My Breastfeeding Journey

Laugh, Sing, Dance & Glow. Let The Oxytocin Flow. 

NOW before I begin Mummas, you need to know something: Breastfeeding doesn’t just happen! It takes work, a lot of work! It’s like when you first try to learn anything new, it takes practise and a lot of it!  

My breastfeeding journey started over three years ago with our gorgeous Ted. I hadn’t really thought much about breastfeeding and the journey that was ahead of us. I wasn’t aware of how demanding it was going to be. I entirely underestimated the emotions that would come along with this journey too. You know those really lovely clips you see of newborns “crawling” across their mum’s chest to find the nipple and latch on. Or when the mum scoops up their tiny baby, places them near the breast and they just tilt their head back and latch on without any fuss or pain. WELL, when you find out that’s not the case everyone, it can be disheartening. BUT don’t let it be. 

If only I knew how much support was out there back then and I knew the facts that I do now… if only. BUT, I’m not one to dwell on the past and beat myself up, because stopping mine and Ted’s breastfeeding journey after two weeks was right for us and I have no regrets at all. 

Fast Forward Two Years
When we found out that we were having another baby I knew that I wanted to try and breastfeed again. BUT this time, being slightly more experienced with this whole “baby thing”, I knew I needed to find out as much information as I could to be successful. I wanted ‘contacts’ so I could speak with the ‘experts’ when I needed help. I wanted to know the science behind breastfeeding; from how milk is produced, to how to get a baby to latch! I was determined and when I’m determined I put 100% effort in. 

When David and I attended our ‘Hypnobirthing’ course during my pregnancy, a light suddenly switched on!  We led a very busy, rushed but LOVELY life, and those few hours of learning each week helped us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Something I have wanted to do for a very long time. My daily meditation and affirmation relaxations made me love spending time with myself and I realised how amazing my body was. I mean my body was growing a human and my breasts were getting ready to feed him and keep him alive. WOW. 

One of our evening sessions touched upon breastfeeding and we were introduced to “Mindful Breastfeeding”. We immediately booked onto this course which was the BEST decision we made. If I hadn’t of done so, I would not be 6 months strong into mine and Albert’s breastfeeding journey. This evening course helped to ‘build our confidence by preparing us for a calm and positive feeding journey’ (us meaning me, Albert AND David). It is so important to involve your partner as much as possible.

Mindful Breastfeeding is a programme created by ‘Anna Le Grange’ a lactation consultant. The aim of the course is to provide you with tools to use during your feeding journey, mental and physical. For me the MENTAL part was so important. I remember, during my first feeding journey, the overwhelmng feeling of worry, it made me feel anxious and tense. I knew I needed to feel the opposite this time, so this course sounded perfect. 

The course was brilliant, we came home with a folder full of information. Somethings we already knew, but was a great reminder and some we didn’t, such as a baby being born with a tongue tie could affect their ability to feed (and thank goodness we did know this). We also had a big shiny glossary of names and contact details which were very handy! 

January 22nd 2020 
Around 1am, just after Albert was born, the Homebirth Team spotted an obvious tongue tie. At this point we didn’t panic but made the decision, that at an acceptable time, we would ring the ‘Feeding First Tongue Tie Clinic’ to get Albert booked in for a consultation/snip. This was one of the contacts that had been recommended on our course. Thankfully we had this information as they confirmed that he had a 100% tongue tie (the waiting list at our local hospital was up to two weeks- we couldn’t wait that long)! The process was straightforward and quick. They made sure we were all comfortable and understood the procedure, and within minutes it was successfully complete. During which I popped to the toilet while David stayed with him. Personally, this was something I didn’t want to watch. As soon as the cut was complete I was back. I popped Albert to the breast and it felt like a completely different latch! I could feel the milk draining from my breast which was amazing! When a baby has a tie snipped they have to learn how to use their tongue again, this whole feeding process feels completely different to them. The only way to heal and soothe the tongue is to feed, feed, feed and that is exactly what I did. My breasts and nipples were feeling very sore at this point but I knew I needed to get through it with painkillers, cream, cool flannels and lots of yummy snacks (Skip to the last page to find out about the most AMAZING cookies). Nipple cream became my best friend at this point too.

