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Becoming a new mum is one of life’s most exciting and overwhelming journeys. Deciding how you will feed your baby can be a hard decision. You’ll only really know the right choice for your family when baby arrives. Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming too at first – whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. It’s important to remember that there’s no one “right” way to feed your baby.
Every mum’s feeding journey is unique, and while it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to get it "right," the truth is that the most important thing is that your baby is nourished, and that you feel supported. No matter what path you choose, it’s okay to feel uncertain at times, and it’s okay to change your mind as you go.
In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience, we’ll explore the highs and lows of infant feeding, offer practical tips, and help you navigate the feeding options in a way that feels right for you and your baby.
As a new mum, breastfeeding can feel like both a beautiful bonding experience and a steep learning curve. It’s one of those things that is often romanticised—think perfect bonding moments and serene feeds—but in reality, it can be a mix of emotional highs and physical challenges.
There’s something magical about those quiet moments when your baby is nestled close to you, feeding. For many mums, breastfeeding is a deeply emotional connection that strengthens the bond with their little one. The skin-to-skin contact and the nurturing act of feeding can feel incredibly rewarding.
Breast milk is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that are specifically designed for your baby’s development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as it provides the best start to your baby’s health and immune system.
With breastfeeding, there’s no need to prepare bottles or buy formula—it’s always on hand, at the right temperature. This can make late-night feeds a little easier, even if the exhaustion can sometimes feel overwhelming.
For many new mums, the early days of breastfeeding can be painful. The process of getting the baby to latch properly can take time, and sore, cracked nipples are common if baby isn’t positioned or attached well at the breast.
Sore nipples is the most common reason women give up breastfeeding. But we are told that Breastfeeding should not be painful. What generally is happening here is if baby only take a shallow mouthful and sucks the nipple rather than taking a good mouthful of the breast, then their tongue or roof of the mouth may rub on the nipple.
I also recall using Lansinoh Lanolin cream most days and it soon became my best friend, providing instant relief and being able to use it whilst feeding was a bonus.
If you are struggling with breastfeeding it is important to seek breastfeeding support as soon as you start to notice a problem. This can be from your Midwife before you leave the hospital and during the early days at home, from a Health Visitor or from a breastfeeding counsellor. They can watch you while you feed your baby and check your baby is positioned well and feeding effectively. They can also help identify if there are any other underlying issues such as tongue tie, flat or inverted nipples, engorgement, thrush, mastitis, nipple vasospasm.
Close: Baby should be held close to the mother’s body, encouraging a deep latch
Head Free: Baby’s head should be free to tilt back, allowing the chin to touch the breast first
In Line: Baby’s head, shoulders and body should be in a straight line, which helps with swallowing
Nose to Nipple: Aiming the nipple up baby’s nose to encourage a wide mouth
Sustainable: Mum needs to be comfortable and well-supported during the feed, ensuring the position can be maintained
It’s normal to question whether your baby is getting enough milk, especially in the first few weeks and months. Babies can cluster-feed, which can feel like you’re nursing constantly. And the fear of not producing enough milk can be overwhelming.
TIP #2: Signs baby is getting enough milk [www.nhs.uk]
It can be hard to tell if disposable nappies are wet. To get an idea, take an unused nappy and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water. This will give you an idea of what to look and feel for.
Let’s be honest—sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of being a new mum. Babies often feed throughout the night, and this can take a toll on your mental and physical health. The lack of sleep can make everything feel harder, including breastfeeding.
TIP #3: Prioritise Rest
Nap when baby naps and try to carve out 10/15 minutes daily for something just for you.
For many new mums, breastfeeding is an incredible way to nurture your baby, but it also comes with its challenges. Some mums find the first few weeks to be the hardest as they adjust to their baby’s feeding patterns, and as their bodies get used to the demands of breastfeeding.
Tip #4: Don’t Rush the Process
Every baby and mum are different, and breastfeeding is a learning experience for both. It might not feel easy at first, and that’s okay. If it feels tough, know that you’re not alone. A lot of mums struggle in the beginning, and it’s important to reach out for help when you need it. Lactation consultants are an incredible resource, and they can help you with everything from latch issues to milk supply concerns. Your Health Visitor is also on hand to help you and also look out for local breastfeeding support groups they can be a game changer in terms of your breastfeeding journey.
Tip #5: Take Care of Yourself
Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally tiring, especially in those early weeks when everything feels new. Stay hydrated, eat nourishing meals, and prioritise rest. You matter too!
Some mums choose to express breast milk and bottle-feed the whole-time feeding baby or they choose to do this occasionally. This can provide a bit more flexibility in terms of who can feed baby and when. For me, this was a huge relief when I was breastfeeding my first baby. I found that pumping and storing milk gave me a little more freedom, especially when I needed a break or had an appointment or if I was feeling uncomfortable feeding in public in the earlier months.
