Breastfeeding can feel incredibly overwhelming, particularly if you’re a first-time mum just trying to learn the ropes. When I started thinking about balancing breastfeeding, pumping and feeding my baby the stored milk, I started to get incredibly overwhelmed and stressed – so I know I’m not alone! Luckily, we have a team of professionals on hand who can provide all the tips you need to help you feel confident in your journey.
Midwife Pip has years of experience in her field, and she has given all her best tips to help you on your way to starting breastfeeding and perfecting your breastfeeding journey, if that’s what you’ve decided to do.
But first thing’s first, where do you start?
You’ve decided breastfeeding is a route you’re keen to try, but you’re looking at a combination of straight from the breast and pumping, so Midwife Pip advises you start “gradual and gentle”. She says: “Starting with just one pumping session a day is a good idea as this will prevent supply complication. Because breast milk production works on a supply and demand process, if you suddenly pump a lot your body can oversupply, and this may lead to engorgement and mastitis.”
But, as with everything when you’re welcoming a newborn, it’s all new to them, so don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t go to plan straight away. Pip adds: “When introducing a bottle of expressed milk to your baby for the first time, remember it is a new skill for them so it may take a little while for them to accept a bottle. Practicing responsive bottle feeding and offering when they are hungry but not over hungry and crying is the best timing.
“The general rule of thumb is to establish your breastfeeding latch before introducing a bottle as this can help ensure your baby doesn’t become confused and that your supply is established by your baby’s needs.” Some bottles are designed to be more compatible with combination feeding so it's worth looking for the best baby bottles for breastfed babies.
There is no one-size-fits-all routine when it comes to feeding your baby stored breastmilk vs from the breast. In fact, if the stored milk is warmed to body temperature, it can be used whenever works for you. Pip advises: “The best approach is to feed a baby on demand as this supports intuitive feeding and eating habits and helps prevent over or under feeding. Looking for feeding cues in your baby and responding is a much better approach to feeding than trying to create a routine.
“Over time a pattern specific to your baby and their needs will emerge but follow their lead to start with.”
But while the best approach that works for you is the one you should stick with, Pip advises for new mums to start with feeding from the breast until you’re feeling confident. She says: “To start with feeding from the breast is great until you and baby are confident with feeding. Depending on your needs and lifestyle you may use very little milk or you may use it regularly if you are returning to work, another care giver is feeding baby or if you are away from your baby for another reason."
One thing you hear a lot in the world of breastfeeding is the word “supply”, increasing it, thinking about it, watching it. But the core focus when it comes to feeding your baby should be protecting it, Pip advises.
“Protecting supply is more of a focus here than boosting. Low milk supply is actually a very rare occurrence but creating too much milk and an oversupply can cause issues for mums and babies,” Pip says.
She adds: “If your baby is having a bottle this can be a good time to pump to make sure that your breasts are regularly stimulated to continue the supply and demand cycle of milk production. Do not worry about excessive pumping on top of breastfeeding for storage reasons, especially in the early weeks.
“The most important thing to remember is to pump or breastfeed regularly day and night to protect supply. Bear in mind that babies are typically more effective at extracting milk from the breast than a pump.”
When pumping, milk storage bags are one of the best things to have to hand when it comes to storage. Pip advises: “Milk storage bags are brilliant as they are ready sterile and lie flat in a fridge or freezer making for easy storage. Ensure you clearly label each bag with the date you expressed. Milk can be stored in the fridge for 4 days and the freezer for 4 months.”
But one of the most important things to remember is that mums need to look after themselves too, particularly with the demand breastfeeding has on your body, burning around 500 calories per day. Pip advises it’s important to look after yourself too and reminds mums that they’re protected by UK law to breastfeed wherever and whenever, including all public places.
Midwife Pip’s top tips:
1). Start with just one pump a day to avoid oversupply and mastitis.
2). Respond to feeding cues rather than focusing on a routine.
3). Focus on protecting your supply.
4). Use milk storage bags for ease.
5). Look after yourselves and know your rights when it comes to breastfeeding in public.
Midwife Pip is an experienced practicing NHS Midwifery Sister, MSc, author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, KGH hypnobirthing diploma, founder of the Midwife Pip Podcast, pelvic health specialist, pre and postnatal trainer and, importantly, a mum. Pip is an enthusiast of all things women's health and wellness. Having worked with many families, for many years Pip see’s every day the void in high quality information available. Pip is on a mission to change this and to make sure that all women can access the information they deserve and need to be empowered and supported through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys.
Carly is a freelance writer for Mother&Baby. She’s a first time mum-to-be and is navigating her new journey towards motherhood, while being passionate about supporting new parents and those trying to conceive. Carly loves spending time with her husband and two dogs, and is looking forward to bringing their first baby into the mix.