My Breastfeeding Hopes And Fears



It's been three years since I had Noah and it's hard to remember him as the soft and squishy newborn that you see in the photo above. He's now a boisterous toddler who's all about superhero's and literally never sits still. Yet just looking at that newborn smile takes me back to that very day and all the memories and feelings come flooding back.

The newborn days can be tough, especially for a new parent. They don't call it the fourth trimester for nothing, it is hard but it's oh so worth it. Back when I was pregnant with Noah I had hoped to breastfeed him but I have to admit that I didn't really prepare myself for it. There's so much to learn when it comes to caring for a new baby that I felt totally overwhelmed once he was born. It's no surprise that when the time came to breastfeed him that I struggled. He had breast milk and plenty of colostrum during his first week but I eventually switched to formula as I openly admit that I wasn't prepared at all. I'd started to make myself ill with the stress and guilt of it all and I think that could have all been prevented if I had looked for more support during pregnancy and had done my homework. That being said I don't regret making that decision, it was right for us at the time because of all the reasons above but this time I hope to do things differently. 


I'm currently 9 months pregnant with baby number two, my baby girl is due any time now and I'm determined to give breastfeeding another go. I feel so much more prepared this time because I've been doing my research and feel like I know what to expect. I've read numerous breastfeeding articles, spoke to countless breastfeeding Mum's, signed up to a couple of breastfeeding support groups online and have also joined the community of parenting bloggers with Medela. That's right, I'm a Medela Mum! 

This post is all about my hopes and fears when it comes to breastfeeding. Of course my fear is succumbing to the emotion and stress of it all again like I did with my son but I hope and think I won't this time around. My hopes are to breastfeed and express for as long as possible and that my baby thrives. Having this army of support and knowledge behind me this time I know that I can do it, or at least give it my best shot! I'm so excited for this new breastfeeding journey to begin.



Do you have any breastfeeding tips you would like to share with me?


- Wrote in partnership with Medela



11 comments:

  1. Hope the Breastfeeding goes well this time. You have some experience, so that may help. Also you say that you have sought out information and support :- Well Done! Hopefully you will find that Midwives are supportive at the hospital and within the Community. Health Visitor should be supportive, as you may recall once midwife discharges you and baby from Midwifery Care then Health Visitor will be the Professional to provide information etc for yourself and baby, as well as Noah.

    You may find that your Midwife can give you information regarding Breastfeeding Support Group/s within your local area. Best Wishes!

    Rachel Craig

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  2. Don't ever feel disheartened if breastfeeding doesn't work out for you at least you tried <3

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  3. I did the same thing, my head kept saying (breastfeeding is natural and normal so it will just come naturally to me) boy was I wrong!!!
    Next one I am going to research and prepare myself mentally and physically to ensure I get the best start.
    Support groups are key I think xxx

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  4. Take it a feed at a time and never give up on a bad day. That's what I did and one year later we are still going (although planning to move to cows milk soon). Remember happy mummy = happy baby. Good luck x

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  5. Don't stress too much and don't feel guilty if things don't go as planned. Breastfeeding is wonderful but if you havare to give your baby formula then do so. You have to take care of yourself too you know :) happy mummy, happy baby :)

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  6. Such a cute photograph of Noah as a baby.

    Rachel Craig

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  7. Good luck with breastfeeding again. Just remember that every baby is different and it's for them to learn to feed as well as you to learn how to feed them. I found it so hard, I used to cry myself to sleep until my daughter was 6 weeks old! Then all of a sudden it became easy and I ended up breastfeeding until she was 20 months but I was ready to give up from the start. It's so hard and supposed to be a natural thing but it takes a lot out of you. I used to sit and feed my daughter sometimes literally all day long. It was hard and the only reason I didn't switch to formula was because my daughter had a milk allergy. Hopefully you will find it easier with your second child though. Good luck

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  8. Soon you may be comparing baby photos of your son and daughter.Best Wishes!

    Rachel Craig

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  9. do what feels right and don't get stressed out over textbook recommendations

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  10. I made a breastfeeding haven for my fourth! I knew there would be crappy nights, and some crappy days, and I needed to rest in those early days after my third emergency C-Section! So, I had my favourite chair put nearest the charger for my phone, some books nearby, my ipod was there, a few bottles of my favourite banana milkshake, nuts n raisins for me nibbles, and I was set! The more relaxed you are, the better your milk will flow, the easier baby feeds, the happier YOU will feel. I can't wait to do this again with my fifth! (And final!) lol xxxx

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    1. Not sure if my name came up x Carrie Talbot-Ashby

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