I breastfed my daughter for 15 months (She is now 7) and my son is now 7 months and still feeding. My main tips are 1. It isn’t easy, you will want to quit sometimes. But if you still at it it gets so so much easier 2. If baby is feeding lots it does NOT mean you have no milk. Babies cluster feed to increase your supply. It is normal 3. I always found the easiest way to pump was to pump one side and feed baby the other (I have a wireless Elvie pump). Our routine has always been I express one feed per day. Husband gives this in the early days as a night feed, now as a day feed. 4. Buy lots of lansinoh. As a never before feeder apply this daily even if not sore 5. You can do it! The health benefits for you as well as baby are enormous
The best advice tbh. I breastfed for 13 months and i agree. Would also add to eat well and keep well hydrated to keep up with the energy and demand of breastfeeding x
Hey, I couldn’t agree more really well pointed out the main things about breastfeeding. Drink loads of fluids preferably water, and 1-2 cups of breastfeeding tea and add vitamins to your diet also. There is a list online about specific foods can increase your milk supply, also important not to skip breastfeeding sessions especially night ones, during the night you have a lot more breastmilk lucky us huh?😃and dont forget breastfeeding its not easy but will get easier by the time. It is a learning process for you and for your baby as well. Dont give up, you got this. 🤗🥰
It is not for everyone and doesn't work for a lot of babies and that is okay . It didn't work for my baby and other family members had the same struggle. My child is so healthy and strong now barely ever gets sick, though mind you I carried them to full term where as babies who are earlier may struggle with immunity more the first five years or so. But regardless children can and in fact a lot of the times are very healthy and strong when they are formula fed not only as children but for life as there are so many other factors.
With breastfeeding knowledge is power. There are so many online free courses which are great! The first 6-8 weeks are a learning curve but if you can stick with it it’s so much easier than faffing with bottles x
I thought I knew enough with pre baby research 😅 Absolutely agree with knowledge on tonge and lip tie. My son had his tonge corrected at 5 weeks but that felt like a lifetime. Nipple shields saved our journey from ending very early on and we’re still going at 14 months old. I could not have done it without them. Hardest thing I’ve ever done but so so worth if if you can keep at it ❤
I love this so much !! Giving me an idea for the stuff I have to get ! But can wee pleaseee get a makeup routine !! Your makeup is always immaculate ❤️🥰
I'm currently tandem feeding my 3 and 1 year old. You've had lots of good advice already! My tip would be to think about how you'll keep your older child involved while you're glued to the sofa cluster feeding in the early days! It's a phase and it does pass. We had a stash of special books, puzzles etc we'd pull out while I was feeding, plus some sensory bins where I could sit on the floor and play with my 2YO whilst breastfeeding the baby.
I agree with this. I didn't prepare for this and went down giving him youtube kids to watch and that was a mistake - I'm ok with some screen time - but it's very easy to let it become something they rely on. But nursing and keeping toddler entertained was and still is my biggest challenge!!
One of my favourite pieces of advice for breastfeeding is ‘give up on a good day, not a bad one’. I think this can really help getting through those tough early weeks
Sorry I've managed to write a bit of an essay 🙈 The Elvie pumps are amazing! I have the original wireless pump, just a single one, and it made breastfeeding so much easier! For the first 6 weeks or so my son struggled to stay latched, he'd keep bobbing on and off, so I pumped to make sure he was getting enough milk. I started with a Tommee Tippee pump, that was loud, kind of painful and kept me tethered to a plug socket. I hated it! So invested in an Elvie and it made such a difference!! The shields are what attach the pump to the breast and create a seal for the suction. They come in different sizes so I'd imagine they've sent you a spare pair in a different size maybe. A good tip for the Elvie pumps is to COLD STERILISE them! If you sterilise them using steam, especially the shields, then it can warp them and the suction will no longer work properly. I found that out the hard way but Elvie kindly sent me a replacement shield for my pump to replace the warped one. I used Milton tablets to sterilise it after that. In addition to the Elvie pump, I really recommend a Haakaa silicone pump as well. If you attach it to the other breast whilst baby is feeding you can catch a good amount of let down. I'd regularly fill it once my son and I got the hang of breastfeeding. I also recommend breast milk bags for storage. I bought the Lictin ones off Amazon and you get so many so rather than trying to fill each one to the top, I'd fill each with a feeds worth so I could defrost and heat it all up in the bottle warmer rather than faffing trying to only use some and storing the remainder, or worse, just wasting whatever was left in the bag. You may struggle at first with breastfeeding, I know I did, and everyone I know did as well, but try to push through it because once it clicks for both you and baby girl, it's fantastic and so rewarding! It makes going out and about so much easier as well as you don't have to prepare and carry milk around, you can just whip a boob out! I would echo what other's have said as well and make sure to have plenty of nipple cream to hand (Lansinoh was my favourite), and before you settle down for a feed, make sure to have something to drink and some snacks to hand as well in case it's a long one. I used to have a little basket with a bottle of water, chocolate, nipple cream and breast pads which I'd grab for a feed. And as you have a pump, if the pain gets too much at any point, give your boobs a bit of a rest and let Ash feed baby with some pumped milk. My son was a combination of breast and formula for the first week, and then breast and bottle with pumped milk after that as I started building up stock in the fridge/freezer. Oh! And another tip, in case you are lazy like me during the night but don't want to waste any let down milk, I used to take a cool bag with some ice packs to bed each night so I could store any milk using my Haakaa, then take it downstairs to the fridge/freezer in the morning 😂. And during the harder weeks, I'd have a bag of breast milk in there too that I'd defrost in the bottle warmer in the bedroom if my son was hungry but wouldn't latch. Looking forward to seeing how your breastfeeding journey goes once baby girl arrives 😊 and also excited to say I'll be soon following you, again, (as my son is just a little younger than George) with my own baby girl in October 😁 xx
We had the Doona and absolutely loved it. I have seen some criticism of it as a stroller online. But it isn’t a stroller. It’s a car seat with benefits and should be judged on that basis. We used it for all short trips (obvs it’s a car seat so you can’t use it for long stints) and places where a big stroller would have been awkward (cafes, restaurants, shops, doctor’s surgery, hospital, etc.). For off-roading we had a proper buggy (mountain buggy urban jungle). The Doona can’t compete with that, but it isn’t supposed to. I got away with it indoors in lots of places that make you leave buggies outside (our Drs surgery for example) because it is so dinky. So handy not to have to carry your baby around places like that and to be able to have hands free. When you know you don’t need a proper buggy as you won’t have them in it long, it also means you save all that space for buggy frame and wheels in your car boot. We used and abused it, taking it absolutely everywhere, and it was still in great condition when we sold it on (when our boy was about 13 months - he was average height and weight). It retained its value very well. My husband and I still rave about that thing even after we’ve sold it (he’s now 2 and a half). It was by far and away the best piece of kit we bought for baby.
My breastfeeding journeys with my two were so different! The first 6wks were really painful for me - but literally over night at 6wk the pain disappeared, and it was fine. So if you can get through the first 6 weeks it really does get better! My son was breastfed, but had some formula in the hospital and then I pumped from 6wks and I, like you, loved the recording, knowing how much he had etc however downside this also created anxiety - the feeling of not having a "stash" just being one bottle behind, the worry I wasn't producing enough. At 6m we supplemented and at 8m he went to formula full time. I used a Spectra with him and hated the wires! My daughter totally different - i bought an elvie was excited about pumping. A tip to save money - i bought one side and an Elvie Catch. I always got the same amount from the catch when I was pumping or feeding the other side. Used my Boots Points and saved loads!! So anyway, with #2 and a toddler to manage, i lost all capacity to worry about anything regarding how many ozs, when the feeds, were how many times...I just stuck her on the boob and had to get on with it. My daughter is now 13m and a BOOB monster!! She's never taken a bottle, completely refused. So even though this time I had a good supply, made a "stash" she didn't want it 😭 so my toddler drank it instead 😅 My biggest tip, is try not to worry you aren't enough, see your boobs as a tap rather than a jug that fills with milk and can be emptied. I was always worried about being "empty". Your baby sends messages to the brain for your body to produce milk, so as long as you put baby to boob and she can send those messages you should produce enough 😊 Plus use vinted for nursing clothes!!! I've never bought new nursing clothes this time round and have a great capsule nursing wardrobe for super cheap!❤
From experience, combi feed from the get go, my baby took to both just fine and then when my wife went back to work and I was BF all the time, my baby went off the bottle and wouldn’t take it anymore. So keep at it and the first year will be much easier!!
