Having support early, before your baby’s birth, is important and helps you build confidence. Childbirth can be an overwhelming time and having the knowledge what to expect in the first days and weeks is reassuring. You might have practical questions about how to prepare for feeding and what to buy before the arrival of your baby? What about antenatal expressing? Have you had feeding challenges with a previous baby and do you wish to have a successful start this time?

Feeding a new baby can be a challenging experience for a mum. Having someone who listens to you, provides you with the tips and tricks and helps you read your baby’s body language, is encouraging. Sometimes you just need the reassurance that you’re doing well and your baby’s behaviour is normal. In other situations, difficulties may arise. Don’t wait to get help. The quicker you address a problem, the better the outcome and the more you avoid complications.

Ongoing emotional support and continued care for as long as you need, is important. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, requiring patience, guidance, practice and support. During a follow up visit, we review changes since your last appointment and check how you and your baby are feeling with the previously made plan. Has feeding and settling/sleep improved? Have new questions come up? As babies grow, their feeding needs may also change. Maybe your baby is ready for the first solids?