The Breastfeeding Project.

Welcome to this page celebrating the beautiful journey of breastfeeding. The aim is to inspire and empower mothers to capture precious moments of nursing their babies, regrettably, I missed the chance to capture these cherished moments with my own babies, which fuels my passion to ensure others don’t miss out!

As mothers, nurturing our little ones through breastfeeding is not only a remarkable achievement but also an incredible bond we share with our babies.

Below you’ll find heartfelt accounts of each mother’s unique breastfeeding experience, and reflections their journey.

Would you like to take part? - A breastfeeding mini session is usually priced at £99 for the session and 6 digital images. However, for participants in this series, we’re offering a special rate of just £35.

1. Emma -

Emma’s breastfeeding story -

I remember the first few times I had to breastfeed in public. I was so nervous and either hid myself away in a changing room or created a tent around me!
But the more I persevered with it (and realised that nobody was staring at me!) I started to enjoy it, the feeling that I was helping my girl to grow and the way it helped her feel safe and settled - it really helped with my overall self esteem. As my confidence grew I was even able to eat a meal and drink a coffee at the same time as feeding.

Second time around it’s been different. My daughters latch, the flow, the pain from sore nipples, it’s really thrown me.
I’ve come to realise that every baby is different but after 5 weeks I seem to have cracked it, you really can’t beat those little steps of progress and the bond you feel when feeding makes the sleepless nights and leaky nipples totally worth it!

2. Charlotte -

Charlotte’s breastfeeding story -

I always knew I wanted to try and breastfeed, but I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself as I know a lot of mums struggle with this for all different reasons. 

As soon as Sophia was born our midwife helped her latch which wasn’t easy as I had just had an emergency caesarean and the anesthetic meant I was shaking uncontrollably (my husband was very supportive and told me not to worry about the shakes as she’s now having her first milkshake).  😂 This didn't stop her latching perfectly and picking up this skill with ease. 

The first 3-4 weeks consisted of me having to crunch my toes and take a huge deep breath on each initial latch. There was bleeding, itching, milk spraying EVERYWHERE and the use of A LOT of muslins which made it hard to want to continue, but as soon as we got passed that stage it became easier and easier and she is definitely happier on the boob now and seeing her smile mid-feed just proves her amazing development and our special bond. ❤️

Plus with her being an amazing feeder it means we don’t have to worry about packing additional feeding equipment. It is hard enough to leave the house on time with all her stuff.

I also had a lot of people questioning how I would feel when breastfeeding in public and to be honest I never saw this as an issue, if my baby needs feeding then that is what she will get, if someone doesn't like seeing it then I'm not sorry as that is their issue not ours and it shouldn't be frowned or questioned these days. 

All I can say to you is to try and take each day as they come and don't stress about other peoples comments. It is you and your babies journey and you control that your way.

3. Tor -

Tor’s Breastfeeding story -

I've had the most perfect breastfeeding experience and I've loved every single feed. (Minus the 2, 3, 4 and 5am hourly feeds)!

My daughter latched on within minutes of being born and hasn't left them alone since! They've not grown as much as I'd hoped, unfortunately still no need for a bra but it does make it easier to whip one out wherever and whenever she likes.

I've only ever received positive comments from family, friends and strangers about feeding. Much to my disappointment actually because I had multiple sharp comebacks lined up.

My boobs solve most situations in our house, (my husbands included). 

I nurse my daughter when she is teething, wants a cuddle, hungry, bored, upset, the wrong temperature, unwell, before and after meals, when my favourite program is on so I can get two minutes of quiet. I even do the forbidden feeding to sleep. 

We occasionally kick my husband out of bed and co sleep still latched when she needs to. 

But they're just so good at their job, why would I not! Sometimes though they're too good at their job and start leaking for other peoples babies. 

Anytime my Daughter wants a nipple she'll get one and I will continue to for as long as she likes!