Hi Shan! I am 8 months into my bf journey! I found to begin with my baby didn't know how to latch on correctly - something they have to learn. I turned to using my hakka for first 5-10 mins to express my let down so baby didn't get soaked / overwhelmed in milk then could focus on feeding without worry that my milk will spray out and soak them. It took a good 6 weeks before we established the whole latching on thing so I expressed for first 6wks! I hardly ever pump milk now, I find it so easy to feed on demand - don't have to wash up or sterilise constantly! And it's amazingly easy for night feeds. Regarding storing milk, just to note don't ever mix fresh pumped milk with chilled milk in the fridge as baby can get sick from bacteria, let it cool in a separate bottle and once cooled you can mix to make up a bottle (incase you add your let down milk together etc to make up a bottle). I would add everything expressed from the day then warm and let my husband feed on the evening. I used medela pump bottles which come with a lid then heat milk in a tomee tippee milk warmer for 7 minutes. Also, drink lots of water for your supply! Good luck & hope that helps xxx
One point thats worth mentioning is your milk supply and consistency changes with your baby's needs so the actual volume drunk becomes less of a concern. If you feed on demand they will likely get what they need. Their pattern of feeding will also change with their needs - they may take short frequent feeds during summer to get hyrdation and longer feeds to get the creamy hind milk when they are going through a growth spurt but its different for everyone and every baby. You will work out the pattern together and its a journey well worth taking!
You will NOT regret getting a doona! No 1 purchase for a newborn, especially if you have other children. So quick especially with isofix. You will love it. X
I just had my first baby a few months ago and I was so looking forward to breastfeeding. But following the advice of my midwives wasn’t much help and in fact made some of the issues worse. So I went to see a lactation specialist at my local children’s community center and she was such a huge help! I seriously left there crying happy tears of relief to have finally gotten my baby to latch properly and nurse him to the point of fullness for the first time. I really wish I had gone to see her sooner. So if you find BF difficult at the beginning (and you probably will bc it is 😅), then I strongly recommend meeting with a lactation consultant in person who can help coach you and baby both. That said, my BF journey still was only able to last about 7 weeks which I was really disappointed about and felt like a complete failure, even though my baby is now 1000x happier on his special formula than he was on breast milk. So definitely give it a solid go-it was a beautiful, exhausting experience that was worth the effort. But also be patient and give yourself the space and grace to figure it out and to change your mind if it comes to that. Xx
Loved our doona ! When you pop the doona up once baby is in it pop it on the floor so legs come out softer it’s much nicer for them & i found it’s easier to put the breaks on to collapse it it just makes it easier ! & the handle has to be touching where your back would go of the seat !
I recommend somewhere for the baby to go that George can’t reach. Been a life saver with our 2yo and newborn! We use the chico 4 in 1 as a Moses basket and for nappy changing and it’s helped loads with her not getting aggressively kissed (and hurt!!) and stops him getting covered in her poop when she explodes!
Storage wise I think breastfeeding and pumping is easier, if i remember right you don’t have to worry about the whole 2hrs once a formula bottle is made up. I’m sure you can keep in the fridge for 24 hours so I used to keep a big bottle/container in the fridge and just keep ripping it up with pumped through the day and then if you want to freeze you can when you have enough, there’s loads of different brands of freezer bags including own brands, don’t go crazy like I did and buy lots because I could never actually pump enough to save much. Different flange fits can help with that but I never went into buying different sizes flanges. I loved my Elvie stride wish it had been available sooner!
I bought a second hand baby bjorn bouncer with my 1st (she had a few other bouncers) this one was amazing!!!!! She absolutely loved it!!! Used it for ages! Also easy for travelling and popping it in the car
My favorite breastfeeding tool is the Hatch baby scale. It's a wipeable changing pad with a bluetooth scale inside. I got mine secondhand, and it works perfectly. You weigh your baby before and after feedings to determine how much they ate, and it is so helpful in the beginning when you're trying to figure out how much they need, what you should give in a bottle, or if your anxiety is kicking in about them not getting enough. My little one is 9 months, and I still use it every day.
Congratulations on your pregnancy - I love your content! I am currently breastfeeding my 9 month old. I had a challenging first few weeks but I really wanted to make it work and I'm so pleased I persisted. Hopefully your hospital has a dedicated feeding team - I went back to them after being discharged and they were amazing. They helped me experiment with different feeding postions and gave me the confidence to keep at it. I'd recommend seeing them in the early days if you're struggling. There will be days you want to quit, particularly in the first few weeks but keep at it if you can. It's such a beautiful way to bond with your baby and so convenient once you're on the rhythm. You've got this!
The bags are good for freezer storage-not sure about that pump but some brands had bags that attached to the pump but otherwise I just used boots own as at the time they were cheaper! Breast milk is fine for 48 hours in fridge, 6 months in freezer and 4 hours out at room temp we were advised hospital 😊 because my baby was tube fed I exclusively pumped for 6 months and the pump you got looks so good, will definitely consider if I go for round 2! X
I so wish I bought the Doona! I hired the Doona when my kiddo was 9 month old, when we we're on holiday, and it was brilliant! If I could rewind time, I would have bought the Doona buggy, then traded that in for a lightweight buggy/stroller once he grew out of it (about 10-12months)... instead I bought the Uppababy Vista pushchair and we used our Ergobaby carrier loads. Our pushchair is great, but isn't lightweight, it was costly and now that hes bigger, a lightweight cheaper buggy would be preferable. For anyone that's thinking about it!
I remember when I first came across the Doona and I really wanted it. We ended up going for something simple because I struggle with heavy things. We always see people out and about with a Doona and I remember my husband saying what a stupid pushchair they can’t even use it on this ground. I’ve seen so many people struggle with using it. My husband was talking to another husband and he wasn’t happy because his wife brought it and he was too tall for it. He said it’s the worst purchase she made. I know a couple of people who have it and hate it but then I see people online raving about it. I’d love to know how you get on with it and if it’s worth the money. We have the silver cross motion 360 car seat that last till approximately 12 years and it’s the best thing we got.
Do you know what the discount code was for the baby carrier please, I'm struggling to find it on Cary's socials but I'd love to invest for baby number 2 😊
Baby bjorn is the best bouncer! Mine love love loves it!! After already spending a fortune on an all singing all dancing rocker that he hated this one was his fave! As for breast feeding try it, have realistic expectations, I did combine feeding for 4 months then baby decided he just didn't want to bother with boob anymore. That was fine and his choice, tried for a further 3 days of him turning his nose up at me and then that journey ended for us! I never produced alot either if I expressed it was like an ounce and I tried all the suppliments, oats, water, frequent feeding, cluster feeding, pumping, skin to skin. He had 4 months is thriving still 😊
As others have said, the more you know about breastfeeding the better. When I was pregnant I literally googled how to breastfeed and looked up the different positions so that I'd be able to try and teach myself. In terms of breast milk storage, the lansinoh bottles are great cause you can just change the silicone bit on the top and use the same one for storing in the fridge and then feeding. Also the haaka was my absolute best friend. Good luck!❤
Can you tell I’m commenting as you go 😂! Worth checking they’ll let you take newborn home from hospital in your area with the doona. Some don’t as it’s not seen as a very safe car seat when they’re under 10lb because it’s hard to get a good fit as they’re often chin to chest (our hospital don’t accept it as a carseat to take any new born home in) xx
I have (and still) breastfed my daughter for almost 2 years. The first few weeks are HARD as they are constantly feeding and can feel like a lot whilst they establish your supply. Pumping can cause your supply to increase which in my opinion is not a negative thing as your body can regulate supply quite quickly if not using it. I was advised by HCV to not express or not give dummies within the first few weeks and this led to my daughter completely refusing to take a bottle of breastmilk whatsoever and believe me I tried EVERYTHING and that was hard as it meant only I could feed my daughter. I’m pregnant with baby number 2 & plan on breastfeeding again but this time I’m expressing from as soon as my milk comes in. I think their concern for not introducing a bottle early is so they don’t have a preference for the bottle over boob as it’s easier to drink from a bottle so babies can sometimes prefer the ease of getting their milk. Or in case they get “nipple confusion”. I would just research on the stats surrounding this and whether you are happy to risk baby potentially preferring the bottle with expressed milk rather than from the breast. Breastfeeding is so much easier if you have a lot of support/ education around it. I think trusting your mum instincts and if baby seems full and content after a feed, having plenty of wet & full nappies then baby is generally getting enough. I felt very pushed by HCV to “feed from both sides” during a feeding however I had a LOT of milk and so my baby was very satisfied from just 1 side so I think just having the confidence in your mum instinct that you know your baby helps too. Hope this info helps in some way!