We continued to feed regularly all day and night which was exhausting. At this stage I depended on my breastfeeding affirmations which I had hung around my room to remind myself how amazing I was! We were both learning how to feed together and some feeds felt effective and pain-free whereas others I struggled to get him to latch correctly and we both ended up getting frustrated. When this happened I passed him to David so I was able to close my eyes, breathe and have some space. This really did help me to relax l and then I was ready to try again. One thing I want you to hold onto, like I have, is to take one feed at a time. If the feed was not successful, both have a break and try again later. 

We continued like this until day three when my milk came in. My breasts were already tender and my nipples were sore HOWEVER the pain and the engorgement I had after a few hours sleep was horrendous. I knew that something wasn’t right. I remember this stage with Ted being uncomfortable but not agony. I knew that I needed to feed through the pain, as Albert draining my breasts would help. That alongside other tips we learnt on our course; gentle hand expression, hot and cold compress, warm showers etc. At this stage my breasts were so engorged and solid that Albert couldn’t latch. We tried every position possible and none were successful. I knew that I needed support and that was when we decided to contact ‘Sophie Burrows’ a very experienced Lactation Consultant who is truly amazing! She was with me, at my home, within hours. When she got to me she explained that I was experiencing ‘extreme engorgement’ and that if it was left any longer I would become very unwell (my GOSH was I engorged, I only had to tilt my head down slightly for my chin to knock them which was agony. A slight change from my smaller breast just hours before). Sophie was professional, knowledgeable and so kind! She stayed at my home for over four hours, she was determined for Albert to latch from both breasts to drain milk so I felt comfortable again.

I was worried, from my previous experience, that Albert would only latch on one side (I found one side much more comfortable and lacked confidence with the other). But before long, with the correct verbal guidance and encouragement, we had managed to feed from both sides. I felt overwhelmed, thankful and SO proud! We ended our session as a family  with a relaxation script. This took place as I fed Albert and David held my hand. It was just wonderful! As soon as she got home she typed her notes from our session and emailed them over, part of her notes read “Kayleigh and David are exceptional parents who worked together really well during my visit. It was an honour to have been part of their day and supporting them through this stage. They  were attentive to Alberts needs and Albert is clearly very content and well cared for new human”. As you can imagine I sobbed reading these lovely comments. 

You can find this magical lady on Instagram at @theboobladyibclc 

I continued to feed, feed, feed to settle my engorgment and regulate my milk supply. And to be quite honest with you, I didn’t feel as if I did anything else apart from feed and it was so tough. A tip from Sophie was to let go on the clock/time, don’t worry about how long he was feeding for, how often or what time of the day/ night it was. Attend his needs and go with it. This worked for me a lot. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the ‘bumpy ride’. However, the mum guilt of spending less time with Ted soon hit me. This I was not prepared for. Luckily David had a full two weeks off of work and I was able to, just for this short while, focus on mine and Alberts feeding journey and I’m so glad I did.

Mastitis (a VERY low time for me)
A week or so later my left boob began to feel tender on one side. I didn’t think much of it and I just continued to feed as normal. That night was one of the hardest nights to date. I felt as If a bus had hit me. My whole body hurt, I had an intense headache, a high temperature and as you can imagine I struggled to lift my head off the pillow. The pain when feeding was a solid 9/10! My breast had become red and hot and at this point I knew it was mastitis (again I learnt about this on my course). The best thing to do when you get this infection is to feed as much and as often as you can, drink plenty of water and rest.

