The 5 Best Things about Breastfeeding

To breastfeed or not to breastfeed?

This is one of the questions midwives ask you when you are pregnant.

“Well, of course, I will” at least that’s what I thought. I mean, why not?

But we are all different and I learned that a lot of women didn’t have the same opinion. Of course, there is no right or wrong way. Every mum should do what’s best for her and her family. 

Looking for some tips? Keep reading . . . 

I had a chat with the lovely Tina, midwife and director of the Neighbourhood Midwives, a private independent midwifery service that helps women to find a midwife they can trust and get close to.

Here are her best 5 things about breastfeeding for mums!

1. You get to sit and rest every 2/3 hours while you feed (while you are at it, stay in bed and be waited on)

2. You need up to 600 extra calories a day to make the milk so you can eat lots of nutritious food. (as you are resting anyway get your partner to bring these delicious meals on a tray)

3. Every time you come into contact with any bugs or germs your body makes antibodies that immediately start to protect your baby. You are less likely to have an unwell baby.

4. Breast milk poo is completely inoffensive so ideal for daddy to do all the nappy changing while you recover and rest.

5. Breast milk is free, always available, at the correct temperature, it involves no preparation or sterilizing and you won’t run out if you are out for the day.

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And for the baby:

it tastes good

it makes the baby feel good

it protects baby

it’s perfectly created for baby

it comes from mummy

Most of the clients who come to my studio in West London breastfeed their babies there. It normally settles the baby and prepares it for the session. But also provides a great opportunity for a few beautiful photos! And believe me, breastfeeding photos are very special because they will remind you of the bond between you and your baby.

However, as I see my clients in the first week or two, breastfeeding is still a learning curve for most mums and it takes time to feel it right.

You might also be interested in reading this article about Food to Avoid while Breastfeeding.

For more information about my Newborn sessions please get in touch.