I would also say making sure that baby feeds from one side as FULLY as possible first before moving to the next side to try and make sure your breast is as drained as possible to avoid blocked ducts that can lead to mastitis. Hot cloths work wonders and lansinoh nipple cream or some breastmilk on breast pads put into the freezer are a life saver😍
I breastfed my little one since day one and he’s now 15 months. My main tips/ things I wish I’d knew is.. 1) don’t be discouraged at your breast milk initially at day 2/3 if your baby seems “underweight”. My health visitor completely scared me into thinking I was under feeding and underproducing after weighing my baby at day 2 and saying he had lost too much weight. In my opinion this was far too soon to weigh him because it got me really down and I ended up doing loads to up my supply which eventually caused oversupply which led to more issues as baby can then have trouble swallowing if you’ve got a fast flow. So my number one piece of advice would be to trust your body!! 2) if you are looking to naturally “up” your supply, I found drinking oat smoothies really increased mine. I’m not sure why as some do argue that what you consume doesn’t actually affect your milk supply.. but for me I found it that drinking oat smoothies increased my supply, and even if it was just a coincidence it can’t hurt to have oat smoothies post partum :) 3) blocked ducts are sooo common and can often lead to mastitis but just keep some “sunflower Lethicin” supplements in the cupboard and take them every time your boobs get sore and you will avoid mastitis! (At least I did, but everyone is different ultimately!) I never pumped until about 8 weeks after as some say you shouldn’t pump until after six weeks, but again just do what’s best for you as every breastfeeding journey is different. I never froze it but just popped it in the fridge and gave it a shake before giving it to the little one. Don’t be alarmed when it separates in the fridge! Best of luck with your journey, also be mindful that sometimes it can be equally as hard to get your baby to quit breastfeeding as much as it is starting! This is what I’m currently finding!
Our BF journey saw me going in PPD because of how difficult it was and how stubborn I was to carry on. Word of advise to my future self and any other mamas is if it doesn’t work for you, it’s absolutely fine and doesn’t mean you’re a failure. I found BF more painful than labour with the cuts I had (baby had a tonge tie) so nipple shields really really helped us. My son also cluster fed for 6-8 hours at a time in the evenings. He wouldn’t be anywhere else and I thought it was me and my supply. Another pressure put on myself that was unnecessary. We’re 14 months in and it’s so special still but if it’s not for you or your baby, take comfort you’ve tried and don’t be hard on yourself ❤
I have a two year old boy and a six week old girl :) .I Got the Doona this time around. Amazing for nursery pick ups etc. loving it! I also have the same bouncer and elvie pump. Good choices! Xxx
Just a little tip, I breastfed my daughter as a newborn found it easy but disliked it due to lack of routine and baby stuck to me 24/7. I always planned to combi feeding midwives told me to not give her bottle due to nipple confusion but I still I gave her a bottle too of expressed milk in the first week because I didn’t want her to reject the bottle if I wanted to switch to bottles which I did do, thank god I did because I know a lot of people listen to what the midwives say about Nipple confusion and resist giving baby a bottle and are then stuck with a baby who refuses a bottle and are stuck on the breast which ultimately makes their lives harder in the long run! Good luck with it xx
I breast fed my little one exclusively for 7 weeks and then started pumping, my partner then gave him his bed time feed which gave me time to have a shower and me time! Honestly it was fab! Good luck xx
We have the Donna! We only got a second stroller about 2 months ago and we barely used it. He is 17 months now and he still fits in it i would say we still have 2 months more out of it. Gonna be so sad Donna was the best thing ever! And when we went out for longer we just toke the carrier.
One thing to remember that always gets mistaken for low supply is babies feed a lot! It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk! Also rule of 6 with milk- 6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer xx
I’m still breastfeeding my 17 month old, breastfeeding for me I felt was made easier by learning as much as I could as knowledge is power! Learning about what a good latch looks like and how to help baby yo latch well was key! There is an amazing video by global health media about breastfeeding attachment which taught me more than any other breastfeeding resource!
Also I exclusively pumped for 8 months with my first and I was the opposite the thought of formula and making a bottle absolutely terrified me , but I feel like breast pumping was the best for me . You should get some breast cold/heat pads just to soothe any aches and pains , and breast pads for leaks , and I couldn’t reccomend the tomme tippe nipple cream !! It saves your nipples lives !!❤️
Not sure if you made an update but how did you find the baby carrier in the end? Considering buying it as did not get along with my ergo baby or wrap, just too complicated for me.. x
For me with breastfeeding the best items i bought were a silicone suction breast pump, I'd feed from one boob, collect from the other and then swap over. Id sometimes collect 4/5ounces a feed so never needed an expensive pump... And the medela nipple shields! I wouldn't have been able to feed my little girl without them in the early days as she was very petite and struggled to latch! The first 6/8weeks are exhausting so be prepared with lots of snacks and water close by all the time 😂 Everyones journey is so different though so you may never need either of these things! Best of luck 🥰
Find the number of a local lactation specialist (I can DM you where to find them) NOW so you don’t have to find one in a panic. Breastfeeding can be tough - I had a rule with my husband where he couldn’t let me quit within the first 3 weeks and we’re still feeding 27 months later! For the benefits to them (and you) I believe it’s worth the risk but it definitely isn’t easy. My top top tip is that is should NEVER hurt (nipples getting used to it/it always hurts the first few days etc is a myth) so if it hurts, get help!
I'd say the more research you do into what's normal, the more likely you will succeed at breastfeeding ☺️ the first 6 weeks are hard but now it's so easy! No baby crying waiting for a bottle, just ready to go at all times 😂
Like everyone has said 6-8 weeks is the hurdle for breastfeeding. Once you get past this it’s amazing. I personally keep a bottle or two in fridge and then freeze the rest in bags but this is because my husband enjoys giving last bottle before bed and means in early months I could get a little stretch of sleep but then I’m an over producer so this works for us. With regards to pumping getting the right shield size is key. I loved my elvie but do note they don’t supply the popular sizes for free. My main advice is that everyone including midwife’s and health visitors will give you advice on breastfeeding and the advice will all be different, so unless you go to a qualified lactation consultant just research loads yourself. There is so much information especially on you tube and groups that will help you understand how it works and then you two will find your grove and not look back.
I’ve just stopped breastfeeding my 10.5 month old. Knowledge is power there’s loads of great videos on TH-cam or free online courses as well. 100% recommend getting a “Hakka” with a lid. You suction it to your breast that you’re not feeding baby on when breastfeeding and it catches the milk that would otherwise leak into your bra. Sometimes it’s a good 2-3 ounce per feed you get by doing nothing. Helpful for building up a freezer stash
I used the elvie stride breast pump and it was a lifesaver in the first few weeks where you just need to stimulate your breasts at least every 2 hours (I used it in the restaurant) however once you have your supply regulated I would suggest getting a medela as I felt the elvie had to be on for at least 40 minutes!!! To get a decent amount whereas the medela does it in half the time! It also was difficult with big breasts so I ended up using the medela all the time! Good luck x
@@cloudedcolour5329 it doesn’t matter that is just 30 minutes as within those 30 minutes the babys airways can be completely blocked. I’m not trying to be that annoying person but as someone who is being trained at the moment as a UK car seat safety specialist I had to leave the comment.