4. Nicola -

Nicola’s breast-feeding story -

Ever since being pregnant I was sure I wanted to breastfeed. I tried not to put too much pressure on myself as I know people often find it difficult. But I was amazed from the start of our journey, despite Florence having a lazy latch this was soon overcome and she thrived.  I was proud to know that I could still provide everything she needed. 

I was introduced to Healthy Babies and signed up to be a breastmilk donor and managed to donate many litres of milk whilst exclusively feeding our daughter which went to a local neonatal unit. Breastfeeding for us was straightforward and suited us both perfectly, knowing we could go out and not have to worry about bottles or formula was a huge bonus.  

Now at 20 months old Florence doesn’t feed so often but it’s there if she wants it and I will always treasure our journey and the bond we have developed.

5. Stephanie -

Stephanies’s Breastfeeding story -

Adalyn is my third and last baby so I was determined to breastfeed her and feel that ‘special bond’.

I also have two boys who are now 9 & 10, but when I had them I honestly didn’t have a clue how to breastfeed properly, what the correct latch was and when I had them less than a year apart it was hard to feed one and have a toddler waddling about too! 

Throughout my pregnancy I did so much research on breastfeeding, pinterest was my go to and I saved lots of great information on different feeding positions, the correct latch, cluster feeding and growth spurts plus so much more! I would definitely suggest if you want to breastfeeding to do research as it will help so much.

Within 20 minutes of Adalyn being born she knew what she wanted and didn’t mess around! Her first day into the world was pretty much spent on the boob! In fact for three days she was constantly off and on and I knew she was trying super hard to get my milk flow coming fast and strong and that it did!

With help from my hubby and the boys who ran around fetching me water, juice, snacks and anything else I needed, it made things so much easier because I’m not going to lie, the first few days was tiring and painful ( the after pains that is, but that’s another story!), plus she was born 2 days before Christmas!

There were times I wanted to give up. Day 3 was the day I broke down in tears ( it was 2am and man I was tired) because she just wanted me all the time but I came to realise, I wasn’t just her food, I was her comfort, her security, her Mummy and she spent 9 months inside my womb so this was a huge and scary world and she felt most safe with me, so I was so much more than food. That thought kept me going. My friend messaged me and said something I will never forget “Physiologically, she doesn’t realise you are two are separate people yet. She doesn’t want to not be with you” And this made me cry with bittersweet love and made me understand it so much more.

Adalyn is now 7 months and I have no intention to give up soon and I don’t think she is either, I bonded beautifully with both my bottle-fed boys but this bond is different and I am so glad I stuck at it.

My advice is to take each day at a time, when your baby seems to be constantly feeding, it’s for a reason, they are clever little humans!

6. Sophie -

Sophie’s Breastfeeding story -

Being a first time mum, I was extremely nervous about breast feeeding. It was hard in the early days, whilst we were at the hospital, as he wouldn't latch straight away. The first few days after getting home, he started to latch as I had this amazing community midwife who showed me all these comfortable  positions, which made my breastfeeding journey feel so much easier and natural. The following day after my midwife came over, my milk came in and I felt like a proud mum, being able to exclusively breastfeed my baby. I nearly gave up in after the first few days as I was quite hard on myself as I had expected William to be able to just latch straight away as I thought breastfeeding was easy. It takes some work, but I’m so glad I stuck out at it. Makes my life 10x easier whenever we go out. Its amazing the help and support that is out there, if you ever need it!

7. Sephi -

Sephi’s Breastfeeding story -

I’m the eldest of three children and my Mum breastfed us all. I remember helping her with both of my sisters and feeding from a boob was just the norm. My mum told me stories of how she felt she was making a statement feeding in public because it wasn’t the done thing at the time. She’s always described the first time feeding me out of the house and said she unbuttoned her Laura Ashley dress and let everything hang out!