If your baby is willing to take a bottle, expressing milk and bottle-feeding allows others to pitch in with feeding. This gives you a chance to take a break or get some sleep.
Bottle-feeding can provide a sense of reassurance, especially for first-time mums, as you can see exactly how much your baby has eaten. This can ease any worries about whether they’re getting enough milk.
Building up a stash of milk takes time, and pumping itself can feel like a job in itself. It’s also not always easy to keep a good supply of milk for storage.
Storing breast milk safely requires careful attention. There are guidelines on how long milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer, and proper cleaning and sterilization of bottles and pumps are essential.
Tip #6: Be Patient with the Pumping Process
Pumping may not feel as straightforward as breastfeeding at first, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a lot of milk right away. Your body needs time to adjust to expressing milk, and it can take some trial and error to find the right routine.
Try to find a comfortable and relaxing time of the day. I also use to have some of my baby’s things nearby; a vest or baby grow, to smell their scent to help activate the oxytocin and the milk to flow.
You can express milk by hand (ask your Midwife to show you how before you leave the hospital or look up videos by Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative – Hand expression) or with a breast pump. Choosing a breast pump can feel like a mind field – which one is going to be the best for you and your baby. There are lots of different options available to suit different budgets, lifestyles and comfort levels. There are ones controlled by hand and wire free, double or single controlled by a button on a rechargeable hand control to completely hands free in bra pump for ultimate freedom and discreet pumping.
TIP #7: Choosing the Right Breast Pump
When it comes to choosing your breast pump, I recommend first considering your lifestyle, when and where you’ll be pumping is a great place to start.
Formula feeding is often a necessity for many families, whether due to low milk supply, a preference for flexibility, or returning to work. Formula has come a long way, and today’s formulas provide excellent nutrition for growing babies. If you choose formula feeding for most healthy, full-term babies, any first infant formula (also called stage 1 milk) is suitable for the first 12 months. All first infant formula sold in the UK must meet the same nutritional standards. So, there shouldn’t be any differences from brand to brand. If you have any concerns about your baby’s feeding, always consult a Midwife, Health Visitor for personalised advice.
Formula feeding allows flexibility for other caregivers to help with feeding, and you can see exactly how much your baby is eating.
If breastfeeding isn’t going as planned, formula can provide peace of mind that your baby is still receiving adequate nutrition.
Formula can be expensive, especially if you’re formula-feeding full-time. The time associated with the preparation for each feed.
Babies may experience more gas, constipation, or other digestive issues compared to breastfed babies. Some babies may have sensitivities or allergies to ingredients in formula, requiring a change in formula.
Some mums feel guilty when they cannot breastfeed or when they choose formula feeding, but it’s essential to remember that ‘fed is best’. Every mum’s journey is different, and there’s no “perfect” choice.
Tip #8: Have a couple of different brands of bottles and teats ready when baby arrives, just in case.
Tip #9: Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
One thing I’ve learned through my own experience and talking to other mums is that the journey doesn’t always go as planned. What works for one mum and baby may not work for another, and that’s completely okay. Your baby needs you to be happy, healthy, and at your best, so take comfort in knowing that whatever feeding method works for you and your family is the right one.
Tip #10: Responsive Feeding (Breast or Bottle)
Responsive feeding also known as feeding on demand, is a method that involves offering the breast or bottle to baby when they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a rigid feeding schedule. It focuses on baby’s hunger cues, allowing them to control the pace and amount of feeding, promoting a strong bond between parent and child, and reducing the risk of over feeding.
This was a game changer for me personally when my second baby arrived. Learning and understanding my baby’s hunger cues, when she was hungry at the earliest point made my feeding journey much calmer, there was less crying from baby and I was more confident.
Look for the early hunger cues, they can be very subtle:
As the movements from baby get bigger for example moving their arms or bringing their hand up to their mouth, you soon learn they are becoming hungrier.
Late feeding cues include:
What you can do at this point; try to calm baby first to avoid baby taking in lots of air and having a poorly belly later.
No matter which method of feeding you choose, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. There are countless resources and support systems available to help you on your journey:
Feeding your baby is a personal and evolving journey. There are no right or wrong choices—just what works best for you and your family. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding breast milk, or using formula, your baby is lucky to have you. Don’t feel pressured to make the “perfect” choice; just choose what feels right for you, and be open to adjusting as needed.
And remember, the highs and lows are all part of the experience. Every step you take is a step forward in your journey as a mum, and no matter how you choose to feed your baby, you’re doing an incredible job!
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