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Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition in which the thin piece of skin under a baby’s tongue (the frenulum) is shorter than normal, meaning it may restrict the movement of the tongue. This can sometimes make it harder for a baby to breastfeed (and sometimes bottle feed). If you suspect that your baby may have a tongue tie, this should be assessed by a trained healthcare professional such as a GP, midwife, health visitor or lactation consultant.

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Tongue tie can sometimes impact on a baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively. It can mean that a baby may not be able to move their tongue fully up and down or side-to-side or they might not be able to stick their tongue out beyond their lower lip. If tongue tie does interfere with a baby’s ability to latch and suckle at the breast it can cause:

* nipple pain and trauma for mum

* poor breast milk intake leading to poor weight gain

* a possible decrease in milk supply over time.

* Fussy, gassy baby due to poor latch and baby swallowing air when feeding

* More chance of engorgement and possible mastitis due to the breasts not being emptied effectively at each feed

Sometimes, babies who have a tongue tie have no problems at all with feeding. They may still be able to go onto the breast and feed effectively – so not every case of tongue tie needs treatment and assessment by a trained health professional and someone trained in infant feeding is vital.

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Key Points for Assessing Successful Breastfeeding:

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Key Points for Assessing Successful Breastfeeding:

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1. Good latch: Your baby has a large mouthful of breast, with their chin firmly touching your breast, and their mouth wide open.
2. Proper positioning: You should see more dark skin above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip when they latch.
3. Comfortable feeding: Breastfeeding should not be painful, although the first few sucks may feel strong.
4. Nipple appearance: There should be no change in the shape or color of your nipple after feeds, such as a lipstick shape or lines across the nipple.
5. Rounded cheeks: Your baby's cheeks stay rounded during sucking.
6. Effective swallowing: Your baby rhythmically takes long sucks and swallows, with occasional pauses. You can hear and see your baby swallowing milk.
7. Natural ending: Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on their own.
8. Soiled nappies: Your baby produces regular soaked/heavy nappies. Bowel movements (poo) should be soft and yellow from day 4/5, with at least two or more dirty nappies a day, and the size of the poos should be at least as large as a £2 coin.
9. Changing patterns: Around 6 weeks, the amount of poo may vary from day to day, often with larger amounts. You will become familiar with your baby's individual pattern over time.

These indicators help assess successful breastfeeding and ensure your baby is receiving enough milk for their growth and well-being.

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Breastfeeding practices can vary across different cultures and communities. In some cultural settings, breastfeeding may be widely embraced and considered the norm. This may influence your decision to breastfeed, as you may find support and encouragement within your community.

Conversely, in certain communities, breastfeeding may be less common, leading some mothers to choose not to breastfeed or find it challenging due to limited cultural acceptance or support. However, it's important to note that there are breastfeeding support groups available in most places in the UK. These groups create a social environment where breastfeeding is considered normal and provide practical and emotional support to help you continue your breastfeeding journey.

Connecting with a breastfeeding support group can offer valuable guidance, reassurance, and a sense of belonging. These groups enable you to interact with other breastfeeding mothers who share similar experiences, allowing you to gain practical knowledge and emotional support that can empower you to overcome any challenges you may encounter.

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MYTH: You should leave babies to settle alone so that they learn to be independent.

REALITY: When babies are routinely left alone, they may feel abandoned and become more clingy and insecure when their parents return.

Contrary to the myth, leaving babies to settle alone as a way to promote independence can have the opposite effect. Babies rely on their caregivers for emotional support and reassurance. When routinely left alone, they may perceive it as being abandoned, which can lead to increased clinginess and insecurity when their parents return.

Babies thrive when they feel safe and connected to their caregivers. Providing them with responsive attention and comfort nurtures their sense of security and promotes healthy attachment. This emotional connection fosters a foundation of trust, which allows babies to explore and develop independence at their own pace. By meeting their needs for closeness and comfort, parents lay the groundwork for their child's growing sense of security and self-assurance.

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Newborn babies have a profound need for closeness with their parents, as it fosters a sense of security and love. When babies feel secure, their bodies release oxytocin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in their development. Oxytocin acts as a nourishing element for their growing brains, contributing to their overall happiness as infants and their confidence as they grow into children and adults. Engaging in activities like holding, smiling, and talking to your baby also triggers the release of oxytocin in you, promoting feelings of calmness and happiness.

Close physical proximity to parents is vital for newborn babies as it fulfills their profound need for security and affection. This closeness fosters a sense of being loved and protected, laying a strong foundation for their emotional well-being and overall development.