For me, breastfeeding was natural and normal so when it came to having my own children I hoped I would be able. I’d had many friends who’d really struggled, not been supported or been able to and I worried I might struggle too. When my eldest was born, we had a traumatic birth with instruments, shoulder dystocia and Erbs palsy but despite that I was super lucky that she latched as soon as she was passed to me -  doing that newborn crawl up my chest thing. I loved feeding her and persevered through all the associated challenges including allergies and eczema covered nipples. Breastfeeding is by no means easy but I’m sure it helped her grow out of her allergies faster (and there’s evidence now about the help a mothers milk provides in developing gut flora and forna). She’s continued to want milk during my subsequent pregnancies (one miscarriage) and now we feed together with her younger baby brother.

I’m not as confident as my mum in public feeding so much so I rarely do and worry about how others might view us still feeding now she’s nearly 3.

This is a wonderful way to celebrate getting this far in our feeding journey and on the day these photos were taken I had been feeding her for exactly 2years 11 months.

8. Clare -

Clare’s Breastfeeding story -

I was keen to breast feed as I believe this gives a baby another layer of protection that only I could provide and something about that made me think how special the bond created while breast feeding actually is. So I carried out the research went to the class and it looked soo simple.

On arrival of baby Lindsey, skin to skin was carried out but due to having a C section it was difficult for her to move naturally to my nipple as expected. The first couple of days I felt like I was failing, when I got home from the hospital the next day my milk had come in and Lindsey was satisfied. The first couple of weeks were quite painful, gritting my teeth when she latched on. Then of course lockdown started and I could just focus on Lindsey, we have gone from strength to strength and I’m soo pleased to be able to breast feed.

In the evening Lindsey will often cuddle in, have a feed and nod off, this feels incredibly precious having these moments with her. As lock down has eased we have had walks in the park and happily breast fed on a bench, which is something I thought wasn’t going to happen. In the beginning it was about me protecting and providing for Lindsey. But Lindsey has given me confidence to believe in myself, making the whole experience one that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

9. Victoria -

Victoria’s breastfeeding story -

Adelaide is my fourth earth baby and my only daughter.

I, like a lot of first time mummies had issues with my first baby. I over-produced and as such Jack just lapped like a kitten and wouldn’t latch. I ended up cup-feeding him until he developed his latch. I used to hold a bottle under the other boob to the one he was feeding on and it would fill. My journey with him ended at six months as I had an operation and the medication for which, was not suited to bf. However, the freezer stock took us to well past 12 months. He was a sleepy baby and literally only woke for short periods to feed, approx six times per day. 

With George (3 years later) I felt an old hat at it and had no issues other than the over supply. However, I only fed him untill nine months because of my return to work but again, the freezer stock took us way past the year.  George was easily distracted during feeding and would whip his head round to see what was happening, unfortunately he never unlatched first. 😳

With Hugh (another three years later) I had been made redundant after the company I worked for for twenty years went into administration. As such, there was no rush to return to work so I was determined to feed as long as he wanted (despite his biting phase). He self weaned at 15.5months, it was a shock and I never appreciated our final feed together. He had refused actual food with weaning at pretty much every attempt until only a couple of weeks before, but was a right chunk. Then he woke up one day and just refused the boob. 😥 My freezer stock had to be thrown out as some was old and the rest just wouldn’t have got used. I hadn’t known about donation. 

Adelaide is my fourth baby (a result of my sixth pregnancy) and realistically my last (I’m 42 and she was my fourth c-section). I had sore nips toward the start but nothing a little lansinoh cream didn’t clear right up. She’s a fidget feeder, especially on the right side and gets cross when my boob doesn’t move with her. She also sometimes bites. 😬 

Again, I over supplied (but not to the same extent). Seven months in and I still wear pads. I keep a drawer full of milk (from the Haakaa pump) in the freezer (just in case) but the rest of my over supply has been donated (via HMfHB’s). This makes me feel happy and proud. I will be returning to work when she is eleven months but only two non-consecutive days a week, so I’m hoping our journey will continue for as long as she wants it to...