@@martyna_2021 then tell the manufacturers that, they already know that information and print it in their manuals, not their fault if parents ignore it
Oh and dont listen to negative comments that breast fed babies dont sleep through the night. Both mine slept through from 10 weeks minus sleep regressions and illness. Breastmilk is so unique, its fat content so different to formula. Eat a good diet, drink water and feed every 2-3 hours in the day for the first 6 months and your baby will get all the calories they need and have full tummies come bedtime. 😊 x
Breastfeeding is really demanding for the first 3/4 months. Have people around you who don’t say “just give a bottle” on hard days and say “what can I do to help make it easier”. Aka house work, help with toddler. Allowing you to feed baby as and when which is needed for the first few months. It’s about mindset really. And buy silverette cups. 1000% worth it. Best baby buy I had. Still feeding 12m old. Good luck ❤
I've breast fed both my babies for 14 months each. It's hard at the beginning but hang on in there, it becomes sooo easy and convenient! In terms of pumping, remember that what you pump doesn't actually indicate how much milk you produce (pumping doesn't work for everyone). I used Asda milk bags and also bought some sterile bottles from Amazon to store it in (a lot cheaper in the long run). Remembering the 666 rule helps with storage, 6 hours on the side, 6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. Not sure what downstairs sleeping arrangements are for baby girl but I found having a space the toddler can't get to baby helps, I had a newborn high chair insert and a kinderkraft lovi which let the baby have space away from my toddler xx
I second a lot of the breastfeeding comments! I didn't get on with pumping and my partner was in charge of cleaning a bottle to feed and never did so I quickly dropped that 😂 - get some nipple cream. Slap it on after every feed. Get a few tubes! - get a handpump for the engorged boobs, if you have them. I used the madella. I had quite a lot of milk to start with and some nights baby couldn't latch without me pumping out a bit first. A hand pump came in so handy for quick fixes - try a few different positions and find the right one for you and baby. A free class / some research will give you some ideas to try out - get a hakka if you want to store milk. You can suction it on the other boob when feeding and you can gather enough for your hub to give baby - make sure you have a water bottle with you all the time, you will be so thirsty at the start! And have snacks around your feeding spots in the house. I was starving haha - it's tough to start with, in hospital after the birth make sure you get seen by a feeding specialist / midwife and check your latch and holding positions - it's sore for a good few weeks but so worth it in the long run ❤
Ive breastfed two children. Knowledge is definitely power ❤ i found it must easier with my second. My advice would be nipple cream in the early days. Babies tend to fall asleep at the breast so try to keep them awake so they have a full feed by stroking their feet/face and wait until baby breaks the latch themselves. Educate yourself. Buy a book, watch videos on youtube for advice. And also you will only get sore if baby isnt latching properly. You need to get the latch right, thats my biggest advice. I didnt pump, for me pumping took away the benefit of breastfeeding which was not having to sterilse and make a bottle. But i did have a manual hand pump for when my boobs were engorged. That first time baby sleeps through you will wake up with engorge full breasts 😂 and a handpump will be quicker and easier to give you some relief ❤ good luck! X
I’d don’t breast feed my first born. Didn’t even try it and I regretted it. This time round with baby number two i want to try it but I’m so so scared!! It grosses me out too. The thought of having a baby sucking on my nipped truly scares and freaks me out. I don’t want to be a coward and not do it again but I’m so scared. Someone please help me with realistic expectations x
Lots of good breastfeeding advice here so not read all comments. But do look up your local breastfeeding support group and get along asap to get prepared. Also please dont overthink wanting to know how much baby is taking. As long as shes gaining weight you can be sure shes geting enough. But be prepared you will have her permanently attached for a good few weeks to start with - learning to feed in a sling will be a lifesaver. Its not just about the feeding, its soo much more, for you and baby. Pumping does not give you a gauge to measure what baby is taking unfortunately, baby takes what they need and you will produce accordingly, although it takes a while for your breasts to settle. Xx
Veteran mum here breast feeding the position of baby is key first of all breast feeding shouldn’t hurt if it does the position is incorrect raise baby to you you don’t lean into baby the rule tummy to mummy ie babies tummy faces your tummy and babies head shouldn’t be turned a different direction to there own tummy just imagine turning your head and drinking a drink you will gulp really uncomfortably imagine your chin on your chest and drinking imagine your head leant and drinking etc it doesn’t work and that’s why babies suck hard you get sore nipples etc positioning is everything you get that right and your winning and to get babie to unlatch from breast slid your pinky finger into the corner of their mouth and they will open their mouth also a good cushion on your lap or on one leg with baby resting on it might help aswell the other things mums forget wherever you plan on feeding at night or during the day set up a sort of breast feeding basket a water bottle book magazine charger lamp that you can dim with your phone a foot stool for your legs nipple cream that is ok for baby to touch rather than one that needs to be washed off a muslin bib a blanket for you incase you get cold tissues snacks and things in convenient packets that you like to eat and a pillow or cushion for you and try to wear comfortable clothing get a flask for night feeds so you can have a ready made hot drink for you people always forget to tell mums stay hydrated whilst feeding if your not drinking properly or eating properly the Baby is getting no nutrition I know it’s easy to try to eat less whilst breastfeeding to lose weight but you can’t breastfeed if your not eating proper meals and breastfeeding helps with naturally losing weight and toning up your tummy so eat and if you can’t eat healthy just eat anything anything is better than nothing stay hydrated and correct positioning don’t get to frustrated or work yourself up into a frenzy because your milk supply milk ducts feel that stress and can affect your flow and if your stressed out baby might struggle to latch and I know this is long but 5 min feeds are a starter 10 minutes your just eating main meal 15 minutes and above full course if you feed baby for under 15 minutes you will have a starving baby your milk gets thicker and more filling the longer you feed so don’t be tempted to do 10 minutes one side 10 minutes the other side it generally doesn’t work now I will say this feed baby on one side and pump the other side will work and then put baby on the opposite breast on the next feed and pump opposite side will mean your feeding baby full meals building up milk storage and your less likely to get mastitis and baby will be more settled more like a bottle fed baby is
Trust your body, the baby will tell your body how much milk to make if you let them suckle as much as possible in the first few weeks! Also, if you speak to a lactation consultant their knowledge is phenomenal compared with the limited knowledge of midwives and health visitors who are amazing but don’t have such specific breastfeeding knowledge and can give bad advice at times x
For me breastfeeding benefit does not outweight the risk because my husband works in a hospital so I look after baby girl for 14-17 hours a day. I cannot afford to fall asleep with baby on my lap / during breastfeeding due to waking up at night to feed or pump, feeling tired and fed up with baby. Plus breastfeeding babies dont tend to sleep through the night because you never know how much milk they had or had enough to last through the night. If breast milk is so good why need to top it up with vitamin d? I mix fed for the past 8 month and its been the best for my baby for sleep, my husband so he can sleep through the night and for me who had to look after baby for such a long period of time. I hate NHS don't tell you these things because they want you to breastfeed but I think it is a luxury if you have a helper who is living with you to help with cooking, house work and looking after baby
@@JasmineStrongman but the nhs should tell you all the good and bad side of breastfeeding rather than just encourage it without telling you everything. If you have a husband who works from home, or even working office hours where they sit on a desk and can be contacted at any time then that is less stressful than a husband who works 12 h and cannot be contacted until his 30min lunch break should there be an accident whilst falling asleep.
Jesse, no wonder your videos last 20+ minutes! You are rambling SO MUCH! when I click on the video about newborn haul I don't want to listen about your kitchen or any other stuff. If you want to make an update on your life, just make a separate video, please!
Storage wise I think breastfeeding and pumping is easier, if i remember right you don’t have to worry about the whole 2hrs once a formula bottle is made up. I’m sure you can keep in the fridge for 24 hours so I used to keep a big bottle/container in the fridge and just keep ripping it up with pumped through the day and then if you want to freeze you can when you have enough, there’s loads of different brands of freezer bags including own brands, don’t go crazy like I did and buy lots because I could never actually pump enough to save much. Different flange fits can help with that but I never went into buying different sizes flanges. I loved my Elvie stride wish it had been available sooner!
I breastfed my daughter for 15 months (She is now 7) and my son is now 7 months and still feeding. My main tips are
1. It isn’t easy, you will want to quit sometimes. But if you still at it it gets so so much easier
2. If baby is feeding lots it does NOT mean you have no milk. Babies cluster feed to increase your supply. It is normal
3. I always found the easiest way to pump was to pump one side and feed baby the other (I have a wireless Elvie pump). Our routine has always been I express one feed per day. Husband gives this in the early days as a night feed, now as a day feed.
4. Buy lots of lansinoh. As a never before feeder apply this daily even if not sore
5. You can do it! The health benefits for you as well as baby are enormous
The best advice tbh. I breastfed for 13 months and i agree. Would also add to eat well and keep well hydrated to keep up with the energy and demand of breastfeeding x
Hey, I couldn’t agree more really well pointed out the main things about breastfeeding. Drink loads of fluids preferably water, and 1-2 cups of breastfeeding tea and add vitamins to your diet also. There is a list online about specific foods can increase your milk supply, also important not to skip breastfeeding sessions especially night ones, during the night you have a lot more breastmilk lucky us huh?😃and dont forget breastfeeding its not easy but will get easier by the time. It is a learning process for you and for your baby as well. Dont give up, you got this. 🤗🥰
Still breastfeeding my 22m.o. and I agree with all of the above. Great advice!