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Throughout pregnancy, your baby's brain undergoes rapid growth and development. You can actively support this process by dedicating time to relax and communicate with your baby. Engage in gentle strokes on your bump, play soothing music, and have conversations to establish a connection. Encouraging close family members to participate in these activities can also contribute to your baby's brain development. Additionally, talking, reading, stroking, and playing music are effective ways to enhance your baby's cognitive growth and stimulate their developing brain.

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As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, it's never too early to start preparing for the precious bond of breastfeeding. Here are a few tips to help you embrace this incredible journey during your pregnancy:

1) Educate Yourself: Seek out reputable sources, attend antenatal classes, and connect with lactation consultants or experienced mums to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, different feeding positions, and proper latch techniques. Knowledge is power!

2) Establish a Support Network: Surround yourself with a supportive circle of family, friends, and fellow moms who can provide encouragement and guidance along the way. Their understanding and empathy can make a world of difference.

3) Take Care of Yourself: Nourish your body with a healthy, well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle exercises suitable for pregnancy. Prioritising your own well-being helps ensure a healthy breastfeeding journey.

4) Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about your desire to breastfeed. They can address any concerns, offer advice, and provide tailored recommendations to support your breastfeeding goals.

5) Invest in Comfort: Consider purchasing nursing bras, breast pads, and a comfortable breastfeeding pillow to enhance your comfort during nursing sessions. Creating a cozy and relaxed environment contributes to a positive breastfeeding experience.

6) Explore Pumping and Storage Options: Familiarise yourself with breast pump options and milk storage guidelines. Having a basic understanding of expressing and storing breast milk can be helpful, especially if you plan to return to work or need some flexibility.

Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's normal to face challenges along the way. Stay patient, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to seek professional support when needed. You're embarking on a magical chapter filled with love, nourishment, and connection. You've got this, mama! 🌟

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Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them.

Step 2: Find a comfortable space where you can relax, stay warm, and have privacy. Breast milk tends to flow better under these conditions. Expressing after a shower or bath can be particularly beneficial for expressing.

Step 3: Massage your breasts using kneading, circular, and stroking movements, starting from the back of the breast towards the nipple.

Step 4: Locate the correct spot to apply pressure using your thumb and index finger. This is usually about 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple.

Step 5: With your thumb and the rest of your fingers forming a C shape, press back into the breast, gently squeezing for a few seconds, and then release. Make sure your fingers do not touch the nipple; they should work on the outside of the areola. Apply firm pressure without causing pain. Repeat this squeezing and releasing motion to mimic a baby's sucking action. Avoid sliding your fingers over the skin.

Step 6: If any beads of breast milk form, collect them using the sterile syringe provided. For heavier flow, express into a sterile container and then transfer it to a sterile syringe.

Step 7: Change the angle of your hand while holding the breast in the C position and repeat the process.

Step 8: Repeat the entire process on the other breast.

Step 9: Once you have finished expressing, place a cap on the syringe.

Step 10: Label your syringe/container with the provided stickers and store them in the box. Refrigerate or freeze your breast milk.

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Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting refers to the practice of collecting the first milk produced by a mother, called colostrum, during pregnancy and storing it for future use if needed. Colostrum is considered to be the optimal nutrition for newborns. This is because colostrum is rich in antibodies, which help to provide the newborn with a strong immunity and helps to protect them from various diseases.

Collecting colostrum from 36 weeks of pregnancy is done through hand expressing, a simple technique where the mother manually stimulates her breasts to express the colostrum. This can easily be done at home. It is advised to consult with your midwife or doctor before starting colostrum harvesting.

Storing the colostrum for future use can help to ensure that no matter what your baby will receive the optimal nutrition, even in case of difficulties with breastfeeding or if the mother is unable to produce enough milk. It provides peace of mind for the mother, encourages early initiation of breastfeeding, and lays the foundation for a strong and healthy future.

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Benefits of storing colostrum in pregnancy 

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Benefits of storing colostrum in pregnancy 

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Here are some potential benefits associated with antenatal colostrum harvesting:

1. Early breastfeeding support: Antenatal colostrum harvesting allows pregnant women to collect and store colostrum in advance. This can be particularly helpful for women who anticipate difficulties with breastfeeding after birth, such as those with medical conditions or who have had previous breastfeeding challenges. Having colostrum available can provide early feeding support for the newborn.

2. Premature or low birth weight babies: Premature infants or babies with low birth weight may require additional nutritional support. Antenatal colostrum harvesting can help ensure a readily available supply of colostrum for these babies, as their mothers may have a delayed or insufficient milk supply initially.

