for me to feel fully comfortable with feeding in public and I made sure I took my Mamascarf where ever I went. Now at 8months I am happy to feed him with out a cover something I never thought I would do, I am proud to be a breastfeeding mummy. I am using my breasts for what they were intended to do, feed MY baby and if people don't like that then quite frankly sod em! ♥

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Here are some other mummys participating in the Keep britain breastfeeding hunt.
Mummy Is A Gadget Geek
 Life, Love & Lollipops
Mummy Constant
 Radical Ramblings

This week on A New Addition you can win a pair of Mammapads from Theraline!!

Good Luck!

What I wish I had known about breastfeeding

What I wish I had known.... About Breastfeeding.

Keep Britain Breastfeeding Scavenger Hunt.

Picture is not of me.

When your milk comes in it isn't pleasant, Rock like milk filled boobs being 'slightly' painful is an understatement.

The first few weeks are a nightmare, but be persistent and it will come. Both you and the baby are on a journey. Remember they have never breastfed before they need to learn too.

When your breast is on a 'Letdown' it hurts!

During the first few days, there will be colostrum in the breast, which is very little in amount, but enough for your baby. This was one of the reasons I failed myself the first time. I wasn't confident enough my body had enough for him.

Your body produces milk based on how much your baby needs - the more your baby needs, the more they feed, producing more milk.

They say breastfed babies don't need winding - but sometimes they do!

I wish I had known to reach out more for support and to believe in my abilities more.

Having your partners support means a lot, especially when out breastfeeding publicly.

If people to tell you to feed in the toilets or that they are offended there IS a polite way to tell them to eff off ;)

Is there anything you wish you had known?

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4 other Bloggers participating in the Hunt.
Circus Queen
Really Rachel
Fi Peacock
The Secret Life of Kate

Breastfeeding scavenger hunt

My Breastfeeding downfall as 16.

When I fell pregnant with our first child I knew I wanted to breast feed, None of the women had breastfed in my family but it was something I felt strongly about that I wanted to try. Unfortunately back then I didn't do as much researched as I now know I should of so when he was born I just winged it and it worked. He fed in the hospital after a few man handles from the nurses and that was us we were off on our journey. Then we were released

Baby Proof Jewellery - That is still Gorgeous!!

Grey heart Breastfeeding necklace by Mama Jewels

Smoky grey Heart Pendant - From the Mama Jewels Mum & child friendly Jewellery rangeAcrylic Grey Heart mounted on black acrylic washable thread.A gorgeous selection of Grey, black, crystal and frosted white beads.Finished with Macrame knotting. Length 32''Complete with Mama Jewels gift box and tag.Wonderful as a Nursing Necklace / Breastfeeding necklace and when baby is teething

What A New Addition Think

I LOVE my Mama-Jewels, I love that it is quirky and chunky. I love that it is sparkly - I LOVEEE that my baby cannot harm himself or break it! While feeding him he likes to play with it and twiddle it around, and I can sit in the knowledge he isn't going to break it, or pull something off and Choke. This Necklace has been with us through conferences, travelling on a train, around The NEC Birmingham Baby Show and to numerous park outings and lunch meetups. I can happily say I well and truly have tested this necklace and it has come up trumps. So if you have a child that gets distracted while feeding and likes to attack your pretty jewellery/hair I highly recommend :)

Website Website

Mama Jewels on Facebook

6 months of breast feeding :)

So me and my baby boy are today celebrating our first 6months of exclusive breast feeding. What a massive achievement as my eldest boy was formula fed. This has been the best journey it hasn't been easy we have overcome some hurdles and I am so proud of us. I appreciate everyday when people comment on my little piggy wigs size knowing that he has been fed by mummy's milk only.

Happy 6 months son I love you so much!

Guest Post - My Breast feeding journey with Flat Nipples

This is a story I received from a very proud breastfeeding mummy Michaela who is successfully breastfeeding even after her struggles at the start of their breastfeeding journey..

Read on to see her story..

Yellow poo!! And No Addictives for the Horned Child.

My Baby with green poo and My 4 year old has grown horns and partnered with the Dark side read on to see what we have done..

You Know You're A Midwife When...

This was sent to me by a midwife I know who would like to remain Anonymous

 

You Know You're A Midwife When...

Boob VS Boob... can you get too much?

Before I start this story I would like to say I formula/bottle fed my first son, and have been successfully exclusively breastfeeding my second son since he was born.

This is a story about something that happened while I was out and about still pregnant with baby boy 2, we were in a big shopping facility and a lady casually walked past with her baby in a sling (not feeding) and she just had her breast out, I was a bit took back by it surely that's a bit odd. 

I thought for a bit about my reaction: 

Should I be supporting her? yes I support her breast feeding all day long but did she really need it out when her baby wasn't feeding?

Am I wrong to feel like this? Society today sexualises breasts far too much when I feed my own son I use a cover or my feeding scarf and I still find I get looks and people telling me they have a seat in the toilets.... ermm no thanks, I am not really sure how to answer this I personally wasn't offended by seeing her boob but I was a bit took back by the fact that she just had it out for the sake of it.

I know on a daily basis mums just feeding their child are getting abuse from passers by like Claire's story so  may be she was just taking her own personal stand?? 

I wonder myself now I am a breastfeeding mummy and this happened again would I be so shocked or would I give her a high five!!