Breastfeeding mama here & that’s great advice
It is not for everyone and doesn't work for a lot of babies and that is okay . It didn't work for my baby and other family members had the same struggle. My child is so healthy and strong now barely ever gets sick, though mind you I carried them to full term where as babies who are earlier may struggle with immunity more the first five years or so. But regardless children can and in fact a lot of the times are very healthy and strong when they are formula fed not only as children but for life as there are so many other factors.
With breastfeeding knowledge is power. There are so many online free courses which are great! The first 6-8 weeks are a learning curve but if you can stick with it it’s so much easier than faffing with bottles x
Most important things to learn about are latch, tongue ties & cluster feeding!
Looking for a pram for amber
I thought I knew enough with pre baby research 😅
Absolutely agree with knowledge on tonge and lip tie. My son had his tonge corrected at 5 weeks but that felt like a lifetime.
Nipple shields saved our journey from ending very early on and we’re still going at 14 months old. I could not have done it without them.
Hardest thing I’ve ever done but so so worth if if you can keep at it ❤
I love this so much !! Giving me an idea for the stuff I have to get !
But can wee pleaseee get a makeup routine !! Your makeup is always immaculate ❤️🥰
I'm currently tandem feeding my 3 and 1 year old. You've had lots of good advice already! My tip would be to think about how you'll keep your older child involved while you're glued to the sofa cluster feeding in the early days! It's a phase and it does pass. We had a stash of special books, puzzles etc we'd pull out while I was feeding, plus some sensory bins where I could sit on the floor and play with my 2YO whilst breastfeeding the baby.
I agree with this. I didn't prepare for this and went down giving him youtube kids to watch and that was a mistake - I'm ok with some screen time - but it's very easy to let it become something they rely on. But nursing and keeping toddler entertained was and still is my biggest challenge!!
One of my favourite pieces of advice for breastfeeding is ‘give up on a good day, not a bad one’. I think this can really help getting through those tough early weeks
Sorry I've managed to write a bit of an essay 🙈
The Elvie pumps are amazing! I have the original wireless pump, just a single one, and it made breastfeeding so much easier! For the first 6 weeks or so my son struggled to stay latched, he'd keep bobbing on and off, so I pumped to make sure he was getting enough milk. I started with a Tommee Tippee pump, that was loud, kind of painful and kept me tethered to a plug socket. I hated it! So invested in an Elvie and it made such a difference!! The shields are what attach the pump to the breast and create a seal for the suction. They come in different sizes so I'd imagine they've sent you a spare pair in a different size maybe. A good tip for the Elvie pumps is to COLD STERILISE them! If you sterilise them using steam, especially the shields, then it can warp them and the suction will no longer work properly. I found that out the hard way but Elvie kindly sent me a replacement shield for my pump to replace the warped one. I used Milton tablets to sterilise it after that.
In addition to the Elvie pump, I really recommend a Haakaa silicone pump as well. If you attach it to the other breast whilst baby is feeding you can catch a good amount of let down. I'd regularly fill it once my son and I got the hang of breastfeeding. I also recommend breast milk bags for storage. I bought the Lictin ones off Amazon and you get so many so rather than trying to fill each one to the top, I'd fill each with a feeds worth so I could defrost and heat it all up in the bottle warmer rather than faffing trying to only use some and storing the remainder, or worse, just wasting whatever was left in the bag.
You may struggle at first with breastfeeding, I know I did, and everyone I know did as well, but try to push through it because once it clicks for both you and baby girl, it's fantastic and so rewarding! It makes going out and about so much easier as well as you don't have to prepare and carry milk around, you can just whip a boob out! I would echo what other's have said as well and make sure to have plenty of nipple cream to hand (Lansinoh was my favourite), and before you settle down for a feed, make sure to have something to drink and some snacks to hand as well in case it's a long one. I used to have a little basket with a bottle of water, chocolate, nipple cream and breast pads which I'd grab for a feed. And as you have a pump, if the pain gets too much at any point, give your boobs a bit of a rest and let Ash feed baby with some pumped milk. My son was a combination of breast and formula for the first week, and then breast and bottle with pumped milk after that as I started building up stock in the fridge/freezer. Oh! And another tip, in case you are lazy like me during the night but don't want to waste any let down milk, I used to take a cool bag with some ice packs to bed each night so I could store any milk using my Haakaa, then take it downstairs to the fridge/freezer in the morning 😂. And during the harder weeks, I'd have a bag of breast milk in there too that I'd defrost in the bottle warmer in the bedroom if my son was hungry but wouldn't latch.
Looking forward to seeing how your breastfeeding journey goes once baby girl arrives 😊 and also excited to say I'll be soon following you, again, (as my son is just a little younger than George) with my own baby girl in October 😁 xx
We had the Doona and absolutely loved it.
I have seen some criticism of it as a stroller online. But it isn’t a stroller. It’s a car seat with benefits and should be judged on that basis. We used it for all short trips (obvs it’s a car seat so you can’t use it for long stints) and places where a big stroller would have been awkward (cafes, restaurants, shops, doctor’s surgery, hospital, etc.). For off-roading we had a proper buggy (mountain buggy urban jungle). The Doona can’t compete with that, but it isn’t supposed to.
I got away with it indoors in lots of places that make you leave buggies outside (our Drs surgery for example) because it is so dinky. So handy not to have to carry your baby around places like that and to be able to have hands free. When you know you don’t need a proper buggy as you won’t have them in it long, it also means you save all that space for buggy frame and wheels in your car boot.
We used and abused it, taking it absolutely everywhere, and it was still in great condition when we sold it on (when our boy was about 13 months - he was average height and weight). It retained its value very well.
My husband and I still rave about that thing even after we’ve sold it (he’s now 2 and a half). It was by far and away the best piece of kit we bought for baby.
Thank you. Great buys. Wish you all the best with your new born x
My breastfeeding journeys with my two were so different! The first 6wks were really painful for me - but literally over night at 6wk the pain disappeared, and it was fine. So if you can get through the first 6 weeks it really does get better!
My son was breastfed, but had some formula in the hospital and then I pumped from 6wks and I, like you, loved the recording, knowing how much he had etc however downside this also created anxiety - the feeling of not having a "stash" just being one bottle behind, the worry I wasn't producing enough. At 6m we supplemented and at 8m he went to formula full time. I used a Spectra with him and hated the wires!
My daughter totally different - i bought an elvie was excited about pumping. A tip to save money - i bought one side and an Elvie Catch. I always got the same amount from the catch when I was pumping or feeding the other side. Used my Boots Points and saved loads!!
So anyway, with #2 and a toddler to manage, i lost all capacity to worry about anything regarding how many ozs, when the feeds, were how many times...I just stuck her on the boob and had to get on with it.
My daughter is now 13m and a BOOB monster!! She's never taken a bottle, completely refused. So even though this time I had a good supply, made a "stash" she didn't want it 😭 so my toddler drank it instead 😅
My biggest tip, is try not to worry you aren't enough, see your boobs as a tap rather than a jug that fills with milk and can be emptied. I was always worried about being "empty". Your baby sends messages to the brain for your body to produce milk, so as long as you put baby to boob and she can send those messages you should produce enough 😊
Plus use vinted for nursing clothes!!! I've never bought new nursing clothes this time round and have a great capsule nursing wardrobe for super cheap!❤
From experience, combi feed from the get go, my baby took to both just fine and then when my wife went back to work and I was BF all the time, my baby went off the bottle and wouldn’t take it anymore. So keep at it and the first year will be much easier!!
Aw the newborn days… I remember them! My youngest is going to school soon!
Hi Shan!
I am 8 months into my bf journey! I found to begin with my baby didn't know how to latch on correctly - something they have to learn.
I turned to using my hakka for first 5-10 mins to express my let down so baby didn't get soaked / overwhelmed in milk then could focus on feeding without worry that my milk will spray out and soak them.
It took a good 6 weeks before we established the whole latching on thing so I expressed for first 6wks!