3. Maternal health conditions: Some women with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, may have a higher risk of breastfeeding challenges. Antenatal colostrum harvesting can help these women ensure that their babies receive the beneficial properties of colostrum even if breastfeeding difficulties arise.

4. Medical interventions or separations: In situations where the baby may need to be temporarily separated from the mother after birth due to medical interventions or complications, having stored colostrum can ensure that the baby still receives the important nutrients and immune factors.

5. Confidence and preparedness: Antenatal colostrum harvesting can provide expectant mothers with a sense of confidence and preparedness for breastfeeding. It allows them to learn about the process of milk expression and storage, potentially reducing anxiety or concerns about breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional or lactation specialist to discuss the suitability and safety of antenatal colostrum harvesting based on individual circumstances and medical history.

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Breast milk offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Here are some key advantages:

1. Complete Nutrition: Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies, tailored to the baby's specific needs, promoting optimal growth and development.

2. Immune System Boost: Breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes, and white blood cells that help protect the baby against infections, reducing the risk of illnesses like respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.

3. Digestive Health: Breast milk is easily digestible, reducing the likelihood of digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea. It also contains beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome.

4. Cognitive Development: Breast milk is rich in essential fatty acids, such as DHA, which are crucial for brain development and may contribute to improved cognitive abilities later in life.

5. Allergy Prevention: Breastfeeding can help lower the risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema in infants, as breast milk provides natural immune protection and reduces exposure to potential allergens.

6. Bonding and Emotional Well-being: The physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding foster a strong emotional bond between the mother and baby, promoting feelings of security, comfort, and overall emotional well-being.

7. Long-term Health Benefits: Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions in both the baby and the mother, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

It's important to note that while breastfeeding offers numerous advantages, individual circumstances may vary, and it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best feeding choice for each mother and baby.

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If the tongue tie is causing problems, it can be treated with tongue tie division, which involves cutting the short, tight piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This must be done by a trained healthcare professional.

After having a tongue tie divided some mums find things get easier quite quickly and others find it can take a while to improve. Support from a breastfeeding practitioner to adapt positioning and attachment can be useful and your baby might need some time to practice and adapt to a slightly different way of feeding. Spending time in skin-to-skin and encouraging your baby to feed when calm and relaxed can also help. You can ask your health care professional about pain relief for your baby if needed.

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Source: Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative 

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When you meet your baby for the first time, it's essential to hold them against your skin as soon as possible and for as long as you desire. This skin-to-skin contact has numerous benefits. It promotes a sense of calm for your baby and provides an opportunity for both of you to rest, stay warm, and begin getting to know each other.

If you plan to breastfeed, this initial meeting is an ideal time to start. Your baby may instinctively move towards the breast and begin figuring out the best way to suckle. Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the "bonding hormone," in both you and your baby. This hormone fosters feelings of closeness and connection, enhancing the breastfeeding experience.

However, if you choose to bottle feed, offering the first feed while maintaining skin contact and holding your baby close while looking into their eyes is equally valuable. This approach helps establish a bond between you and your baby, nurturing the emotional connection between you both.

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Colostrum can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days at 4ºC or lower (store in the main part of the fridge, not the door).

You can add colostrum to the same syringe for a couple of days before freezing, but make sure to label it with the date of the first collection.

Colostrum can be stored for two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge or for up to six months in a freezer.

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Navigating the early stages of having a new baby can present challenges. However, as time progresses, you will gain a better understanding of your baby's needs, allowing you to establish a rhythm that suits both of you. Responsively attending to your baby's needs for nourishment and comfort serves as a catalyst for their brain development and fosters a sense of security. As a result, your baby may cry less, which contributes to a smoother experience for you.

Holding your baby when they cry helps them feel loved and secure, even if their crying doesn't immediately cease. Research indicates that babies who receive this responsive care grow into confident toddlers who are better equipped to handle temporary separations from their parents, rather than becoming excessively dependent. This positive outcome can reduce stress for both you and your baby, making life more manageable and enjoyable.

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By keeping your baby close to you, you'll become attuned to their signals, whether they indicate hunger or the need for comforting cuddles. Responding to these signals promptly will create a sense of safety and security for your baby. Cuddling your baby against your skin allows them to experience your scent and hear your comforting heartbeat, which can bring them comfort and calmness. In turn, this closeness will help you feel calm, relaxed, and promote successful breastfeeding.

Breastfed babies cannot be overfed, so breastfeeding can be used as a means to soothe your baby and spend quality time together or take a rest whenever desired by both of you.