I would love to hear your comments on this.

Review of Thrupenny Bits breastfeeding pillow

Received from Thrupenny Bits

This breastfeeding pillow uses a hardwearing and designer classic blue floral fabric on one side and a soft baby blue needle corduroy on the other. It has an inner sack filled with polystyrene fire retardant beads and measures 65cms across and 38cms down.

£55.00

Read on to see more about it and my opinion

A New Addition is working with Medela UK in supporting new mummys in there quest for breastfeeding!!!

 

 As you all know I was unsuccessful with breastfeeding my first child due to lack of confidence and not having the back bone to say that I am the mummy! Well this time I am really going to give it my best go and  I am lucky enough to be working with Medela UK who's lactation consultant Sioned Hilton has passed on some information to some questions to which I asked, they have also sent me a swing breastpump to review, I am very much looking forward to working with them and I hope you find these posts as useful as I am :)  

Here is my first Installment of helpful information passed onto me from Sioned Hilton, Education manager and lactation consultant Medela UK.

What would you recommend in regard to preparation to breastfeeding when pregnant?

1. Collect information -   you will receive information from your midwife throughout your pregnancy. Resources include bump to breastfeeding DVD ( a peer support program), a NHS leaflet ‘off to a good start’ along with finding out where your local breastfeeding support groups are.
2. Talk to other mums -  to find out when the feeding groups meet and where you can comfortably breastfeed when you are out and about. many new mothers are still learning how to position and attach baby and it’s important for mum and baby to get the hang of this as breastfeeding is baby led and baby doesn’t always follow a clock and decide it’s a feed time right in the middle of a supermarket. No mother should be made to feed her baby in a toilet so find a nice coffee shop 
3. Be ready for the challenges - it does take time to get your milk supply established and baby to latch on. Be aware of the challenges – day 3 milk coming in with sore and full breasts, baby feeding frequently and having difficulty latching on, the baby blues, at 3 weeks your baby will go through a growth spurt and again will feed more frequently. Chat to your midwife / HV so that they can give you realistic expectations and tips. 
4. Watch another mum breastfeeding - remember an older baby has established a good milk supply and knows how to attach ask her about her post birth experiences 
5. Nature prepares your breasts for you - In the first trimester of your pregnancy one of the first signs of pregnancy is that your breasts are more sensitive and can be fuller. Towards the middle trimester the glandular tissue essential for the production of milk starts to develop and some mothers may start leaking colostrum from as early as 18weeks gestation. This is normal – these mums must ensure that they support good breast care 
6.   Milk leakage in pregnancy is easy to manage with washable and disposable bra pads – these need to be changed regularly so that the breasts are healthy. 
7. Use a well-supported maternity bra – ( preferably without seams such as seamless bra by Bravado) you may go up several cup and bra sizes during your pregnancy so it is advisable to have a correctly fitted bra and steer away from all under-wired bras 
8. If your nipples are ultra-sensitive - breastshells can relieve the pressure of the bra from the nipples or using Hydrogel pads can soothe tender nipples 
9. Nature provides mums - with a natural tummy pillow post birth so don’t rush out and buy a breastfeeding pillow. Position and attach your baby first and then use a cushion or pillow to support your arm 
10. Talk to your partner and family. The majority of breastfeeding mothers decide to breastfeed after a discussion with their partner Dad has an important role to play by complimenting, motivating and encouraging her during the good and tougher times – the 3am feed, sore nipples etc. dads can help out with other baby chores such as bathing and nappy changes, burping and skin to skin cuddles. 
11. If you are embarrassed about feeding in front of family - chat to them before your baby is born, explain why you are going to breastfeed and how they can support you. If your dad or father in law comes to visit and he’s a bit embarrassed ask him would he mind getting you a drink from the kitchen whilst you latch baby on, that way when he comes back  with you drink the baby will be plugged in and feeding well and they will get used to seeing you breastfeed – the more society sees it as a natural extension of motherhood the less taboo breastfeeding in public is. 
12. When packing your maternity / delivery bag - plan a small make up bag with your post birth breastfeeding essentials- nipple cream to moisturise and reduce sore nipples such as PureLan, disposable bra pads – you may not need many as you will probably be discharged before your milk comes in. Hydrogel pads to soothe sore nipples. Pen and paper to jot down support groups in your area. Along with a feeding top / bra that you can wear under your front opening clothing – a couple of muslin squares are useful for giving you some dignity and covering your baby on the breast if you are in an open ward and feeding during visiting

 And here was my personal question:

I was told recently that by expressing the milk before baby is born it will increase your chances of being a successful breast feeder because you have a better production of milk, does this help and if so how far along your pregnancy should you start thinking about it?

There is no clinical evidence to support the practice of collecting colostrum to improve breastfeeding outcomes. Some hospitals will discuss the option of collecting colostrum in ladies with gestational diabetes to reduce the risk of using formula if their baby has low blood sugars. The risks of expressing antenatally stimulates the hormone oxytocin  - this is essential for the delivery of milk by triggering the milk ejection reflex and contracting and moving the milk along the ducts. This hormone is also essential to contract the uterus during labour and when you have Braxton hicks.. There are no current guidelines for safe expressing antenatally and this should not be carried out before 36 weeks gestation or without consultation with your midwife.  

Please watch out for our next installment and please let me know of any questions you would like me to ask :) 
Medela Website

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