Mum’s Journey: Leah Shares Her Breastfeeding Journey

Hi, I’m Leah, a mum to two little babes, Eva (3) and a brand-new little bub August (4 weeks!)

We live in the inner west of Sydney. My pregnancies with Eva and August were so different. With Eva, I was pretty well most of the time (once I got through the first trimester). But, with August I was sick for the first 4-5 months! I also got to nearly 42 weeks with both babies...

Eva came on her own the day she was due to be induced, but, August didn't quite understand the eviction notice and I had to be induced.

With the Arrival of August, I’m Excited for All the Newborn Cuddles Again!

There is something so magical about snuggling up with a newborn and I love that first month where you're both just getting to know each other. There is something just so incredible about newborns; they really are like nothing else. I’m also slightly excited about having a child that can’t run away from me yet, unlike his big sister!

To help Eva with the transition of a new sibling, we've been talking about the baby right from the second trimester, so she has had heaps of time to get used to the idea.

Now that August is here, we try to involve Eva in pretty much everything we do from nappy changes to putting his dummy back in or even rocking him in the bouncer. I think this has really helped make the transition pretty smooth, so far! We're so lucky in that Eva absolutely adores August... sometimes a little too much.

What I Wish I’d Known About Breastfeeding

There are a few things that I wish I knew in terms of breastfeeding the first time around. Firstly, I wish that I had realized that it is the 2nd or 3rd day when your milk comes in and cluster feeding happens, it’s crazy. My advice is to just try and go with it.

I think just setting yourself up that night on the couch with Netflix and letting the baby feed makes a big difference. Just know that the crazy all-night feeding won’t last forever.

The second piece of advice is that you will get the hang of it, promise. I remember when I first started breastfeeding Eva and I couldn’t imagine doing something else at the same time. I had to be set up in my position, with the correct pillow, etc.

Then, a few months later I could successfully walk around while nursing. It gets easier, hang in there.

Having the Support Helps!

With Eva, I used the Medela Swing single pump and found it so helpful for when she had had a big sleep and I needed to relieve some pressure.

However, with August, I’ve loved using the Medela Swing Maxi double pump and it was a HUGE life safer recently when I ended up in the hospital with mastitis.

With August being only 3 weeks old at the time, I wasn’t able to have him in the ward with me, but, having my pump on hand meant I was able to express and my husband could feed him at home.

How would you describe your breastfeeding journey? What advice would you give to the mums in our community who may be breastfeeding for the first time? Let’s have a chat here or on the Medela Australia Facebook page.