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Original poster

Breastfeeding tips

5 replies

Friedseasalt · 18/04/2025 08:13

For info I formula fed my little one 5 years ago. Due in a few months and really keen to try and BF. Trying to educate myself as much as possible. However, a lot of stories I read online are about how painful/sore it is and it’s scaring me. What essentials do I have to buy to help? I am absolutely clueless tbh and feel like I’m going into the unknown.

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Where2GoNext · 18/04/2025 08:22

Nipple cream!

But also watch plenty of videos about how to position baby and yourself to get a good latch. Also look at signs baby is latched effectively ie full cheeks and no clicking. Prevention is much better than a cure.

Also read up on baby feeding patterns as it is really normal for newborn babies to feed frequently, especially in the early weeks.

BunnyRuddington · 18/04/2025 08:36

Congratulations on your PG!

For me it didn’t hurt at all. Sometimes Women do experience some pain and baby might need checking for Tongue Tie and your latch can be checked by the Infant Feeding Team, you’d need to ask the MWs to see them.

The best 2 pieces of advice I have is to put the BFing Helpine Numbers into your phone and ring them with any query, don’t let things build up until you’re struggling.

And find out where your local BFing groups are and go to them before LO arrives. That way you’ll have the Support of some local BFing Mums and Mums-to-Be.

There is no need to buy much. If you do buy formula and bottles there’s a chance that you’ll give up BFing. If it does turn out that baby does need a top up you can get it at the time.

There is an article here on what to buy. Basically though I’d wait until baby is here. You definitely don’t need a pump at first or maybe even at all and if you do need one if say baby is born early then the Hospital will often lend a Hospital Grade Pump.

I might pop back later when I think of some more things but in the meantime have a look in the Infant Feeding Section under “Feed the World” but try and remember that most of the posters will only be in there because they’ve hit a problem and not everyone does Smile

nhs.uk

Breastfeeding help and support - Start for Life

It can take a while to feel confident with breastfeeding, but there is lots of help and support available. Find out more.

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-help-and-support/

BunnyRuddington · 18/04/2025 08:40

Where2GoNext · 18/04/2025 08:22

Nipple cream!

But also watch plenty of videos about how to position baby and yourself to get a good latch. Also look at signs baby is latched effectively ie full cheeks and no clicking. Prevention is much better than a cure.

Also read up on baby feeding patterns as it is really normal for newborn babies to feed frequently, especially in the early weeks.

Do agree with these helpful tips.

There is a video here on getting a good latch and this article talks about feeding patterns in the first few weeks Smile

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Original poster
Friedseasalt · 18/04/2025 08:51

BunnyRuddington · 18/04/2025 08:36

Congratulations on your PG!

For me it didn’t hurt at all. Sometimes Women do experience some pain and baby might need checking for Tongue Tie and your latch can be checked by the Infant Feeding Team, you’d need to ask the MWs to see them.

The best 2 pieces of advice I have is to put the BFing Helpine Numbers into your phone and ring them with any query, don’t let things build up until you’re struggling.

And find out where your local BFing groups are and go to them before LO arrives. That way you’ll have the Support of some local BFing Mums and Mums-to-Be.

There is no need to buy much. If you do buy formula and bottles there’s a chance that you’ll give up BFing. If it does turn out that baby does need a top up you can get it at the time.

There is an article here on what to buy. Basically though I’d wait until baby is here. You definitely don’t need a pump at first or maybe even at all and if you do need one if say baby is born early then the Hospital will often lend a Hospital Grade Pump.

I might pop back later when I think of some more things but in the meantime have a look in the Infant Feeding Section under “Feed the World” but try and remember that most of the posters will only be in there because they’ve hit a problem and not everyone does Smile

This is so helpful. Thanks v much

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Original poster
Friedseasalt · 18/04/2025 08:52

Where2GoNext · 18/04/2025 08:22

Nipple cream!

But also watch plenty of videos about how to position baby and yourself to get a good latch. Also look at signs baby is latched effectively ie full cheeks and no clicking. Prevention is much better than a cure.

Also read up on baby feeding patterns as it is really normal for newborn babies to feed frequently, especially in the early weeks.

Thank you!! Have made notes of this.

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