I hardly ever pump milk now, I find it so easy to feed on demand - don't have to wash up or sterilise constantly! And it's amazingly easy for night feeds.
Regarding storing milk, just to note don't ever mix fresh pumped milk with chilled milk in the fridge as baby can get sick from bacteria, let it cool in a separate bottle and once cooled you can mix to make up a bottle (incase you add your let down milk together etc to make up a bottle). I would add everything expressed from the day then warm and let my husband feed on the evening.
I used medela pump bottles which come with a lid then heat milk in a tomee tippee milk warmer for 7 minutes.
Also, drink lots of water for your supply! Good luck & hope that helps xxx
One point thats worth mentioning is your milk supply and consistency changes with your baby's needs so the actual volume drunk becomes less of a concern. If you feed on demand they will likely get what they need. Their pattern of feeding will also change with their needs - they may take short frequent feeds during summer to get hyrdation and longer feeds to get the creamy hind milk when they are going through a growth spurt but its different for everyone and every baby. You will work out the pattern together and its a journey well worth taking!
You will NOT regret getting a doona! No 1 purchase for a newborn, especially if you have other children. So quick especially with isofix. You will love it. X
I just had my first baby a few months ago and I was so looking forward to breastfeeding. But following the advice of my midwives wasn’t much help and in fact made some of the issues worse. So I went to see a lactation specialist at my local children’s community center and she was such a huge help! I seriously left there crying happy tears of relief to have finally gotten my baby to latch properly and nurse him to the point of fullness for the first time. I really wish I had gone to see her sooner. So if you find BF difficult at the beginning (and you probably will bc it is 😅), then I strongly recommend meeting with a lactation consultant in person who can help coach you and baby both.
That said, my BF journey still was only able to last about 7 weeks which I was really disappointed about and felt like a complete failure, even though my baby is now 1000x happier on his special formula than he was on breast milk. So definitely give it a solid go-it was a beautiful, exhausting experience that was worth the effort. But also be patient and give yourself the space and grace to figure it out and to change your mind if it comes to that. Xx
Loved our doona ! When you pop the doona up once baby is in it pop it on the floor so legs come out softer it’s much nicer for them & i found it’s easier to put the breaks on to collapse it it just makes it easier ! & the handle has to be touching where your back would go of the seat !
I recommend somewhere for the baby to go that George can’t reach. Been a life saver with our 2yo and newborn! We use the chico 4 in 1 as a Moses basket and for nappy changing and it’s helped loads with her not getting aggressively kissed (and hurt!!) and stops him getting covered in her poop when she explodes!
Storage wise I think breastfeeding and pumping is easier, if i remember right you don’t have to worry about the whole 2hrs once a formula bottle is made up. I’m sure you can keep in the fridge for 24 hours so I used to keep a big bottle/container in the fridge and just keep ripping it up with pumped through the day and then if you want to freeze you can when you have enough, there’s loads of different brands of freezer bags including own brands, don’t go crazy like I did and buy lots because I could never actually pump enough to save much. Different flange fits can help with that but I never went into buying different sizes flanges.
I loved my Elvie stride wish it had been available sooner!
I bought a second hand baby bjorn bouncer with my 1st (she had a few other bouncers) this one was amazing!!!!! She absolutely loved it!!! Used it for ages! Also easy for travelling and popping it in the car
My favorite breastfeeding tool is the Hatch baby scale. It's a wipeable changing pad with a bluetooth scale inside. I got mine secondhand, and it works perfectly. You weigh your baby before and after feedings to determine how much they ate, and it is so helpful in the beginning when you're trying to figure out how much they need, what you should give in a bottle, or if your anxiety is kicking in about them not getting enough. My little one is 9 months, and I still use it every day.
I saw these but i think they were only available in the US when I looked which was annoying.
Congratulations on your pregnancy - I love your content! I am currently breastfeeding my 9 month old. I had a challenging first few weeks but I really wanted to make it work and I'm so pleased I persisted. Hopefully your hospital has a dedicated feeding team - I went back to them after being discharged and they were amazing. They helped me experiment with different feeding postions and gave me the confidence to keep at it. I'd recommend seeing them in the early days if you're struggling. There will be days you want to quit, particularly in the first few weeks but keep at it if you can. It's such a beautiful way to bond with your baby and so convenient once you're on the rhythm. You've got this!
The doona is such a great investment especially with it being your second so much quicker and easier
You should consider making the Doona review as a separate longer video. It would get lots of views! 😉
The bags are good for freezer storage-not sure about that pump but some brands had bags that attached to the pump but otherwise I just used boots own as at the time they were cheaper! Breast milk is fine for 48 hours in fridge, 6 months in freezer and 4 hours out at room temp we were advised hospital 😊 because my baby was tube fed I exclusively pumped for 6 months and the pump you got looks so good, will definitely consider if I go for round 2! X
I so wish I bought the Doona! I hired the Doona when my kiddo was 9 month old, when we we're on holiday, and it was brilliant! If I could rewind time, I would have bought the Doona buggy, then traded that in for a lightweight buggy/stroller once he grew out of it (about 10-12months)... instead I bought the Uppababy Vista pushchair and we used our Ergobaby carrier loads. Our pushchair is great, but isn't lightweight, it was costly and now that hes bigger, a lightweight cheaper buggy would be preferable.
For anyone that's thinking about it!
I remember when I first came across the Doona and I really wanted it. We ended up going for something simple because I struggle with heavy things.
We always see people out and about with a Doona and I remember my husband saying what a stupid pushchair they can’t even use it on this ground. I’ve seen so many people struggle with using it. My husband was talking to another husband and he wasn’t happy because his wife brought it and he was too tall for it. He said it’s the worst purchase she made. I know a couple of people who have it and hate it but then I see people online raving about it. I’d love to know how you get on with it and if it’s worth the money. We have the silver cross motion 360 car seat that last till approximately 12 years and it’s the best thing we got.
Do you know what the discount code was for the baby carrier please, I'm struggling to find it on Cary's socials but I'd love to invest for baby number 2 😊
Breastfeeding is magical and such an amazing thing to do for your baby. We are 17 months in and im 7 months pregnant with number 2 x
Shan you look amazing Where did you get your top from ? thank you x
Aww you’re too kind! This top is from Topshop (asos) but 2 years ago! Xxxx
Baby bjorn is the best bouncer! Mine love love loves it!! After already spending a fortune on an all singing all dancing rocker that he hated this one was his fave!
As for breast feeding try it, have realistic expectations, I did combine feeding for 4 months then baby decided he just didn't want to bother with boob anymore. That was fine and his choice, tried for a further 3 days of him turning his nose up at me and then that journey ended for us! I never produced alot either if I expressed it was like an ounce and I tried all the suppliments, oats, water, frequent feeding, cluster feeding, pumping, skin to skin. He had 4 months is thriving still 😊
As others have said, the more you know about breastfeeding the better. When I was pregnant I literally googled how to breastfeed and looked up the different positions so that I'd be able to try and teach myself.
In terms of breast milk storage, the lansinoh bottles are great cause you can just change the silicone bit on the top and use the same one for storing in the fridge and then feeding. Also the haaka was my absolute best friend. Good luck!❤
Can you tell I’m commenting as you go 😂! Worth checking they’ll let you take newborn home from hospital in your area with the doona. Some don’t as it’s not seen as a very safe car seat when they’re under 10lb because it’s hard to get a good fit as they’re often chin to chest (our hospital don’t accept it as a carseat to take any new born home in) xx
in the uk the hospital generally dont comment on the carseats
Our hospital won’t let you home with that car seat either.
I have (and still) breastfed my daughter for almost 2 years. The first few weeks are HARD as they are constantly feeding and can feel like a lot whilst they establish your supply. Pumping can cause your supply to increase which in my opinion is not a negative thing as your body can regulate supply quite quickly if not using it. I was advised by HCV to not express or not give dummies within the first few weeks and this led to my daughter completely refusing to take a bottle of breastmilk whatsoever and believe me I tried EVERYTHING and that was hard as it meant only I could feed my daughter. I’m pregnant with baby number 2 & plan on breastfeeding again but this time I’m expressing from as soon as my milk comes in. I think their concern for not introducing a bottle early is so they don’t have a preference for the bottle over boob as it’s easier to drink from a bottle so babies can sometimes prefer the ease of getting their milk. Or in case they get “nipple confusion”. I would just research on the stats surrounding this and whether you are happy to risk baby potentially preferring the bottle with expressed milk rather than from the breast. Breastfeeding is so much easier if you have a lot of support/ education around it. I think trusting your mum instincts and if baby seems full and content after a feed, having plenty of wet & full nappies then baby is generally getting enough. I felt very pushed by HCV to “feed from both sides” during a feeding however I had a LOT of milk and so my baby was very satisfied from just 1 side so I think just having the confidence in your mum instinct that you know your baby helps too. Hope this info helps in some way!
