Ask a Midwife! Ask anything you’d like to know about baby feeding - chance to win a Momcozy breast pump worth £269.99 and baby feeding essentials!

[geemumsnet]

Feeding your baby can feel like a bit of a rollercoaster from figuring out how to get started with breastfeeding, to wondering if your supply is enough, or juggling pumping and bottles.

Every feeding journey looks different, and it can be hard to know what’s best for you and your baby especially if you’re a new parent or your new baby’s needs are different.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Momcozy for this Q&A with Marie – a midwife with 12 years’ experience and mum of two.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, combi feeding, or thinking about switching things up, Marie’s here with expert, down-to-earth advice to support you with your questions.

Please leave your questions below and Marie will be here W/C 6th October to answer. All questions entered before 24th October will be entered into the prize draw.

We are selecting 8 winners for all participants of this Q&A for the following prizes: Momcozy M9 Breast Pump, 5 X £50 Momcozy Vouchers, 2 x Milk Coolers!

About the expert:

Marie is a mum of two, Georgie (4) and Frankie (18 months). With over 12 years of experience as a qualified midwife, she is a trusted voice in the parenting space. She has more than 100K engaged followers on Instagram, where she shares her insights on parenting, baby care, and wellness. Marie is also the author of two best-selling books with Penguin and holds a Hypnobirthing diploma, as well as a PTTLS qualification as an adult educator. She’s passionate about supporting new parents with evidence-based information and practical advice.

About Momcozy:

Momcozy is a global brand devoted to supporting mums through every stage of motherhood – from pregnancy to feeding and beyond. Since 2018, they’ve been creating thoughtful, high-quality products designed with mums’ real needs in mind. Their range includes wearable breast pumps, nursing bras, maternity wear, and other everyday essentials that aim to make the journey into motherhood a little easier and more comfortable. With a focus on comfort, flexibility, and mum-friendly design, Momcozy’s mission is simple: to help mums feel supported, confident, and cared for at every step.

Click here to shop Momcozy’s latest Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump | M9 or shop here for all Momcozy breast pumps.

How long does the immunity breastfeeding gives last beyond feeding?

I’ve noticed my 5 week old baby has two-tone lips and little blisters on her top lip after feeding. She’s exclusively breastfed and I feel the latch is good, there’s no pain/discomfort when feeding and she’s gaining weight / plenty of wet and dirty nappy’s. I contacted a lactation consultant and they said it’s common and babies aren’t bothered by it but I still feel concerned - should I be?!

Hi! When breastfeeding a baby, when would be a good time to introduce a pump into a routine?

I'm expecting my second baby, my first didn't latch and I exclusively pumped and bottle feed, I'm nervous to try with baby number 2, shall I try to breastfeed or pump again?

Is there a chance I can teach my baby to latch now at 9 months old? I've been trying to offer him the breast but he just bites (he has 4 teeth 😬)
I have low supply so been trying to teach him to latch since he was born but he had tongue tie, lip tie and submucousal cleft pallete. I know if I could get him to latch then it could help increase my supply

My baby is 7 months old now and he didn’t latch at the breast at all, I’ve pumped all along but now I see a drastic decrease in my milk supply and is not enough for him, if I try again to get him to latch would that increase my milk supply? Or does my period has an impact on the milk supply?

A friend had a very upsetting moment when her 10 day princess passed away. Now after 4 months,she is still leaking milk from her breasts. Any solution for her to not leak please? Thanks

Best advice for cracked nipples through cluster feeding please ?

If I conceive and want to breastfeed my second, whilst still breast feeding my second - how will my body adapt and make sure my newborn gets the essentials from birth please ?

Really sorry to hear that, she needs to see her HV and GP for advice and support, not wait for an answer on this thread.

My question is I have gone onto decaffeinated coffee when breast feeding, should I continue indefinitely, and would a minimal amount (one cup) affect the baby ?

I am currently breastfeeding a toddler and due a baby soon. Does this mean my milk will change and toddler cannot breastfeed anymore? Will be sad to stop our journey as I do believe in extended breastfeeding benefits. Thank you

Hi there, I have a toddler and due my second in the new year! I had such a tough feeding journey first time around and went from BF to exclusively pumping for 7 months. I had quite low supply despite pumping around the clock, eating and drinking well, even tried Fenugreek! Does your supply naturally increase second time around? Like muscle memory sort of thing? I really
hope to feed rather than pump, pumping made me so miserable! It’s such a whirlwind, good luck to all mamas! X

Any tips or tricks about 10 month old taking bottle of breastmilk whilst at childminder ? He’s very reluctant unless very hungry

My soon to be 4 month old baby keeps pooping after most feeds ( I'm breastfeeding). Could this be a sign of an intolerance? Or possibly due to something I'm eating? Thank you

What is your opinion of breast feeding cushions for positioning ?

When I breast fed the first time I was so engorged with milk, and I would need breast pads changing constantly, and felt so uncomfortable a lot of the time, any tips for this not happening again.

What would you say are the signs that breast milk is not enough and you should prepare for weaning ?

Breastfeeding provides immediate protection against infections while feeding, which wanes within days to weeks after weaning, but it also helps train the baby’s immune system, giving longer-term reduced infection risk for months or even years.

Small blisters or two-tone lips in a breastfed baby are common. It's great if she’s feeding well and gaining weight. However, they can sometimes indicate minor friction from the latch. Watch her feeding, try gentle latch adjustments if needed and consult a lactation specialist again if the blisters persist or worsen.

Hi there! So it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established typically around 4–6 weeks before introducing a pump. By then, your baby has a good latch, feeding is going smoothly, and weight gain is steady. Pumping at this stage can help with building a milk supply too.

It’s completely understandable to feel anxious after your first experience. With baby #2. Just because your first baby didn't latch well doesn't mean you'll have the same experience again. My first baby fed like a dream and my second baby had several issues. All babies are different and it's not your fault. I'd always say to try and breastfeed if you want to feed your baby with breastmilk - using pumping as your reliable backup if you're unable to.

It’s tricky yet possible to help your 9-month-old learn to latch, even with tongue tie, lip tie, and a submucosal cleft palate. Working with a lactation consultant experienced in oral differences can make a big difference. Even short or partial latches can help stimulate your supply and providing bonding, while pumping continues to ensure your baby gets enough milk.

Yes, so, attempting to latch can help increase supply, but consistent milk removal (pump or breast) is key. Temporary drops due to your period are so common, I had the same. Professional guidance from a lactation consultant can help maximize your supply and latching him on.

I am ever so sorry for your friends loss. How tragic! Leaking months after birth can happen even after such a short-lived breastfeeding period. Supportive bras, cold compresses and breast pads help manage it. A doctor can offer medication or structured suppression if it’s too upsetting. Sending lots of love!