10. Natalia -

Natalia’s breastfeeding story -

Before having children I always wanted to breastfeed as it creates such a special bond, also from the point of view of the environment it is very beneficial (totally waste free!)

Both my boys were emergency C-sections after being induced for both but I am very lucky as they both latched perfectly and became boob-monsters. I breastfed my eldest until he was nearly 2 and I really enjoyed it. He was happy to take expressed milk from a bottle too. With my second, I am still breastfeeding at 18 months (today!) and I am enjoying every minute. He did not take a bottle at any point which made it a bit of a challenge to even get to the hairdresser's (husband had to bring him in while I had my foils on) but he is my last baby and I am loving still having this bond, now he is older he has 3-4 feeds a day. I surely will be very sad when he stops breastfeeding and I will certainly miss it!

This is a beautiful way to celebrate breastfeeding and I am so happy to be able to be part of it. It is so awkward to ask someone to take a picture of you feeding your baby, as people generally leave you alone! Luckily this was just the perfect opportunity for us. We will treasure the pictures forever. 😊

 11. Lauren -

Lauren’s breastfeeding story -

I knew from the start of my pregnancy I wanted to breastfeed but I didn’t want to put pressure on myself so I was happy to feed anyway that worked for both me and my baby. I feel being relaxed enabled feeding to happen naturally and successfully. From the minute my little boy was born he latched straight on and has been an amazing feeder ever since!

I heard lots of stories of how painful it was and issues people had and I can honestly say it is nothing like the stories I heard. The initial latch each time for the first couple of weeks is slightly painful but as soon as they start feeding the pain goes. I always remember being told “if it’s painful it’s not right” so if ever I had pain I would take him off and start again making sure he was latching correctly, this ensured it was always comfortable and therefore enjoyable! The experience is so special and I’m so grateful I have had such a lovely and successful feeding experience. We are 7 months into our breastfeeding journey and looking forward to it continuing.

12. Katie -

Katie’s breastfeeding story -

I knew I was going to breastfeed Oscar due to breastfeeding my first for 7 weeks, Oscar was born and he latched straight away and had a 30minute feed.

The first 6 weeks were a breeze and I actually found the whole experience ‘easy’. Lockdown happened and I didn’t feel like we needed to stop, everything was going so smoothly. After the first 6 weeks it started getting harder, crying during feeds, being irritable, not wanting to latch, loss of weight. We are now 7 months down the line and we’re still going! It hasn’t been easy, more like a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, even if it means still waking up every two hours!

13. Tamara -

Tamara’s Breastfeeding story -

One thing I was so worried about when I was carrying my son was whether or not I would be able to breastfeed.
I really had my heart set on doing it and even though I know I shouldn’t have put so much pressure on myself I couldn’t help it.
My son and I had a 3 day long back to back labour which ended in an emergency theatre situation. It was scary, upsetting and traumatic and looking back I am shocked and thankful that my son came through our birth perfect in every way as he did.
In fact my first memory of him is him being laid on my chest in theatre, the midwife then looking at him and telling me he was looking for a feed and asking me if she could latch him onto my breast. She latched him on perfectly and straight away he began to feed. It was like he was telling me it’s ok mum, we are both ok and everything is going to be fine.
We spent 3 days in hospital after and during those three days the midwives helped me to learn how to latch him on and also taught my husband how to help me which he often did bless him as I was in quite a lot of pain after the birth.