If you are bottle feeding, holding your baby close during feeds and maintaining eye contact is important. By paying attention to their cues indicating hunger or satiety, you can ensure they are fed adequately. Encouraging both you and your partner to take an active role in feeding will help strengthen the bond between you and your baby, fostering a close and loving connection. Additionally, maintaining skin-to-skin contact beyond feeding times can provide calming and comforting benefits for both you and your baby, whenever needed.

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Source: Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative 

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Talk to Your Midwife or Health Visitor if….

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Talk to Your Midwife or Health Visitor if….

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MYTH: Babies become spoilt and demanding if they are given too much attention.

REALITY: When babies' needs for love and comfort are met, they will be calmer and grow up to be more confident.

It is a common misconception that giving babies too much attention will spoil them and lead to demanding behavior. However, the reality is quite the opposite. When babies receive the love and comfort they need, it contributes to their overall well-being and development.

By meeting their needs for affection, care, and attention, babies feel secure and nurtured. This helps them develop a sense of calmness and contentment. Rather than becoming spoiled or excessively demanding, babies who receive ample attention grow up to be more confident individuals.

Providing a loving and responsive environment not only strengthens the bond between parents and babies but also lays the foundation for healthy emotional development. Meeting their needs for love and comfort in their early stages of life helps them thrive and become more self-assured as they grow.

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Myth: Establishing a strict routine for babies is important to make your life easier.

Reality: Young babies are not capable of learning a routine. Responding to their cues for feeding and comfort makes babies feel secure, resulting in less crying, which also makes your life easier.

Contrary to popular belief, trying to enforce a rigid routine on young babies is not effective as they are not developmentally ready to follow it. Instead, recognizing and responding to their cues for feeding and comfort is crucial for their well-being.

By promptly addressing your baby's cues, you create a sense of security that reduces their crying. This not only benefits your baby but also makes your life easier. Meeting their needs for nourishment, comfort, and attention nurtures their emotional well-being, strengthens the parent-child bond, and contributes to a more content and harmonious environment for both of you.

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MYTH: Babies benefit from lots of toys to help them learn.

REALITY: Looking at your face is the best way for babies to learn. Talking, listening, and smiling triggers oxytocin and helps your baby's brain to grow.

Contrary to the myth, the most valuable learning tool for babies is not an abundance of toys, but rather the simple act of looking at your face. Engaging in face-to-face interactions with your baby has a profound impact on their development.

When you talk, listen, and smile while maintaining eye contact with your baby, it triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the "bonding hormone." Oxytocin plays a crucial role in their brain development, promoting growth and fostering a strong parent-child connection.

Toys can certainly have their place in playtime, but it is the personal interactions and engagement with their caregiver that provide the greatest benefits for a baby's learning. By actively communicating with your baby through speech, active listening, and positive facial expressions, you create an optimal environment for their brain to thrive and develop.

Ultimately, what truly matters for your baby's future development is not the expensive equipment or toys you buy, but rather the love and care provided by parents. You don't need to spend lots of money to ensure your baby's well-being.

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Embracing parenthood is a joyous experience, but it can also present challenges. If your baby is persistently crying, it may be a sign that they are unwell. Don't hesitate to reach out to your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns or worries about navigating the journey of being a new parent. They are there to support you and provide guidance during this special time.

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Breastfeeding offers convenience in several ways. Breast milk is always readily available at the right temperature without any preparation required, whether it's day or night. There is no need to mix, heat, or cool breast milk, and it doesn't spoil within the breast, avoiding wastage if your baby only wants a small feed. Additionally, breastfeeding allows you to nurse your baby without having to leave the comfort of your bed during nighttime feedings.

While breastfeeding may initially feel challenging and may seem limited to a particular place, many mothers find that once they and their baby become accustomed to it, they can breastfeed almost anywhere and even multitask while doing so. Breastfeeding becomes a flexible and versatile way to nourish your baby.

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Breastfeeding is a cost-effective option as it does not require any additional expenses. On the other hand, the cost of exclusively feeding infant formula can range from approximately £33 to £80 per month, depending on the brand (First Steps Nutrition, data from November 2022). Formula feeding requires bottles, teats, and sterilization after each use. Pre-mixed formula cartons offer convenience but are more expensive than powdered formula. Breastfeeding generally does not require additional purchases, although some mothers may choose to use breast pumps, bottles, or other accessories.

Also, Breastfeeding is a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly choice when it comes to nourishing your baby. Unlike formula feeding, breastfeeding generates no waste.

When using formula, there is a significant amount of waste generated throughout the process. This includes the production and packaging of the formula, transportation, and storage, as well as the use of bottles and other feeding equipment. These factors contribute to a larger carbon footprint compared to breastfeeding.