Expressing milk and breastfeeding is the one part of your baby’s care that only you can do. Even although it is something you want to do, it is often a long and at times frustrating journey. To help you cope it is important that you have a few people to support you.
The staff caring for your baby should be able to offer plenty of practical advice and support to help you with the demands of expressing milk and breastfeeding. Please ask them if there is anything that you don’t understand about your baby’s feeds or the amount of milk needed for your baby.
Other mothers in the unit can also be a good source of support and new friendship. They understand what you are going through and understand the difficulties you are facing. They may have some tips to try and practical suggestion of ways to cope with the expressing and feeding. Mums often chat and share stories in the expressing room. It is also nice to share successes with each other.
Sometimes a friend who has successfully breastfed their own baby can be a good source of support. They may not have had a baby in the neonatal unit but they will understand that breastfeeding can at times, be difficult.
Don’t forget your GP, Midwife and Health visitor as someone to talk to and someone to discuss any physical or emotional difficulties associated with breastfeeding.
For further help with breastfeeding problems once your baby has been discharged you can attend one of the Lothian Breastfeeding Clinics. For more information visit their webpage here
