Frequently Asked Questions
Will breastfeeding make my breasts saggy?
It often comes as a surprise to people when we tell them it is not breastfeeding that affects the shape or size of your breasts but the pregnancy itself. This is because during pregnancy your breasts prepare for lactation, even if you don’t end up breastfeeding and these breast changes can sometimes be permanent. You can help reduce the consequences of this by avoiding excessive weight gain while you are pregnant and wearing a good supportive bra ( remember to get your bra size checked several times during your pregnancy to make sure it is the right size). Unfortunately, hereditary factors can play a part but breastfeeding is definitely not to blame.
I’ve just found out I’m expecting twins, which is a bit of a shock. I’m just getting my head round that but I wanted to breastfeed and can’t imagine how I would manage with 2 babies. Is it possible?
Yes, it is perfectly possible to exclusively breastfeed twins as breastfeeding works on a supply and demand process. You will be shown how to position your babies so you can feed them at the same time or separately and in fact this is often much easier than having to wash, sterilise and make up feeds for two. It may be a good idea for you to attend one of the antenatal workshops so you can talk through any concerns you have. For more information on twins and multiple births visit the TAMBA website.
I’m thinking about breastfeeding but I’m worried that I will have problems because my nipples are very flat, even when I’m cold! Is it worth me trying?
Yes, it’s definitely worth you trying as babies breastfeed not ‘nipple feed’. Be reassured that every woman has different shaped nipples and many women with flat nipples breastfeed very successfully. Your Midwife, Health Visitor and peer supporter will all be able to show you how to position your baby so that he or she is able to take a good mouthful of breast. For some, latching the baby on needs a little time and patience and the baby’s sucking may actually stimulate the nipple and draw it out. Each mother and baby is unique and your baby will get used to feeding from you whatever shape your nipples are. Your midwife will advise you against using teats or nipple shields to avoid confusing your baby. It will be well worth you contacting your peer support team in order to attend an antenatal breastfeeding workshop, where you will be able to find out more information.
I’m 30 weeks pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding. My partner is happy with whatever I decide but I don’t know anyone else who has tried it. I am worried about feeding when I’m out and about and what I will do when I go back to work. Can you help?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! There are lots of benefits for both you and your baby if you breastfeed. Your baby will be less likely to suffer from illnesses like gastroenteritis, middle ear infections, juvenile onset diabetes and obesity. You will reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and regain your pre-pregnancy weight much quicker, particularly if you feed your baby exclusively for six months. Don’t worry about not knowing anyone who has breastfed because there are plenty of people to support and guide you such as your midwife and health visitor and local Children’s Centre. There are also peer support programmes across the region where mums with breastfeeding experience help other mums to successfully breastfeed. They can also help you plan for returning to work. The right support can make all the difference to successful breastfeeding. It can be quite daunting going out and about with a new baby at first as it can take quite a bit of organising. However, if you breastfeed you only need to take yourself, the baby and a nappy changing bag out with you! Go to our section on breastfeeding friendly locations which will highlight various shops and cafes where breastfeeders will be given a warm welcome. It’s lovely that your partner is supportive; it makes such a difference when you have a baby. New babies have so many needs that there will be plenty of ways for him to bond with the baby and help out other than feeding. His support and encouragement will be vital especially in the first few weeks. I hope everything goes well for you both; there is plenty of help available to enable you to be a successful breast feeder. If you would like to know more about your peer support programme contact your local Children’s Centre as they may offer further information sessions that you and your partner could attend whilst you are pregnant.
I have been feeling a bit down so went to see the GP who wants me to start on some medication but he says it means giving up breastfeeding. Whilst I do feel low, breastfeeding has been going really well and I think it would make me feel even worse if I had to give up. Is there any medication that I could take that wouldn’t interfere with breastfeeding?