I would also say making sure that baby feeds from one side as FULLY as possible first before moving to the next side to try and make sure your breast is as drained as possible to avoid blocked ducts that can lead to mastitis. Hot cloths work wonders and lansinoh nipple cream or some breastmilk on breast pads put into the freezer are a life saver😍
Do you still have the code for the carrier
Doona was the best thing i ever bought! Amazing! ❤
I breastfed my little one since day one and he’s now 15 months. My main tips/ things I wish I’d knew is..
1) don’t be discouraged at your breast milk initially at day 2/3 if your baby seems “underweight”. My health visitor completely scared me into thinking I was under feeding and underproducing after weighing my baby at day 2 and saying he had lost too much weight. In my opinion this was far too soon to weigh him because it got me really down and I ended up doing loads to up my supply which eventually caused oversupply which led to more issues as baby can then have trouble swallowing if you’ve got a fast flow. So my number one piece of advice would be to trust your body!!
2) if you are looking to naturally “up” your supply, I found drinking oat smoothies really increased mine. I’m not sure why as some do argue that what you consume doesn’t actually affect your milk supply.. but for me I found it that drinking oat smoothies increased my supply, and even if it was just a coincidence it can’t hurt to have oat smoothies post partum :)
3) blocked ducts are sooo common and can often lead to mastitis but just keep some “sunflower Lethicin” supplements in the cupboard and take them every time your boobs get sore and you will avoid mastitis! (At least I did, but everyone is different ultimately!)
I never pumped until about 8 weeks after as some say you shouldn’t pump until after six weeks, but again just do what’s best for you as every breastfeeding journey is different. I never froze it but just popped it in the fridge and gave it a shake before giving it to the little one. Don’t be alarmed when it separates in the fridge!
Best of luck with your journey, also be mindful that sometimes it can be equally as hard to get your baby to quit breastfeeding as much as it is starting! This is what I’m currently finding!
Our BF journey saw me going in PPD because of how difficult it was and how stubborn I was to carry on. Word of advise to my future self and any other mamas is if it doesn’t work for you, it’s absolutely fine and doesn’t mean you’re a failure.
I found BF more painful than labour with the cuts I had (baby had a tonge tie) so nipple shields really really helped us.
My son also cluster fed for 6-8 hours at a time in the evenings. He wouldn’t be anywhere else and I thought it was me and my supply. Another pressure put on myself that was unnecessary.
We’re 14 months in and it’s so special still but if it’s not for you or your baby, take comfort you’ve tried and don’t be hard on yourself ❤
I have a two year old boy and a six week old girl :) .I Got the Doona this time around. Amazing for nursery pick ups etc. loving it! I also have the same bouncer and elvie pump. Good choices! Xxx
Just a little tip, I breastfed my daughter as a newborn found it easy but disliked it due to lack of routine and baby stuck to me 24/7. I always planned to combi feeding midwives told me to not give her bottle due to nipple confusion but I still I gave her a bottle too of expressed milk in the first week because I didn’t want her to reject the bottle if I wanted to switch to bottles which I did do, thank god I did because I know a lot of people listen to what the midwives say about Nipple confusion and resist giving baby a bottle and are then stuck with a baby who refuses a bottle and are stuck on the breast which ultimately makes their lives harder in the long run!
Good luck with it xx
Do you have a promo code for the baby carrier? ❤
I breast fed my little one exclusively for 7 weeks and then started pumping, my partner then gave him his bed time feed which gave me time to have a shower and me time! Honestly it was fab! Good luck xx
We have the Donna! We only got a second stroller about 2 months ago and we barely used it. He is 17 months now and he still fits in it i would say we still have 2 months more out of it. Gonna be so sad Donna was the best thing ever! And when we went out for longer we just toke the carrier.
One thing to remember that always gets mistaken for low supply is babies feed a lot! It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk!
Also rule of 6 with milk- 6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer xx
I’m still breastfeeding my 17 month old, breastfeeding for me I felt was made easier by learning as much as I could as knowledge is power! Learning about what a good latch looks like and how to help baby yo latch well was key! There is an amazing video by global health media about breastfeeding attachment which taught me more than any other breastfeeding resource!
Ah your making me want a 3rd baby now! I have a 2.5 Yr old and 6 year old xx
Also I exclusively pumped for 8 months with my first and I was the opposite the thought of formula and making a bottle absolutely terrified me , but I feel like breast pumping was the best for me .
You should get some breast cold/heat pads just to soothe any aches and pains , and breast pads for leaks , and I couldn’t reccomend the tomme tippe nipple cream !! It saves your nipples lives !!❤️
Not sure if you made an update but how did you find the baby carrier in the end? Considering buying it as did not get along with my ergo baby or wrap, just too complicated for me.. x
For me with breastfeeding the best items i bought were a silicone suction breast pump, I'd feed from one boob, collect from the other and then swap over. Id sometimes collect 4/5ounces a feed so never needed an expensive pump...
And the medela nipple shields! I wouldn't have been able to feed my little girl without them in the early days as she was very petite and struggled to latch! The first 6/8weeks are exhausting so be prepared with lots of snacks and water close by all the time 😂 Everyones journey is so different though so you may never need either of these things! Best of luck 🥰
The breast pump I pretty much eat healthy with all this vitamins and minerals, you got this 🙌
Find the number of a local lactation specialist (I can DM you where to find them) NOW so you don’t have to find one in a panic. Breastfeeding can be tough - I had a rule with my husband where he couldn’t let me quit within the first 3 weeks and we’re still feeding 27 months later! For the benefits to them (and you) I believe it’s worth the risk but it definitely isn’t easy.
My top top tip is that is should NEVER hurt (nipples getting used to it/it always hurts the first few days etc is a myth) so if it hurts, get help!
Can you make a nesting video/vlog? Would love to see that 😍🩷
I'd say the more research you do into what's normal, the more likely you will succeed at breastfeeding ☺️ the first 6 weeks are hard but now it's so easy! No baby crying waiting for a bottle, just ready to go at all times 😂
That car seat makes me want to have another baby 😂😂
Like everyone has said 6-8 weeks is the hurdle for breastfeeding. Once you get past this it’s amazing. I personally keep a bottle or two in fridge and then freeze the rest in bags but this is because my husband enjoys giving last bottle before bed and means in early months I could get a little stretch of sleep but then I’m an over producer so this works for us.
With regards to pumping getting the right shield size is key. I loved my elvie but do note they don’t supply the popular sizes for free.
My main advice is that everyone including midwife’s and health visitors will give you advice on breastfeeding and the advice will all be different, so unless you go to a qualified lactation consultant just research loads yourself. There is so much information especially on you tube and groups that will help you understand how it works and then you two will find your grove and not look back.
I’ve just stopped breastfeeding my 10.5 month old. Knowledge is power there’s loads of great videos on TH-cam or free online courses as well.
100% recommend getting a “Hakka” with a lid. You suction it to your breast that you’re not feeding baby on when breastfeeding and it catches the milk that would otherwise leak into your bra. Sometimes it’s a good 2-3 ounce per feed you get by doing nothing. Helpful for building up a freezer stash
I used the elvie stride breast pump and it was a lifesaver in the first few weeks where you just need to stimulate your breasts at least every 2 hours (I used it in the restaurant) however once you have your supply regulated I would suggest getting a medela as I felt the elvie had to be on for at least 40 minutes!!! To get a decent amount whereas the medela does it in half the time! It also was difficult with big breasts so I ended up using the medela all the time! Good luck x
Doona isn’t really recommended as it gives baby really bad position which cause blocking babys airways
she adressed that by saying it won't be for longer than half an hour at a time
@@cloudedcolour5329 it doesn’t matter that is just 30 minutes as within those 30 minutes the babys airways can be completely blocked. I’m not trying to be that annoying person but as someone who is being trained at the moment as a UK car seat safety specialist I had to leave the comment.
