Mum to Be...

[Gee_Stamp]

Hi everyone! I am 31 weeks pregnant with my first baby, I am a new young mum and I'm wanting to know a little bit about breast feeding and what are the advantages and disadvantages of breast feeding? I obviously want the best for my new born son when he is here, but being so young I daily check social media and the hate towards breast feeding in public honestly has me a little scared, surely me feeding my child and wanting the best for my son shouldn't be a problem... Any advise would be very appreciated, Thanks Georgia x

[roxannacar]

Can I ask where you live? If you are uk based ... I don't think public breastfeeding is an issue. I've been doing it for the past 11 months and never have I had a comment or anything like that.

Breastfeeding can be difficult at first but rewarding, and once you and baby get the hang of it, it is so much easier. Not prepping of bottles, can go out without thinking twice of how many bottles you need to take, and how long you can keep them etc etc. Also the cost is obviously an advantage.

If you want someone else to help,you with feeding, you can always express and have someone else give the bottle. I'd avoid mixed feeding to start off with (formula and breast) until you have a good supply as it can decrease your supply.

Have you asked your midwife about a breast feeding course? Might be a good idea. I think if you want to try to it tho, give it a go see how you get on, give it a fair chance, but if it's not for you you can always switch. If you go bottle straight away you won't be able to swap tho

[fairywomble in reply to roxannacar]

I agree with everything that Roxannacar has said. I have never been questioned about feeding in public.

Breast feeding is not only the best for your baby but is also great for you as a mum once you get the hang of it. As Roxanna said you never have to think about if you've got enough bottles ready for a trip out or if everything is sterilised properly. And in the middle of the night you don't have to get out of bed to make up a bottle you can just feed your baby as soon as they need it.

Good luck. And we'll done for thinking it all through so well xx

[peapodpea]

I breastfeed both my children for over a year, one in the U.S. and one in the U.K., and I never got any negative comments... only the occasional positive one! I don't think it's really that controversial.

Breastfeeding can be hard. Personally with both my children it hurt for the first few weeks. But once that went away, it was a lot easier and cheaper than faffing about with bottles! It's one of those things where the initial work really pays off later.

You might try looking for your local La Leche League group, they are invaluable if you run into difficulties (or even if not!) and many of them have a FB group as well : laleche.org.uk/find-lll-sup...

And another random thing, there's a FB group called "Can I breastfeed in it? UK" for finding clothes that are good for breastfeeding in :).

[NewMama26 in reply to peapodpea]

Ha thanks for sharing that tip about the fb group, thats helps me too!!

[Tractorgirl11]

I've breastfed for 6 months and I've fed everywhere and have had no bad responses! The first time a fed out and about I was nervous but when no one paid any attention I realised there was nothing to be worried about. I would recommend being confident doing it in your own home before doing it out and about though.

[Juliasss]

I am also going to be a new mum however I won't be breastfeeding in public. I have no personal issues with it but that is my choice. I think either way you have to do what feels right for you. Not all women can breastfeed but should not be made to feel ashamed of this. Don't forget that most research that has been carried out on breastfeeding linked with intelligence was carried out on well educated women from good backgrounds as statistically they are more likely to which means that will rub off on the child x

[NewMama26]

Hi,

I am also a breastfeeding mommy (baby is 3,5 months now) i dont know where you are from but i really havent noticed any hatred or stares or people being uncomfortable feeding my baby in public. And i have fed everywhere from in the middle of a shopping center to in a restaurant at the table. There are also a lot of places where they have breastfeeding rooms although i usually dont bother going into and just feed the baby where ever there is a seat to sit down on haha.

Breastfeeding is best for your baby and gives them the best start at life. Breastfed babies have a lower rist for diabetes,sids and are generally healthier because they get all your antibodies. So if you can breastfeed your baby go for it!

You really shouldnt worry about what people think breastfeeding your baby its the most natural thing in the world! Your babys health and happiness is worth much more

Plus i love breastfeeding it makes me feel close to my baby everytime and when i really need to be away from my baby i can just pump in the morning or evening after a feed and store it in the fridge for baby daddy to give to the babu when i am not there.

For me a big plus, i dont have to get up make a bottle in the night i just roll over (i have a co sleeper) and feed baby he falls a sleep and so can i!

