A beginner’s guide to breastfeeding

Latching on, leaky boobs, expressing milk, feeding in public… When you approach breastfeeding as a first-time mum (or even a seasoned mother wanting to avoid the bottle on with your next baby), it can feel like there’s an overwhelming amount to consider. Where do you start?

Firstly, breastfeeding is not for everyone, so if it’s not working for you or your baby, it’s absolutely fine to stick with bottle-feeding. For those who want give breastfeeding a go, it can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby while providing them with all the nutrients they need for the first few months of their lives. Breastmilk and the act of breastfeeding itself also gives a level of protection against certain health conditions for both you and your baby.

At Royce, pregnant and nursing mothers have been part of our story since the very beginning (the NCT was one of our first customers when we started our making maternity bras) so we know a thing or two about women’s real experiences with breastfeeding. As we mark the launch of our brand new bra, the nursing version of Cara (of which the comfort version has been receiving rave reviews), we’ve pulled together some tips for breastfeeding beginners, plus lots of pointers towards expert advice and information.

SHOP CARA NURSING

The early days

We’re led to think that because breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, our bodies and our babies will take to it like a duck to water, but this isn’t always the case. As soon as you’ve given birth, a midwife will encourage you to breastfeed and help you through some techniques to get the baby to ‘latch on’ to your nipple.

However, if it doesn’t happen right there in the delivery room, all is not lost – speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP for advice. The NHS has also published these answers to common questions including how often you should feed, spotting the signs your baby is hungry or full, breastfeeding after a caesarean, and more.

Breastfeeding in public – know your rights

For newbie breastfeeders it can be quite a milestone to reach when you breastfeed in public for the first time. Whether you’re more than happy to whip out a boob as soon as your baby needs a feed, or would rather cover-up under an enormous muslin cloth, you need to know that in the UK it is your legal right to breastfeed in public. Breastfeeding in a public place – which can include parks, public transport, restaurants, shops, cinemas and more – is protected under the Equality Act 2010. No-one has the right to tell you to stop, cover up or leave the premises for simply feeding your baby.

Handy kit – at home or on the move

Babies tend to come with a hefty amount of ‘kit’ (car seat, buggy, nappies, toys, blankets, comforter…). You may be a little reluctant to add anything else, but a few handy accessories can help make breastfeeding a lot easier. We recommend:

A nursing bra collection – Enough to cover a few days’ wear so you’re not washing your only two maternity bras every day. Bras with easy-to-use clips and retainer straps offer easy access for your baby making it fuss-free for both of you – Maisie and Indie are great for allowing more skin-to-skin contact. Your boobs will fluctuate in size, growing as your milk comes in then shrinking after feeding – our Blossom nursing bra is available in triple cup sizing to adapt to your changing body. Larger cup sized mums can now shop for two brilliant new nursing bras – Cara Nursing (G-L cup) or lounge bra Mia (F-JJ cup).

Bra extenders – It’s not just your cup size that fluctuates but your band size too. A pack of bra extenders will adapt your existing maternity bras to fit you throughout your breastfeeding months.

Breast pads – Don’t let leaky boobs catch you out (and it can happen at any time – at night, when you’re in a meeting, when you hear a total stranger’s baby crying…!). We stock these comfy Mama Designs breast pads: double-layered, washable and made of naturally absorbent and antibacterial bamboo, they’re a great sustainable option.

Leakproof knickers – Bladder leaks can be more common after having a baby, and just like leaky boobs can catch you unawares. Browse the NIXI Body range of leakproof knickers on our site, available in high-waisted or hipster styles.

Breast pump – This is essential if you need to leave your baby for a few hours but still want them to have your breastmilk. It’s also handy for relieving the pressure if your breasts are full but you’re not feeding the baby, or for encouraging more milk to come in. The market is flooded with types, from simple hand pumps to top-of-the-range smart pumps – check out the Independent’s nine of the best breast pumps for all budgets.

Other useful information

This is such a huge topic, so here are some useful links to more expert advice and organisations that can guide and support you on your breastfeeding journey (after all, it takes a village to raise a child).

The Breastfeeding Network

NHS – How to breastfeed

La Leche League GB

NCT – Breastfeeding support