@@martyna_2021 then tell the manufacturers that, they already know that information and print it in their manuals, not their fault if parents ignore it
Oh and dont listen to negative comments that breast fed babies dont sleep through the night. Both mine slept through from 10 weeks minus sleep regressions and illness. Breastmilk is so unique, its fat content so different to formula. Eat a good diet, drink water and feed every 2-3 hours in the day for the first 6 months and your baby will get all the calories they need and have full tummies come bedtime. 😊 x
Breastfeeding is really demanding for the first 3/4 months. Have people around you who don’t say “just give a bottle” on hard days and say “what can I do to help make it easier”. Aka house work, help with toddler. Allowing you to feed baby as and when which is needed for the first few months. It’s about mindset really. And buy silverette cups. 1000% worth it. Best baby buy I had. Still feeding 12m old. Good luck ❤
I've breast fed both my babies for 14 months each. It's hard at the beginning but hang on in there, it becomes sooo easy and convenient!
In terms of pumping, remember that what you pump doesn't actually indicate how much milk you produce (pumping doesn't work for everyone).
I used Asda milk bags and also bought some sterile bottles from Amazon to store it in (a lot cheaper in the long run).
Remembering the 666 rule helps with storage, 6 hours on the side, 6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer.
Not sure what downstairs sleeping arrangements are for baby girl but I found having a space the toddler can't get to baby helps, I had a newborn high chair insert and a kinderkraft lovi which let the baby have space away from my toddler xx
Oh and if your breastfeeding buy a breastfeeding pillow! 😂 x
I second a lot of the breastfeeding comments! I didn't get on with pumping and my partner was in charge of cleaning a bottle to feed and never did so I quickly dropped that 😂
- get some nipple cream. Slap it on after every feed. Get a few tubes!
- get a handpump for the engorged boobs, if you have them. I used the madella. I had quite a lot of milk to start with and some nights baby couldn't latch without me pumping out a bit first. A hand pump came in so handy for quick fixes
- try a few different positions and find the right one for you and baby. A free class / some research will give you some ideas to try out
- get a hakka if you want to store milk. You can suction it on the other boob when feeding and you can gather enough for your hub to give baby
- make sure you have a water bottle with you all the time, you will be so thirsty at the start! And have snacks around your feeding spots in the house. I was starving haha
- it's tough to start with, in hospital after the birth make sure you get seen by a feeding specialist / midwife and check your latch and holding positions
- it's sore for a good few weeks but so worth it in the long run ❤
Ive breastfed two children. Knowledge is definitely power ❤ i found it must easier with my second.
My advice would be nipple cream in the early days. Babies tend to fall asleep at the breast so try to keep them awake so they have a full feed by stroking their feet/face and wait until baby breaks the latch themselves.
Educate yourself. Buy a book, watch videos on youtube for advice. And also you will only get sore if baby isnt latching properly. You need to get the latch right, thats my biggest advice.
I didnt pump, for me pumping took away the benefit of breastfeeding which was not having to sterilse and make a bottle. But i did have a manual hand pump for when my boobs were engorged. That first time baby sleeps through you will wake up with engorge full breasts 😂 and a handpump will be quicker and easier to give you some relief ❤ good luck! X
I’d don’t breast feed my first born. Didn’t even try it and I regretted it. This time round with baby number two i want to try it but I’m so so scared!! It grosses me out too. The thought of having a baby sucking on my nipped truly scares and freaks me out. I don’t want to be a coward and not do it again but I’m so scared. Someone please help me with realistic expectations x
Lots of good breastfeeding advice here so not read all comments. But do look up your local breastfeeding support group and get along asap to get prepared. Also please dont overthink wanting to know how much baby is taking. As long as shes gaining weight you can be sure shes geting enough. But be prepared you will have her permanently attached for a good few weeks to start with - learning to feed in a sling will be a lifesaver. Its not just about the feeding, its soo much more, for you and baby. Pumping does not give you a gauge to measure what baby is taking unfortunately, baby takes what they need and you will produce accordingly, although it takes a while for your breasts to settle. Xx
Veteran mum here breast feeding the position of baby is key first of all breast feeding shouldn’t hurt if it does the position is incorrect raise baby to you you don’t lean into baby the rule tummy to mummy ie babies tummy faces your tummy and babies head shouldn’t be turned a different direction to there own tummy just imagine turning your head and drinking a drink you will gulp really uncomfortably imagine your chin on your chest and drinking imagine your head leant and drinking etc it doesn’t work and that’s why babies suck hard you get sore nipples etc positioning is everything you get that right and your winning and to get babie to unlatch from breast slid your pinky finger into the corner of their mouth and they will open their mouth also a good cushion on your lap or on one leg with baby resting on it might help aswell the other things mums forget wherever you plan on feeding at night or during the day set up a sort of breast feeding basket a water bottle book magazine charger lamp that you can dim with your phone a foot stool for your legs nipple cream that is ok for baby to touch rather than one that needs to be washed off a muslin bib a blanket for you incase you get cold tissues snacks and things in convenient packets that you like to eat and a pillow or cushion for you and try to wear comfortable clothing get a flask for night feeds so you can have a ready made hot drink for you people always forget to tell mums stay hydrated whilst feeding if your not drinking properly or eating properly the Baby is getting no nutrition I know it’s easy to try to eat less whilst breastfeeding to lose weight but you can’t breastfeed if your not eating proper meals and breastfeeding helps with naturally losing weight and toning up your tummy so eat and if you can’t eat healthy just eat anything anything is better than nothing stay hydrated and correct positioning don’t get to frustrated or work yourself up into a frenzy because your milk supply milk ducts feel that stress and can affect your flow and if your stressed out baby might struggle to latch and I know this is long but 5 min feeds are a starter 10 minutes your just eating main meal 15 minutes and above full course if you feed baby for under 15 minutes you will have a starving baby your milk gets thicker and more filling the longer you feed so don’t be tempted to do 10 minutes one side 10 minutes the other side it generally doesn’t work now I will say this feed baby on one side and pump the other side will work and then put baby on the opposite breast on the next feed and pump opposite side will mean your feeding baby full meals building up milk storage and your less likely to get mastitis and baby will be more settled more like a bottle fed baby is
Trust your body, the baby will tell your body how much milk to make if you let them suckle as much as possible in the first few weeks!
Also, if you speak to a lactation consultant their knowledge is phenomenal compared with the limited knowledge of midwives and health visitors who are amazing but don’t have such specific breastfeeding knowledge and can give bad advice at times x
The carseat is really poorly tested unfortunately.
For me breastfeeding benefit does not outweight the risk because my husband works in a hospital so I look after baby girl for 14-17 hours a day. I cannot afford to fall asleep with baby on my lap / during breastfeeding due to waking up at night to feed or pump, feeling tired and fed up with baby. Plus breastfeeding babies dont tend to sleep through the night because you never know how much milk they had or had enough to last through the night. If breast milk is so good why need to top it up with vitamin d? I mix fed for the past 8 month and its been the best for my baby for sleep, my husband so he can sleep through the night and for me who had to look after baby for such a long period of time. I hate NHS don't tell you these things because they want you to breastfeed but I think it is a luxury if you have a helper who is living with you to help with cooking, house work and looking after baby
I really agree but also disagree on a lot of these points but ultimately I’m glad you found what works for you.
@@JasmineStrongman but the nhs should tell you all the good and bad side of breastfeeding rather than just encourage it without telling you everything. If you have a husband who works from home, or even working office hours where they sit on a desk and can be contacted at any time then that is less stressful than a husband who works 12 h and cannot be contacted until his 30min lunch break should there be an accident whilst falling asleep.
@@EJH989 I agree better support should be available on the NHS. I’m sorry you didn’t get the support you needed!
Jesse, no wonder your videos last 20+ minutes! You are rambling SO MUCH! when I click on the video about newborn haul I don't want to listen about your kitchen or any other stuff. If you want to make an update on your life, just make a separate video, please!
Storage wise I think breastfeeding and pumping is easier, if i remember right you don’t have to worry about the whole 2hrs once a formula bottle is made up. I’m sure you can keep in the fridge for 24 hours so I used to keep a big bottle/container in the fridge and just keep ripping it up with pumped through the day and then if you want to freeze you can when you have enough, there’s loads of different brands of freezer bags including own brands, don’t go crazy like I did and buy lots because I could never actually pump enough to save much. Different flange fits can help with that but I never went into buying different sizes flanges.
I loved my Elvie stride wish it had been available sooner!