The Baby Feeding Series with Pickle and Poppet

Welcome back to another instalment of The Baby Feeding Series, where we spotlight real stories from real parents navigating the messy, emotional, and often confusing journey of feeding their babies. My hope is that this space becomes a comforting corner where others who feel lost or overwhelmed can read these experiences and feel a little less alone. Parenthood is hands-down the toughest role out there, but it’s also the most beautiful. Through these stories, I want to honour both the struggle and the joys.

TThis week, we're diving into the topic of breastfeeding—a wonderful subject that often sparks meaningful conversations among parents. Breastfeeding is beautiful, natural, and widely regarded as one of the best things you can do for your baby. However, it's important to acknowledge that breastfeeding isn't for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. The reason I started this feeding series was to create a space where parents could share their stories, offering support and encouragement to others facing similar challenges, reminding them they're not alone. 

Parenting can be a rollercoaster. There are moments of pure joy, times of deep sadness, and times when we feel like we're not good enough. Yet, these experiences are what shape us into better parents—parents our children will admire and be proud of. It's vital to see these moments not as failures but as stepping stones in our journey. 

Now, I’m thrilled to introduce my lovely friend Jo from Pickle and Poppet, who has written a heartfelt post about her unique experiences breastfeeding her two children in ways that might surprise you.

MY BREASTFEEDING JOURNEYS WITH MY TWO CHILDREN

When I was younger, before I even thought of babies, I always associated feeding babies with formula milk and bottles. I can vaguely remember one of my mum's friends breastfeeding. I remember being asked to leave the room and the curtains were closed. Other than that I had never seen mothers breastfeed. That was until my sister done it. I think that she inspired me into trying it when and if I had babies. So, when I became pregnant I was adamant that I was going to breastfeed.

I am one of the lucky ones, I managed to breastfeed both my babies. I had two very different experiences and would you believe it if I told you that my youngest was the hardest?

Feeding my First Born.

Reuben took to the breast immediately. There was no problem what so ever. Every single feed he latched on perfectly. The nurses at the hospital helped me with different positions so that I was comfortable with him whilst feeding, they suggested using the rugby ball hold sometimes as he was a heavy baby (9lb).

He was such a natural that he didn't lose any birth weight, he gained from the start.

I did everything I was supposed to do. Timed each feed and noted them down. Noted down which side he fed from so that I could happily switch between breasts. It was a grade A effort!

Feeding my Second.

Jessica was harder. She didn't seem to be able to open her mouth wide enough to latch on. I assumed I would be able to feed her as easily as I did Reuben and so left the hospital without getting them to check she was latching properly, after all I knew what I was doing.

It only took a couple of days before the pain started. Not the pain of initially breastfeeding (it does hurt even if you get the latch right) but a pain so intense I knew it was an incorrect latch. The midwife tried to help me but she struggled, I don't think she was confident with it anyway. Jessica lost some of her birth weight which is completely normal but I blamed myself for it. I resorted to YouTube videos and said if she gained weight at her next weigh in in a few days then fine, if she hadn't I was switching to bottle.

I was so worried with the latch, I concentrated on that so much that I would forget which side I needed to feed from and for a while I had one breast considerably bigger than the other and it took a while to balance them back out. She did eventually get the latch right and gain weight. But it was so much harder than the first time round. 

If I had to give myself advice on breastfeeding I would say:

Don't put yourself under too much pressure.

It does hurt, buy a good nipple cream.

Go out! Feed in public. Don't worry about other people, they will not be staring at you. To be honest they won't notice you, you are feeding your baby really

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About Jo

Hi there, my name is Jo and I am a parenting and lifestyle blogger over at Pickle and Poppet. I’m a 30-something year old mummy of two and wife from East Anglia. I work part-time in insurance but I am currently on maternity leave, enjoying the madness of a new baby whilst juggling the busy life of a 3 year old. I have recently found a love in baking and love trying out new toddler friendly recipes.

Some of my favourite things to do include family walks (especially in autumn when the colours are so beautiful), reading, and knitting (although I’m still practising this one).

Remember you can find Jo over at Pickle and Poppet.