Emma’s Top 6 Ways to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Flying Start
1. Learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy
Yes, breastfeeding is natural, but we’re social creatures. Historically, we would have grown up seeing our mothers, aunties, sisters, and friends breastfeeding—and they would have been on hand to guide and support us. In today’s world, however, we’re often surrounded by bottle-feeding imagery and clever formula marketing that can misinform and confuse us.
That’s why preparation is key. Use your pregnancy as an opportunity to learn about normal newborn behavior, how to sit, hold, and latch your baby comfortably, and how to navigate challenges. This isn’t just for you—your partner is part of the team too! Attending Emma’s Antenatal Baby Feeding Class together can be a great way to discuss your goals, expectations, and how to manage family dynamics or well-meaning but unhelpful advice.
2. Plan for a straightforward birth
Labour and birth are designed to prime both you and your baby with a surge of oxytocin and endorphins, creating the perfect conditions for bonding and breastfeeding. Ideally, you’ll be supported to connect with your instincts during this time, without feeling rushed or disturbed.
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth—and staying close in the first hours and days—is essential for a smooth breastfeeding journey. Choosing a low-tech, relaxed environment where you feel safe and supported can make a big difference. These factors help you stay in the moment, trust your instincts, and allow breastfeeding to unfold naturally.
3. Have trusted support ready for the first few weeks
Sadly, many parents find that support from midwives or even specialist infant feeding midwives isn’t always consistent or comprehensive. Having a plan for where you’ll turn for reliable help is crucial. Emma’s Antenatal can prepare you for what to expect, covering topics like:
What is normal newborn behavior?
Growth spurts and fussy evenings.
How to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
Recognizing feeding cues—early responses lead to a more settled baby and confident parents.
Book a class today to feel prepared and confident.
4. Filter the information you consume
Formula companies spend an average of £20 per baby born on advertising, while the UK government spends just 50p per baby on breastfeeding support. It’s no wonder our breastfeeding rates are low. In countries without strict regulations, formula companies have even been known to mislead parents and health professionals, often with devastating consequences. Read more about what the WHO and UNICEF say about this HERE
Understanding these tactics can help you filter out unhelpful messages from magazines, adverts, films, and TV shows. Once you recognise the subtle ways formula marketing undermines instincts, you can tune out the noise and focus on your baby’s cues and your own inner wisdom.
5. Plan a long lying-in period
Many cultures honour new mothers with a 30-day period of rest, where meals are provided, and housework is handled by others. While times have changed, this postpartum recovery period remains vital. Mothers need nourishing food, practical help, and emotional support to build confidence and establish strong bonds with their baby.
If family or friends aren’t able to provide this level of care, consider hiring a postnatal doula. Emma’s Antenatal postnatal doula services ensure your fridge and freezer are stocked, your home is cared for, and you have the nurturing, experienced support you need to focus on what matters most: resting, bonding, and getting breastfeeding off to a flying start.
6. Consider a blessingway ceremony
A blessingway, or mother’s blessing, is a beautiful way to gather your circle of support before your baby arrives. Use this time to enlist the help you’ll need in the early days—whether that’s organising a meal rota or asking loved ones to contribute to postnatal doula support instead of giving gifts that may not be as useful. People genuinely want to help, so give them meaningful ways to support you and your family.
Inspired by her own transformative birth 16 years ago with the support of an Independent Midwife, Emma has dedicated her life to empowering women through evidence-based, personalised care.
With a degree in Antenatal Education and qualifications as a Doula, Pregnancy Yoga Teacher, and Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, she blends evidence-based research, compassion, and intuition to support families on their journey to parenthood.
Emma says, 'My mission is to help women trust their instincts, embrace their power, and confidently step into their roles as mothers, while ensuring their partners feel included and supported too.' "
Ready to Get Started?
Feeling prepared can make all the difference for a positive breastfeeding journey. Take the first step by exploring Emma’s Antenatal classes, or book postnatal doula support to ensure you have the care you need in those critical early weeks.