I remember when I came home how everyone liked to tell me how I should be a mother.
Being a first time mother your impressionable, you are worried, anxious, nervous.
You want to do the right thing all the time, you’re scared of doing the wrong thing and of anything happening to your baby.
I remember that my wishes were not respected or listened to in many cases. For example I didn’t want my son to have a dummy but one was bought for him and put in his mouth anyway. I didn’t want him given any solids but they were bought anyway ( but not given! )
I remember being told that I was breastfeeding him too much and he was on my boob too much, that he should only be fed every 4 hours and left to cry if he asked for boob before that time, that he was too clingy to me, to let him cry at night so he stops waking up and to only give him water in the night not boob, to put him in his own room early, feed him solids early and to stop breastfeeding after a couple of months and put him on formula.
I may not have had a lot of confidence as a first time mother but my instincts were incredibly strong and as my confidence in those instincts and my own decisions grew I soon learnt where to tell people to go with their negative old fashioned opinions.

I don’t do parenting labels, or fashionable in trend methods I just listen to my son, I follow his lead and I always have done my instinct to react to him and give him love above everything else has always been my way of parenting.
I fed him on demand and always have done, when I am hungry or thirsty I eat or drink so I don’t see why I should deny him food / drink just because a schedule tells me he is not allowed to feel hungry or thirsty at that time.
I allow him to breastfeed for comfort. I am his mother I love him beyond all measure and if he is ever upset I want to take that upset away and make him feel safe and loved.
I have always used boob for everything and it’s always worked. Every time my son was ever sad or unsettled as soon as I got my boob out and he had a little feed he would be comforted and calm.
I remember sitting in his baby classes feeding him, in the middle of soft play feeding him, in restaurants feeding him and I never covered up I never have done. I have never had anyone say anything to me. It is your legal right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime. Always keep that in your mind and if anyone ever does say anything to you tell them there is nothing they can do but get over it because you are protected by law.

I still breastfeed my son now 18 months on because he still asks for it and I want him to wean himself off slowly rather and for him to make that decision.
My son still sleeps in our bedroom, most of the time in his own cot, but when he is upset and will not settle I put him in with us and he settles straight away.
He has grown into the most cuddly and loving little boy it’s melts my heart, he loves being held by me in the same position he would if he was breastfeeding and having a cuddle in that position.
I am so grateful that I have been able to breastfeed my son. It was what I always dreamed of. The love that breastfeeding him has created between him and I is just amazing, it’s been such a magical experience that I hope if we ever have another baby I will be lucky enough to experience again.

I would recommend breastfeeding on demand to any new mother. It’s an experience you can’t describe. It’s changed me in so many ways each one of them positive and it has taught me so much. Just follow your heart and listen to your bodies natural instincts they really are amazing, and they are completely connected with your baby .

I used to also express my milk and put it in the freezer as an emergency supply. ( not that I ended up needing it ).
I was fascinated to see that when my son was ill my milk turned slightly blue. It was medicine designed especially for him that my body had created for him to make him better.

Our bodies really are magical ✨

14. Stephanie -

Stephanie’s breastfeeding story -

I am fortunate to have been able to feed all four of my babies. At one point I was feeding three of my children and donating milk to my nephew, but our feeding journeys weren’t always straightforward.

My first baby had a tongue tie and I fed her from a cup for 6 weeks whilst we waited for an appointment. Looking back the pressure of pumping to ensure I had enough milk in the fridge for her and just managing to stay ahead all the time almost broke me.

There have been times when I have wondered how I would get through the night with sore nipples caused by poor positioning but with the support from some amazing midwives and peer supporters we were lucky to resolve this early on in our journey.

Getting good support in those early days really does make the difference.

I have loved feeding my babies because of the magical benefits of providing them with antibodies and the way your milk adapts to your baby on hot days so it has been one less thing for me to think about. I know my babies have been getting everything they need from me.

Recently, I was thinking of stopping feeding and then the children had a sickness bug and could not even keep down water but they could keep down my milk, it was the perfect incentive to carry on.

With each baby I have become more confident as I have learned more about the benefits of breastfeeding and the methods used by the pharmaceutical industry to manipulate parents for profit.

I strongly believe in supporting women to be able to feed how they want to, when and where they want to and for as long as they want to.

