Charlotte and Calliope
Charlotte and Calliope
How did your breastfeeding journey begin?
In the early days of breastfeeding, I found it quite painful. With this being my first baby, I wasn’t quite sure how to position baby at the breast. Helen from the Infant Feeding Team called in to see us at home on day two, and showed me different ways to hold baby at the breast, to make sure baby could latch comfortably and get a good feed. Soon, feeding was pain free for me.
About a month later, Calliope started to cough & splutter when starting a feed. I popped along to the Infant Feeding Team’s drop-in session at Brookvale Family Hub to see Stacey Cameron, Halton’s Infant Feeding Specialist. I was shown how to hand express a little bit of milk, which slows down the flow at the beginning of the feed, making it easier for baby. Stacey was also able to check for any potential tongue ties or lip ties. The Infant Feeding team were also on hand to chat through some other aspects of breastfeeding over a cup of tea!
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Ooh goodness! There are so many! But I think at number one is the amazing bond I have with my daughter.
I really appreciate the fact that milk is always available, always at the right temperature and I don’t have to pack a bag before going out! This makes it really easy to socialise and get out and about with baby, since they can stop and feed anywhere, any time. Wherever you go with baby, you have a quick and easy way to nourish, feed, calm and comfort baby.
I feel that Calliope finds a lot of comfort in feeding which has been brilliant since teething started.
Baby Calliope started crawling at five months and enjoys babbling, too – maybe these are all positive effects of mum’s lovely breastmilk!
My husband has been a huge support throughout our journey. He has seen how wonderfully Calliope has grown and thrived, and sees what an amazing experience it is for me too.
What advice would you give to a new mum?
Just know that help is there and easily accessible. The infant feeding team will reach out to you, and you can contact them as much as you need for ongoing support until you feel confident. Don’t ever feel you are alone, because the Infant Feeding Team can come out and support you as many times as it takes to get feeding going well.
Breastfeeding in the early days can be demanding, but it’s the most natural thing ever.
Who helped you with your breastfeeding journey?
We are regulars at the Breastfeeding Group at Halton Lodge Family Hub, which takes place on Thursday mornings. It’s a lovely way to socialise with other breastfeeding mums over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Any breastfeeding problems can be supported here, or you can just pop in for a chat.
We’ve also been exploring our musical side at Moo Music – the staff here are super supportive of breastfeeding mums, bringing drinks over and making them super welcome.
And Charlotte and Calliope’s breastfeeding journey is still going strong – although Charlotte originally aimed to get to six months, she feels now that she will continue to feed until Calliope is ready to stop. Calliope is showing some signs of teething, and having a feed at the breast settles her if she is feeling out of sorts or niggly.
This is mum Charlotte and baby Calliope who is now 8 months old. We spoke to Charlotte to find out about her breastfeeding journey.
More Stories
Read other stories from local parents who the Halton Infant Feeding Team and Family Hubs have supported recently.