The next day was hard, very hard. I dosed up on pain relief and got through the day with a newborn and a toddler- alone! I didn’t think the pain could get any worse, but it did. That night was HORRENDOUS, the infection had spread to both sides and on top of everything else I felt dizzy, which made even lifting Albert impossible (David was having to pass him to me each feed). I went to my GP who confirmed mastitis and prescribed me with a course of antibiotics. And as you do, when you go to the doctors, you perk up- typical! I explained that I felt slightly better, so she told me to wait another 24 hours, as everything I was doing was great, and if I felt any worse then take the antibiotics. I went home and that afternoon I felt like I was winning at life. I managed to get both boys to nap at the same time which meant I could rest. Unfortunately I had a bad turn, my whole body started to shake and shiver and my temperature went sky high. I rang one of my lovely friends who lives down the road from me and sobbed. Being the absolute goddess she is, she threw her toddler in the car, came and got my prescription, traveled to the doctors, waited over half an hour for the medication and dropped it back to me. I was so thankful for her and also so thankful that the boys continued to nap. 

Over the next 12 hours things progressed further and I became more unwell. I went to the doctors again and they sent me straight to the hospital with suspected sepsis. This was not fun! I took Albert with me so I could continue to feed him (I had been feeding him every 1.5 hours since the infection started). The hospital staff were amazing and gave me an extra boost of antibiotics and checked me all over. Thankfully, the hours I was there, the medication started to work and slowly I started to feel better and I was able to go home (mc donald’s on the way home obv).

David was AMAZING and did everything for me and the boys until I felt 100% better. It took around 10 days to feel like myself again. I finished the 14 days of antibiotics and after a few days I started to feel sore again. I didn’t leave it this time! Big shout out to Abbie, my goddess friend, who demanded I went back to my doctor for more antibiotics (we all need a friend like her).  The doctors prescribed me another 7 days over the phone which did the job! I was pain free woohoo.

Ladies sometimes you can feed through BUT please listen to your body, if things are getting worse then get antibiotics before you get as poorly as I did! Touch wood, I haven’t had an infection since and our journey has been very positive. Albert feeds very often which is exhausting, but the wonderful cuddles make you forget. Sleep is overrated anyway (I joke)!

Please Remember
A final reminder, FED is best. I for one have experienced both bottle and breastfed and both of my boys are thriving! The last few months have been great as we are now in a good routine and touchwood have not had any other complications. You have to do what is best for YOU and your family, just remember if breastfeeding is something you really dreamed of doing, like me, there is so much support out there. Don’t suffer alone, please. Don’t ever feel guilty for making whatever decision gets your baby fed and keeps them healthy and alive! Im not a qualified professional BUT I do have tons of experience and I would love to help where I can. Alternatively please do contact Sophie Burrows (@theboobladyibclc on instagram)!

Breast Pads- a must have!

Another note for new breastfeeding mummas: Be aware of leakage! It seems like something people joke about, but I’m talking tops being soaked, bed sheets needing to be changed leakage. Ted’s favourite sentence “MUMMY YOU ARE LEAKING AGAIN!” 

I have used a variety of disposable breast pads which were good but needed changing regularly and I didn’t like that most are not biodegradable! I did some research and found ‘Bamboo Reusable Breast Pads’ by Mama Designs and now there is no looking back, I just wish I found them sooner! They are super soft and ultra absorbent! @mamadesigns on instagram https://www.mamadesigns.co.uk/product/bamboo-reusable-breast-pads-breastfeeding-essentials-from-mama-designs/

Nursing and Pumping

Albert and I are 6 months into our breastfeeding journey where he has been exclusively breastfed. I did not want going back to work to impact on our special journey, I really do love every feed with Albert. The love and closeness, even at 3am, is undescribable. I go back to work in September for two days a week and I want to continue to feed. I am often asked how long I will feed for, and to be honest I don’t have an answer. Right now everything is perfect and I will continue to feed until the time is right to stop. I began researching tips and tricks for pumping/ going back to work. I contacted the lovely Sophie Burrows again who gave me useful links along with many tips and recommendations of her own. She really does bend over backwards to help.

My work has been very cooperative and will continue to support our feeding journey. This will mean pumping several times a day at work in a “safe” place where I feel calm and relaxed. https://www.laleche.org.uk/expressing-your-milk/

Choosing a Breast Pump

Medela, Medela, Medela. If you have not heard of them, then you should have! I first purchased a single medela breast pump in 2017 just before baby Ted was born. It was great! For someone who didn’t have any help or support with feeding/pumping at the time,  I was able to follow the clear instruction, set the pump up and express my milk! As I said above our journey didn’t last very long, but the two weeks that I did use this pump, it was fantastic.