15. Sarah -

Sarah’s Breastfeeding Story -

I always wanted to breastfeed, knowing the health benefits it has for both baby and mum. I didn’t give much thought to the process itself, assuming perhaps quite naively that something so natural would be easy. In fact the first few months were so so hard!

Robyn was born with a severe tongue tie which caused a poor latch and made feeding inefficient and really painful. She seemed to be constantly hungry and irritable but I couldn’t satisfy her. I really struggled those first few months, but put a lot of pressure on myself to continue breastfeeding. Looking back I wish I had been gentler on myself.

As Robyn got older and the colic subsided, breastfeeding became easier and a much more enjoyable experience. The snuggly evening feeds in the nursing chair are the favourite part of my day. Nothing beats having those little eyes looking up at you so lovingly during a feed. I love that a quick breast feed brings so much comfort and is the easiest way to stop her tears and bring on peaceful sleep.

My goal was to feed for at least a year and Robyn is now 15 months. I feel so proud that we persevered and have breastfed for this long. It feels effortless now and I will happily continue for as long as she needs.

16. Rebecca -

Rebecca’s Breastfeeding Story -

My breastfeeding journey has not been an easy one, but I consider it to be one of my greatest achievements in life and I am thrilled that I somehow managed to overcome every difficulty I’ve had to face.

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, I loved the idea of that close bonding between mother and child which no one else could share in the same way.

My baby girl was born two days after lockdown started in March 2020 and we started our journey with an extended stay in hospital. It was a difficult start and if it wasn’t for the dedication of the midwives at Musgrove hospital, I probably wouldn’t have managed to get to where I am today. One midwife I specifically remember spent almost 8 hours non-stop encouraging, supporting and helping me feed my baby (and made me a much needed cup of tea!). My baby girl was very good at latching on but would constantly pop off after a few seconds. Alongside this, I struggled to barely sit due to the episiotomy I had during birth. This made feeding incredibly painful, to the point that even the idea of it would make me cringe inside and I would brace myself whenever she came near me. And yet I was determined to do it. So, I sat there with my baby to my breast, tears streaming down my face and screaming inside my head, willing for the process to end and yet not wanting to give up. 24 hours after the birth, I decided to give my baby girl a little formula while I continued to express and pump (a much less painful process) to allow myself to physically, emotionally and mentally rest. The next morning I was trying again with the same pain but with a refreshed mind and a new determination. It was the best decision I made.

Eventually after a month, we settled into a rhythm and routine that worked for us. It still wasn’t at all easy and I was still in a huge amount of pain but we were bonding beautifully and I felt that special closeness that I had hoped for. I loved how she would grasp my hand and cling onto me, for comfort, warmth, food and love. I started finding joy in the whole experience and a wonder of just how my body has managed to keep my baby alive purely through my milk!

Halfway through this journey, my baby girl suddenly refused one breast for no apparent reason and it was a struggle to encourage her to feed properly from that side and keep my supply up. Then, not long later on, I developed the beginnings of mastitis in the other breast! Needless to say, that it was yet another difficult season which we pushed through.

I had hoped that I would be able to feed until my baby girl was about one years old but with the current circumstances, it looks unlikely that, that will happen. But I've fed her and kept her alive for the last 6 months purely on my breast milk alone and that to me, is my biggest achievement. And I would do it all again for her.

17. Natalie

Natalie’s Breastfeeding story -

As soon as I was pregnant with my first and only baby, I knew that I wanted to breastfeed, but didn’t want to put pressure on myself. I had heard so many stories, good and bad, I thought I would go with the flow, and if I could, I would! I went to a few breastfeeding workshops, which were so supportive and informative, read some books and spoke to other mums.

When my son was born, he didn’t feed much the first night, I thought ‘great, this is easy!’ The second night he fed all night, the lovely midwife had to show me how to feed lying down on the bed, both on our sides, so I could try and rest and feed safely. Wow, those first few days were tiring, emotional and my nipples were so sore. But his latch was fab, according to the midwifes, so we plodded on. 