There are certain drugs that your doctor can prescribe that won’t stop you from breastfeeding. Ask your GP to contact the Breastfeeding Network Helpline either on 08444124665 or BfNDrugline@aol.com There are things you can do to help yourself such as making some time for yourself even if it’s only a soak in the bath and try to get out with friends when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as most people are happy to do what they can. Try and share your thoughts with someone close to you and I’m sure you will begin to feel better very soon.
My baby is 4 weeks old and I am breastfeeding, it has been quite hard but I feel we have both got the hang of it now and it’s getting much easier. I really want to carry on but my partner isn’t keen as he wants us to have sex again and said he doesn’t want the milk going everywhere if he touches me.
Breastfeeding and sex can exist side by side. If your breasts are stimulated then they will probably leak milk, however, if you feed or express just before sex then this will be minimal. You could wear a nursing bra with breast pads if your breasts are full or if you don’t want to wear a bra then you could always put a towel under you to stop the milk seeping. Just see which way works best for you both.
I am breastfeeding and it’s going pretty well. I want to start going out and about but I’m a bit worried about having to breastfeed in public as I’m quite shy. Any tips?
It can seem rather daunting at first and I think when you hear the words ‘in public’ it sounds as though you are going to be naked from the waist upwards with a crowd round you when in fact the reality is by wearing the right clothes and using a scarf or shawl no one even notices what you are doing and it looks as though you are just cuddling your baby.
My partner’s mum is quite opinionated and has a few things to say about me breastfeeding our first baby Jack who is now 10 days old. She thinks he should be on formula as she bottle fed all of her children and as she frequently tells me it hasn’t done them any harm! She says that formula milk is just as good if not better because you know exactly what’s in it and can keep a track of how much the baby is taking. I am enjoying feeding Jack and want to continue especially as there is a family history of eczema and asthma but am not sure how to get my partner’s mum off my back-Help!
It sounds as though you are doing really well with your breastfeeding. It can be hard if those around you aren’t as supportive as you would like. You could tell her about all the research that proves that breastfeeding is good for both you and Jack. I’m sure she will be especially interested in the information on asthma and eczema. That sort of information wouldn’t have been around when she had her children. Perhaps she is wanting to help out and thinks that helping with the feeds is the only way she can- perhaps you could suggest a few things she could do that lets her get involved and tell her it won’t be long before you can express some milk and she can then feed Jack.
My baby is 3 weeks old and for the last few hours seems to want to feed all the time, my mum thinks I can’t satisfy him with my milk alone and he needs to change over to the bottle. I am the first one in the family to give breastfeeding a go and felt Brandon and I were really getting the hang of it until now, it’s really knocked my confidence.
What you are describing sounds like a growth spurt which is perfectly normal at this stage but they only usually last a day or so. He may have other ones at any time although typically at around 6 weeks and 3 months. It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk to satisfy him or that it’s too thin or it’s dwindling, it just means that Brandon is taking in the some extra milk to cater for his growing needs, just relax and go with it and put him to the breast whenever he seems hungry and his feeding pattern will soon settle down again.
I am due back at work when my baby is 6 months old and I want to continue to breastfeed but I’m not sure what work will say if I want to express. What are my rights?
You need to by law let your employee know 28 days before you return to work the date you intend to return and let them know in writing that you intend to breastfeed. Put in link to Breastfeeding and return to work leaflet and H&S info. There are certain considerations your employee needs to make to accommodate your request such as a place to express and store milk other than a toilet! Also you need to have additional time to your normal break time in order for you to express. I am sure your employer will be glad to know that breastfed babies are healthier babies so that means less unplanned time off for you. If you work in a company that has an HR Dept then contact them for support and advice.
The weather is pretty warm at the moment and my mum has said that my baby needs extra water or juice because my breast milk won’t quench his thirst. However, a friend has said that he will be fine just with breast milk; who is right as I’m really confused?
It can be confusing when you are told different things. Your mum is partly right as your baby may get thirsty if the weather is hot , however, your breast milk will be sufficient and no other drinks are needed. At the beginning of the feed, your milk will be more watery and be very thirst quenching and you may find your baby wants to feed more frequently which is perfectly normal.
