Julia and Steffan
Julia and Steffan
What ideas, thoughts or feelings did you have about breastfeeding before pregnancy? Had you decided how to feed?
I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I had a few friends around who fed successfully, so that was positive and made me feel it was achievable.
I really enjoyed the antenatal workshop delivered by the Infant Feeding Team - it gave me chance to find out the facts about different feeding options, rather than other people’s perceptions. It gave me an idea of what to expect after birth, such as the importance of skin to skin and how often newborn babies need to feed (around 8-12 times in each 24 hour period).
How did you feel after support?
I honestly felt so happy and relieved. I didn’t expect to succeed with breastfeeding after the shaky start, so it was a great feeling to come back from that difficult point. In my head once we started formula feeding, we wouldn’t get to exclusive breastfeeding, but we did. Seeing Steffan gain weight on breastmilk only was a particularly proud moment.
Who else supported your breastfeeding journey?
My husband Hywel has been a huge help throughout the breastfeeding journey. While on paternity leave, Hywel took on a lot of the night wakings so I could get some sleep. He changed Steffan and brought him to me to feed, and would also clean and assemble the pump parts.
Have you used any other Family Hub services?
We attend Halton Lodge Family Hub Breastfeeding group most Thursdays as a way to socialise with other mums and a safe space for babies to play and interact.
I also attended the Introduction to Solid Foods workshop run by the Infant Feeding Team. It was really informative thanks to the impartial advice and I realised there’s no need to overcomplicate introducing solid foods to your baby – it’s just a matter of introducing one food at a time, allowing baby to learn about flavours and textures, until baby is joining in with family mealtimes.
What do you feel has been the main benefit of breastfeeding?
Wow, so many! For me personally I feel an amazing bond with Steffan. It has really built our relationship, we are very close. I feel good in myself – I think it’s the oxytocin - I feel positive and my mental health has been excellent. That impacts the whole family. Steffan is pretty happy too!
Breastfeeding has been super convenient, especially in terms of going out places. It’s easier to get out more, no need to remember to sterilise or pack bottles so I can just pop out with the nappies.
How was the start of your breastfeeding journey?
I had a caesarean section and after birth, baby Steffan was taken to the neonatal unit for specialist care, meaning we were separated at first. There were brief opportunities for a cuddle, but there wasn’t a great deal of time for us to get the hang of latching and Steffan became quite agitated at the breast. Midwives at the hospital supplied me with a pump so I could express some breastmilk and start building my milk supply.
What – if any - issues did you face when breastfeeding?
When we got home, we had chance to try breastfeeding but it quickly became quite painful for me. Steffan was having the milk that I expressed and some formula, but luckily my husband remembered about the Infant Feeding Team and gave them a call.
Kirsty and Helen from the Infant Feeding Team came to see us at home and offered some nipple shields – thin pieces of silicone which sit over the nipple to help babies latch on if they are struggling to recognise the nipple. This also provides a layer of protection. After playing around with different sizes of shield, Steffan started to feed really well at the breast and within a few days, I was able to stop the formula top ups and give Steffan all his feeds myself.
This is Julia and baby Steffan, who was born in September 2024. What a lovely smile, Steffan!
More Stories
Read other stories from local parents who the Halton Infant Feeding Team and Family Hubs have supported recently.