Day 5, my milk came in, yay, finally some good stuff to feed him! My emotions went sky high, I was so anxious about looking after him, and traumatised by giving birth. I was lucky to have health care professionals, family and friends around, it was a tough time.

Over the next few weeks and months, he would have feeding frenzies. He would be feeding for hours on end, I called him ‘my Velcro,’ my nipples were sore, and I was stuck in front of the TV for what felt like forever. He would be off just long enough so I could feed myself, and then he would be crying for more milk. It was exhausting, but the thought of making up bottles with formula seemed even more exhausting, time consuming and expensive. 

Things settled, we both got into routines as we got to know one another. My husband felt a bit left out, not being involved in the feeding and wanted to feed the baby with a bottle. I was worried that the baby would get used to the bottle, and would no longer want the breast. However, I struggled to express enough milk, so that idea was rejected. 

When my baby was about 7 months old, he developed a preference for my right breast, to the point that the milk on my left breast totally dried up. My right breast has done a great job being solo ever since! When teething kicked in, my poor nipple was painfully sore from him biting me.

17 months on we are still breastfeeding, and so happy that we can. It’s a beautiful time to bond and just sit with each other. It gets him to sleep, it feeds him, it settles him when he is crying and upset….Breastmilk is even good for a number of medical complaints, what more can you ask for? I have absolutely no idea how you stop breastfeeding though hehe. Every mum I have spoken to who has breastfed, have all said how special it is, and how they miss it. I feel truly blessed that I have been able to breastfeed ‘my Velcro.’ 

18. Kelly -

Kelly’s Breastfeeding story -

I knew that I wanted to breastfeed whilst I was pregnant, but I was nervous because there seemed to be more unsuccessful stories than positive ones. I was also met with old-fashioned, and incorrect, advice from the beginning such as ‘if they are a hungry baby you will need to give them formula’; ‘you’ll make a rod for your own back’ or ‘they’ll be clingy’. The funny thing is that I have fed and co-slept with 2 babies, even feeding them to sleep, shock of horrors, and I am yet to find these rods that I have made! Follow your own path and do what is right for you is my usual advice.

When James was born, he was sleepy for the first 24hours so didn’t really feed very much. The midwife told me that I wasn’t feeding enough and being tired and hormonal, I was really worried. Luckily, my husband had listened at our antenatal classes and reminded me that his stomach was only the size of a marble and I was more than enough for him. Once we got started, James was a hungry baby and he fed a lot, so I fed him anywhere and everywhere for 15 months until he chose to stop. He fed for hunger and he fed for reassurance- it was my response to most of his needs and it worked for everything! It is great to look at my healthy, sport-mad 6 year-old and know that feeding him helped to give him a great start. 

Between James and my daughter Martha, I trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter. I loved helping other women at ante-natal classes and in the hospital, but it also really helped me so much the second time around. Martha had a poor latch, and it was difficult to start with; I am grateful to the midwife who sat with me when I went back into hospital to ask for help. We got ourselves up and running and 3 years 8months later we are still going strong. It was never a plan (I wouldn’t recommend any kind of plans where children are involved!), but it works for us and I know that she will stop when she is ready. She is just the most happy and strong little girl. 

I’m proud that I have normalised feeding within my wider family, my attitude has shown them how to react and where there was shuffling and averted gazes at the start, very soon no one noticed, and it was accepted as the way we were parenting. I am thankful that my husband has supported me through it all, from taking me to a café on day 4 so he could be with me for my first public feed to helping lift my engorged boob off the bed the first night James slept for more than 3 hours, such glamour! And I am beyond grateful for my two beautiful children for making me a mum and everything that that has entailed so far. 