[SC94]

Most places have posters up now saying breastfeeding is welcome here. Either way it's your right to do it where ever and whenever you want it's your baby's food at the end of day. Screw anyone who says or does anything to make you feel insecure about it. I had my first when I was 18 and I tried breastfeeding for me I hated it but that just my opinion and I felt better bottle feeding everyone is entitled to decide for themselves of they want to breastfeed or not and if you choose to breastfeed then you should do it whereve4 yo6 want just take a blanket cover yourself up if makes you feel more comfortable. Hope this helps.

[lucyrlh]

I'm only 10 weeks pregnant and am hoping to breastfeed. I'm scared of people's reactions too as I'm quite shy and don't know what I would do if someone said something. Luckily I have 2 family friends that have recently breastfed so will be going to them for advice but I am definitely scared about being asked to stop or move etc.

I've read the news stories too and they're awful.

[spoonierunning in reply to lucyrlh]

If you are in the U.K. You legally can't be told to move or stop if feeding in a public place unless there is a health and safety issue, eg sitting in front of a fire exit.

[Lux777]

There are some breast feeding support groups you can join on Facebook.

Have a search, it won't allow me to post a link here.

Look for your local La Leche League they should also be on Facebook.

laleche.org.uk/ has lots of info and lalecheleague.org here you can download (some) free leaflets

And unfollow whoever is posting the negative stuff about breast feeding on your news feed!

[CaitrionaB]

Hi there!

I am a new first time mum too and have been breastfeeding my little one the last 10 weeks.

Agree with most of the comments from the ladies already. Despite the media portrayal and negative stories about bf, I have never experienced this or known any friends that have either. I think as long as you are discrete, it's absolutely fine. I have fed everywhere from cafes to trains, and always have my breastfeeding cover with me. Mothercare do a great one, some of the eBay ones were a bit scant on material but this one is modest and lightweight, you can also peek in and check baby- its called Baby B.

Breastfeeding is definitely a learned skill, and doesn't come easy to everyone. I definitely found it hard and took me weeks to master, both you and baby are learning. Its great to take a class before you start, and in hospital the midwives will show you just don't be afraid to keep asking for help if struggling. There are lots of breastfeeding support groups out there too, having practical help and support is really helpful. My little one was premature and jaundice, as well as tongue tie and with support I got through all these issues and he had tongue tie snip which massively helped and now breast feeding is so much easier. So seeking help early if problems is my top tip!

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives, bond with baby is amazing, no bottles to make up, health benefits to baby, cheap and once you get the hang of it can feed anywhere and travelling abroad definitely easier too!

Negatives I would only say is that you are feeding a LOT in the early days, 1-2 hourly is pretty normal including overnight which can be really tiring. Try and express so you can have help at all, it can feel like you are doing all the feeds naturally and that can be stressful especially if up a lot at night.

But my little one is now a sturdy 11 pounds from his birth weight of 5 pounds and it's amazing feeling thinking my milk just did that!!

Best of luck with breastfeeding, it really is a wonderful feeling.

Cat xx

[Pearl2]

Am also not comfortable about breastfeading and am 25weeks pregnant also a new momy to be. Am just scard i dnt know why is it normall or is just the fear I have thanks in advance for your advices .

[Gee_Stamp]

Thank you everyone for your amazing advice, its really helped and is extremely appreciated! x

[ANASTASIA10]

Breastfeeding has all the nutrients from Mum.

Much better than making it up from a powder.

It keeps the baby well and is richer.

Breast feeding in public l would just get a big Shawl and cover up when feeding the baby or express it in bottles when your out.

[Hidden]

I had the thoughts of I will at least give it a good go, I personally think the colostrum is the most important thing and with my prem daughter I took her every drop I could get to give her every chance possible - I hand expressed on that occasion but with my first just went with the we gotta at least try this it turned out I didn't have v good quality nourishing breast milk but I did 5 weeks exclusive I was very happy with, and 2 weeks for the next child but she was big and hungry 😋! I wasn't producing the right stuff so switched to bottles no problem these babies are now strapping teenagers - if your worried about public and exposure take a muslin and drape 😉

[Roni1304]

Breastfeedings amazing. Myself I felt very uncomfortable doing it in public and I could only go to certain places. I wish I did it for longer.

It hurts to begin with, but power through it. you get a special bond with your child that if you stop you'll miss. you can't begin to explain it.

The best part about Breastfeeding is it's benefit to your baby. if you get Ill or baby does, your body creates the antibodies to heal both you and baby and it goes through the breastmilk. amazing! it also helps your baby's immune system get stronger.

Xxx