Since having Albert I haven’t needed to pump until now- prep for going back to work in Septmber! As Albert has fed so regularly (every 2.5-3 hours) and on both sides since birth (I know- determination right there) I have got a strong milk supply, which is great! On my working days I will be away from him for 10 plus hours (don’t- I can’t bear this thought right now) which means I will need to pump and the quicker this process takes the better. 

Medela have sent me their ‘Swing Maxi Flex 2-Phase Double Electric Breast Pump’ which is honestly amazing. Not only is it a double pump which straight away halves the time that I need to pump, but it is clinically proven to get 11% more milk! When I first tried my pump I was shocked at how quickly the bottle started to fill. I find I like to have the pump on a high suction setting and even then it feels very comfortable. I really like that the pump comes with two different sized/shaped breast shields as Medela rightly states ‘every mum is different and every breast shape is unique’. This is very unique to their brand. With the two  different sized shields I am able to use the bigger shield when my breasts feel full, instead of feeling uncomfortable in the smaller shield- which is genius! You can also make sure that the shield is comfortable by moving/twisting them around until you find a position that is comfortable and effective to express. 

The pump has two settings, the first is the faster setting which mimics your babies quick suck. This starts the milk flow (your let down) and a slower second setting, which mimics when your baby is drinking the milk. This makes the whole experience enjoyable and realistic. I would recommend this pump/brand to any mum looking for a decent and affordable pump. 

What is included:

1 x Swing Maxi motor unit

1 x mains adapter

2 x 150 ml bottle with lid

2 x bottle stand

2 x PersonalFit Flex™ connector

2 x PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 21 mm

2 x PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 24 mm

1 x IFU Swing Flex™/Swing maxi Flex™

1 x Quick Card

Other essential items:
Quick Clean Microwave bags- after every pump you need to sterilised each part of the pump that touches the breast or milk. These bags are so simple! Pop all cleaned items inside, add 60ml of water, seale and put in the microwave for a few minutes (depending on the microwave). What i love the most about these bags is that they can be used 20 times. There is even a ‘check box after each use’ on the back! 

 Medela PureLan 100 Nipple Cream (a little goes a long way)

Medela Breast Milk Storage bags– they are for storing milk in the fridge/ freezer to use at a later point. They are sealed bags and have space to write the time and date.  

PR product/Ad
https://shop.medela.co.uk/products/breast-pumps/swing-maxi-flex/

Breastfeeding Snacks 
It is so important that your diet nourishes you, gives you energy and hydration so that you can produce enough milk for your baby. And that my friend means you need to have SNAAAAACCCKS. The more you eat, the more energy you will have too. Those night feeds don’t get any easier (Yep I’m still having the pleasure of several night feeds). Snacks have got me through them! 

Who loves cookies? Have you ever heard of cookies that can help maintain or increase your breast milk supply? It really is a thing. Lactation cookies are cookies that contain galactagogues! Galactagogue is an ingredient that helps boost your milk supply naturally. 

I was so excited to receive my order from the lovely company, ‘Boobbix’. Boobbix makes and sells delicious award winning lactation cookies, bars and drinks for breastfeeding and pumping mums. What is so wonderful about this business is an ‘ordinary’ mum, just like me, called Katie started up after having a few wobbles when pumping. she felt she wasn’t pumping enough milk for her 10 month old daughter and that she was becoming more fussy at the breast. She set out to find natural ways to help boost her supply and the rest is history! How wonderful is that.

Most of their ingredients are organic and their recipes use nutritious ingredients such as nut butters and coconut oil. They have four different types of cookies: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Raisin and Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and Oat and Double Chocolate! The Peanut Butter ones are UNREAL! They also make protein bars which are delicious and constrain an amazing 7g of protein per bar! But my favourite product is their Hot Chocolate drink. It is rich, dark and so creamy! Such a treat. 

Please do check out their website for all of their products, they really are so delicious! Here is their  website
https://www.boobbix.co.uk 

Boobbix Range of Products