19. Nicole -

Nicole’s Breastfeeding Story -

Breastfeeding has been really important to me on my journey with Evelyn, my second born. I suffered with postnatal depression after my first baby. I had a very traumatic birth and my breastfeeding journey ended just days after her birth due to me being very poorly and I was so upset, I struggled to bond with her after everything that had happened. Being able to breastfeed, I believe would have helped us to connect better.

Second time around, I really wanted to be able to do it, but knowing I was having a c section, I knew it was possible my milk coming in could be delayed, so I chose to hand express a couple of weeks before I was having her to help the process along.

Breastfeeding has been amazing and the bond I am creating with Evelyn is already strong. I really believe it has helped in preventing me from getting postnatal depression again along with the better birthing experience. 

The nights are a challenge sometimes, but it’s worth it. It makes me sit down and enjoy my baby and take the time to connect with her during every feed. I just love it. 

20. Michelle-

Michelle’s Breastfeeding story -

I knew that I wanted to try my hardest to breastfeed - I didn't know anyone with young children so I had no idea really, but I was very lucky to have had a pretty easy time of it.

When my first little boy was born he was immediately popped on my stomach and he instinctively wiggled up my chest and found the nipple all by himself, it was amazing and one of the most bizarre feelings ever, but felt so right. We continued to feed on demand when he needed it and had a very smooth journey, bar a couple of weeks around 1 year when I had some pain again but realised I hadn't really been adjusting my holding position very much for his rapidly growing body! Back to taking notice of a good position and we were fine.

He was a natural feeder - but I owe a lot of my confidence in feeding, especially in public, to our local breastfeeding group 'Nourish'; it allowed me to meet other breastfeeding mumma’s and not feel alone, and always have helpful tips and advice - and someone making you a hot cuppa and giving you cake is always appreciated!

I never really received any negative comments from strangers - a couple of stares from people across cafés gave me pause but I pushed on, knowing that what we were doing was natural and best for my baby. My mother was probably the only one who ever made a silly comment but I wouldn't let it bother me.

My son fed happily through my second pregnancy, I did feel a little some aversion for a feel weeks which was really difficult, but we made it through.

We welcomed our second little boy and I tandem fed for a few months before it became a bit too much for me. We gently ended our breastfeeding journey at 1001 days.

Feeding my second has been just as simple, he latched quickly and we're having another great journey.

I have loved feeding my boys, and really enjoyed the bonding experience, how it allows some much needed still and quiet time, and how it can be so helpful for a quick night wake. I've not idea how long I'm going to feed my second, but I will follow his lead on that. I'm in no hurry to end this lovely experience.

21. Rachel-

Rachel’s breastfeeding story -

I alway knew I wanted to breastfeed my babies to give them the best start in life, no-one prepared me for that first latch when my girl Ruby (2 years old now) was born. It was painful but wow the bond I felt with my girl was incredible. Now with my little boy Cole (5 months old) it felt less painful as I knew exactly what to expect.

The first few days with both my babies were difficult waiting for my milk to come in along with sore nipples from very hungry babies. A late night shop (my husband at 3am to Budgens garage) for formula was needed to help us along and a manual breast pump to help heal my nips. At 6 weeks old with Ruby I was ready to start nursing again and our bond grew stronger. I had a shorter break with Cole when he was born with nursing and I hope we continue our nursing/breastfeeding experience for as long as possible.

My goal with Ruby was 1 year which I achieved. We manage to get to 7 month nursing before she bit me (I cried, my husband laughed) so I quickly stopped and started to pump instead but we made it to one year woohoo. With Cole I really hope I’m more prepared and more knowledgable for when his teeth do cut through.

Breastfeeding is most natural thing in the world for a Mother to feed her babies and Mums should not hide away/cover up in doing so. I didn’t get the chance to publicly breastfed my girl anywhere other then at home due to being in lockdown but with my boy I feel confident and don’t give a f*ck where or when I feed my boy once he’s healthy and happy. I’ve the best family and friends that support me which 100% helps.