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World Breastfeeding Week takes place every year from 1-7 August. The week has been recognised since 1992 and aims to raise awareness of breastfeeding and offer solutions and support for breastfeeding parents across the world.
For 2021, the World Breastfeeding Week theme is ‘Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility’. Events, information and discussions during the week will centre around creating a chain of support for breastfeeding parents that includes health systems, workplaces and communities.
We know just how hard it can be to get going with breastfeeding, especially with so much pressure from picture-perfect Instagrammers, militant mum groups and older generations all giving conflicting advice and opinions. So here are some of our top tips for establishing breastfeeding, things that might make it a bit easier and reminders to look after yourself during the process. You’re doing great, mama!
Finding the right support
First things first – whether you’re struggling to breastfeed or breezing through it, a good support system is essential for all new parents. If you’ve established breastfeeding and you’re finding that bit quite straightforward, make sure your partner understands the physical effort it takes to sustain another human (!) and is on hand to take over so you can rest. Don’t feel bad about leaving other things, like cleaning, cooking and general life admin, to other people in your support network. Rope in friends and family to bring over food, do your washing and hold the baby while you shower.
If you’re finding breastfeeding hard going and need help, finding the right support is essential. La Leche League are a fantastic, knowledgeable group dedicated to breastfeeding support – there are local groups across the country but they also have an online presence. The Breastfeeding Network is another independent source of support and information, and their online chat service is amazing for urgent queries. You might also have an NCT-run breastfeeding café near you, which is a great way to meet other mums going through the same thing.
Prioritising self-care
As a new parent, it’s so easy to dedicate your whole self to the tiny human you’re now responsible for. But looking after yourself is so important – especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Being the sole source of nutrition for a baby is totally draining, and things like illness and dehydration can affect your milk supply. Plus, breastfeeding can be very mentally difficult, so looking after your body and mind is super important.
Keep an eye on your nutrition – this definitely isn’t the time for dieting, and you need to fuel your body to make up for the calories you’re burning when feeding. Drink lots of water – have a bottle within reach when you sit down to feed and make sure it’s replenished throughout the day. Sleep as much as you can. Try get out for walks in the fresh air, but equally spend as much time as possible just sitting on the sofa. Most importantly of all, be kind to yourself. You’re doing an amazing job!
Practical bits and pieces
As well as being emotionally prepared, there are a few things you might find useful to help you get ready for breastfeeding physically, too.
We’ll kick off with an obvious one – the nursing bra. When breastfeeding, it’s recommend you don’t wear underwire bras for the first few months until your supply has settled and feeding is established. But also, nursing bras are so much easier and more comfortable! We like this white style for a classic look, while this sheer black version is a bit more chic.
Clothing-wise, easy access is the answer. The ‘one up, one down’ system is great when you’re new to breastfeeding – just pop a thin vest under a looser top, so you can pull your top up and the vest down when feeding. This combo gives you coverage both across your chest and over your tummy, so you don’t feel too exposed when feeding.
Of course, you should be able to breastfeed anywhere without feeling uncomfortable. But that’s often not the case, and wearing clothes that make you feel good but are also practical for feeding can really help you get to grips with feeding in public. This button-down denim dress is a staple piece that you can wear anywhere – if having it unbuttoned at the top is a bit much for you, team it with a cute scarf that you can drape over your front while feeding.
And finally, invest in a feeding pillow. Trust us, they’re absolutely essential for those first few back-breaking weeks!
Looking after your mental health
This is the most important part of any breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, but it often comes with a huge emotional toll that can have a detrimental effect on your mental health. Especially if your journey isn’t working out the way you want it to, whether you’re struggling with getting feeding established, sleep deprivation, cluster feeding, tongue tie… there are so many parts of breastfeeding that can be really hard to get to grips with. Having a strong support system in place and seeking professional help are key, but make sure to check in with yourself, too. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel – whether that’s guilt, frustration, anger, sadness, whatever. Every feeling is valid. Take care of yourself, talk to people who understand your struggles, delete Instagram from your phone and make decisions that are right for you and your family. In the long run, nothing else matters!
Find more advice for new mums in our maternal mental health post.
