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Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Support
Becoming a mum for the first or the last time can be the most wonderful, life changing experience but it doesn't come without its challenges, heartache and questions. Early bonding with your baby and adequate professional and family support are vital for helping you to enjoy a long, successful and happy breastfeeding journey with your baby. Whilst breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't always come naturally and this can be due to many reasons.
Having breastfed both my children through repeated blocked ducts, mastitis, tongue tie's, illness and cluster feeding I know the experience isn't always easy. I have completed extensive training with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) and can offer support and guidance to help you achieve your feeding goals, whilst offering a friendly, supportive and empathetic ear!
I am trained in paediatric osteopathy with knowledge of infant development, anatomy and cranial treatment.
Breastfeeding support group
We welcome you and your baby to the clinic every week for a friendly, supportive mother to mother breastfeeding support group. The group is facilitated by Katharine who is a registered Osteopath and trained breastfeeding peer supporter with the association of breastfeeding mothers (ABM). She breastfed her two children each for over two years despite many set backs. Please call the clinic on 07709 234559 to find out when the next available breastfeeding support group is taking place. This is a free service and available for all. There is free onsite parking. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on this journey.
Useful places to seek support
National Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 100 0212
(9.30am – 9.30pm).
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The ABM (The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) Breastfeeding Helpline number is 0300 330 5453 (9.30am -10.30pm). Our volunteers are happy to talk to mums, partners, families – anyone who has a question or concern about breastfeeding.
Both helplines are open every day of the year.
Breastfeeding.Support
Breastfeeding.Support is an evidence-based website sharing helpful breastfeeding resources and promoting good breastfeeding practice. Started by a UK International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Why is breastfeeding important?
If your partner is breastfeeding your baby – or planning to – that’s fantastic because breastmilk has so many benefits for babies. For instance, breastmilk can help to reduce the risk of your baby getting infections and diseases. It also contains hormones that help your baby’s development.
Overall, breastfeeding will have a positive impact on your baby’s health. What’s more, it can influence their health as an adult too.
What do I need to know about breastfeeding? (NCT support)
You might find it helpful to know how breastfeeding works and what normal behaviour is for breastfed babies. Here are a few quick and handy facts:
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Babies are happier if they’re fed as soon as they show signs of being hungry.
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Babies usually feed frequently (anything from eight to 12 times or more in 24 hours) in the early weeks, especially during the evenings.
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Some babies are slow feeders at first, but they get quicker as they get older.
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The more a baby feeds, the more milk their mum makes because it’s the removal of milk that drives the production of it.
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The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least your baby’s first six months. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for toddlers because it gives them a health boost every time they feed. So your partner can breastfeed your baby for as long as they both want to.
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Nipple soreness or pain during feeding might be a sign that a baby needs some adjustment to their attachment at the breast. If there is soreness or pain when breastfeeding, talking to a healthcare professional or breastfeeding counsellor can help.
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Women enjoy feeding more when they are comfortable and relaxed.
How your partner can support breastfeeding (NHS support)
Getting support from a partner can be very helpful when you're breastfeeding.
Practical ways partners can help with breastfeeding include:
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going to antenatal or breastfeeding sessions – some sessions are organised especially for partners – ask your midwife or at a local Children's Centre for details
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giving emotional and practical support – praising and encouraging someone who is breastfeeding can help to build their confidence
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arranging paternity leave – talk to your employer about paternity leave early on, so you can plan leave that suits your family's needs
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making life easier – for example, bring your partner dinner if the baby wants to feed at the same time, or bring them a cup of tea and a magazine while they're feeding the baby, or perhaps arrange for family or friends to keep your partner company while you're at work
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doing your bit around the home – so your partner can focus on caring for the baby and getting breastfeeding off to a good start
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providing some stress relief – if you have young children, take the stress away from your partner by keeping them entertained when the baby is feeding
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getting involved in your baby's care – bathing your baby, changing nappies and helping at bedtime are great ways to get close to your baby
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giving your baby a bottle of breast milk – once your partner feels happy and confident with breastfeeding, they may choose to begin expressing breast milk – you could give your baby a bottle of breast milk.