“With the premature arrival of my seventh baby, I wasn’t sure if we’d breastfeed”

As a mother to six children, the arrival of number seven was going to be no different. I have always tried to breastfeed and have never been precious about being unsuccessful.

I was admitted to hospital at 29 weeks

During my pregnancy, I was admitted to hospital at 29 weeks. I stayed in hospital for 5 weeks until I was induced due to severe hypertension and early rupture of membranes at 33 weeks of pregnancy. As this was my second premature baby, I was prepared that I may not have the opportunity to breastfeed, as I was unable to do so with my previous premature baby. 

Following the birth, baby was taken straight to NICU where she remained for 2 weeks. It was 48 hours before I was supported by a midwife to collect colostrum. I continued to collect colostrum until my milk was established, and then began to express. This was a tough time, no sooner was I expressing, it was time to go back to the hospital ready for baby tube feeds. Suddenly I felt so much pressure on myself to succeed.

I felt so much pressure on myself to succeed.

At 10 days old, baby tried to latch for the first time

Once my daughter was 10 days old, I was encouraged to try feeding. On the first go, baby successfully latched on! I can’t explain how incredible that feeling was of her first latch! I would then express and breastfeed as often as I could to enable baby to transition home. 

Now we’re home, the journey continues to be a tough one, with lots of ups and downs. My daughter has struggled with her weight gain so is also required to have a high-calorie top-up of infant formula to support this. There have been days I’ve felt ready to give up, feeling like I’ve failed and unable to produce enough fatty milk to give a good weight gain. Nevertheless, I have persevered and continued our journey despite good days and bad days.

At six months old we still face challenges

My daughter was born at 34 weeks and despite being 6 months old now, she is still very small. Being a plus-size Mother, breastfeeding comes with its challenges and it is not always easy to find a comfortable position for baby and I, or to be discreet when we’re out and about!

Being a plus-size Mother, breastfeeding comes with its challenges and it is not always easy to find a comfortable position for baby and I

Recently, my little one would not settle in the evening, so I decided to give laidback nursing a try. I had seen a post about the benefits of laidback nursing from Boobingit and thought I would try out the position for myself. After feeding her in a reclined position, she got a good feed and then fell asleep at the breast snoring!

Laid back breastfeeding has been a game-changer

I am so pleased I took the plunge and tried a new position that has worked for us and now have a baby in her crib in a deep sleep. It’s been a game-changer. It just goes to show you it’s never too late to try different nursing positions.

Here’s hoping we have many more breastfeeding days ahead of us.