Breastfeeding Made Simple: Practical Tips for Every Mum
So, you’ve brought home your beautiful, squishy bundle of joy—and the real adventure begins! Cue the cheers, the sweet snuggles, and yes, the mountain of unsolicited advice. Among the first challenges many new mums in Lanarkshire face is breastfeeding. It’s natural, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of the most meaningful connections you’ll share with your baby. But let’s be real: it’s not always easy. Think of it as learning to dance with a partner who’s new to the steps—and sometimes, one of you ends up in tears (hint: it’s not always the baby!).
If you’re a mum searching for breastfeeding help “near me” in Lanarkshire, you’re not alone. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek guidance and support to make it work for you and your little one.
Fear not! This breast feeding blog is here to help with troubleshooting tips, practical advice, and some supportive guidance to remind you that you’re not alone.
We run a breastfeeding workshop and the next one will run Wednesday 18th Dec at 6pm in Airdrie. It is priced at £5 and all profits go to Bear Necessities Children’s Charity in Airdrie. In dependent Lactation consultant Angela Chalmers from Latch on Lanarkshire will be running the workshop. Angela’s is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and works locally in the Lanarkshire area.
Breastfeeding Basics: The First Few Days
In the beginning, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a cherry. This means they may want to eat every 1–3 hours, or, as it often feels, constantly. During these early days:
Colostrum, aka "liquid gold": Your breasts are producing a nutrient-packed, thick substance that’s all your baby needs right now.
Cluster feeding: Your baby may feed frequently to stimulate your milk supply. Yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s a temporary phase.
Latching: Positioning matters! Aim to get the baby to take in as much of the areola below the nipple (the darker area around the nipple) as possible—not just the tip of the nipple. Think wide mouth, as wide as when they cry or yawn!
Nutrition for mums : Make sure mums stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up
When the Latch is Less Than Lovely
A bad latch can feel like someone’s trying to turn your nipple into origami. If feeding is painful or your nipples are cracked, it’s a sign the latch might need tweaking.
Tips for Improving the Latch:
Positioning is key. Try different holds:
Cradle hold: Classic and cozy.
Football hold: Great for mum’s recovering from a C-section.
Side-lying position: Perfect for midnight feeds when you’re too tired to sit up.
Look for cues. A good latch should:
Feel like a tug, not a pinch.
Baby’s top lip should be taut and the bottom lip flared out
Baby should be suckling and swallowing
Break the suction gently. Slide your finger into the corner of baby’s mouth before unlatching to avoid nipple pain.
The Breast Crawl :Have a wee watch at this video of the breast crawl to help with those first few feeds HERE
Tongue Tie Troubles
A tongue-tie is where the strip of skin connecting the baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual. Some babies who have tongue-tie don’t seem bothered by it. In others, it can restrict the tongue's movement, making it harder to breastfeed. It may not become apparent until your baby has feeding problems. The front part of the tongue should be able to extend and cup the breast (or bottle teat) and draw it into the mouth, the back part of the tongue should lift and drop in a rhythmic motion allowing a good suck/swallow/breathe pattern, but when a baby cannot do this well it can impact on their feeding.
If your baby has a tongue tie—a condition where the frenulum (the tissue under the tongue) is too tight—it can interfere with breastfeeding. Symptoms can include:
Clicking sounds and difficulty while feeding.
Problems with latch
Poor weight gain.
Painful latch despite trying all the techniques.
Excessive wind
Sore/cracked nipples for mum
What to do? A Tongue tie practitioner can assess and, if needed, perform a simple procedure to release the tie. It’s a game-changer for many mums and babies. Angela from Latch on Lanarkshire performs tongue tie release in her Airdrie clinic
Bear in mind, midwives, health visitors, GPs and even paediatricians are not trained to assess for tongue tie ( frenulotomy), if going VIA the NHS you need to contact Infant feeding support within the hospital.
Combination Feeding
For some mums, exclusive breastfeeding isn’t practical or desirable—and that’s OK! Enter combination feeding, a mix of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. It can offer flexibility, shared feeding duties, and less stress about milk supply.
Tips for Combining Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding:
Start slow. Introduce one bottle per day to avoid nipple confusion. Use a slow-flow teat to mimic breastfeeding.
Pump strategically. If you want to maintain your milk supply, pump during the times your baby has a bottle.
Find your rhythm. Some families breastfeed during the day and use formula at night, while others mix it up. Do what works for you!
Common Breastfeeding Challenges (and How to Fix Them)
Engorgement:
Your breasts feel like over-inflated balloons. Ouch! Use cold compresses between feeds and hand-express just enough milk to feel comfortable.
Blocked Ducts:
A painful lump? Massage the area while feeding, and try warm compresses.
Mastitis:
Symptoms include redness, heat, and pain. Continue breastfeeding (it’s safe)
call your doctor if you have a temperature and feel unwell —antibiotics may be needed.
When Things Go... Differently
Picture this: You’re finally latching like a pro when, mid-feed, the baby unlatches abruptly—and you spray milk across the room like a rogue garden hose. It happens to the best of us. You’ll laugh about it later—maybe even tomorrow.
Don’t Forget to Look After Yourself
Breastfeeding is demanding, so make sure to care for the feeder:
Stay hydrated! Keep a water bottle within arm’s reach.
Snack smart. Breastfeeding burns calories, so fuel up with nutritious snacks.
Ask for help. Partners can’t nurse, but they can burp, change nappies, pass the remote or bring you tea while you’re stuck under a feeding baby.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding is a skill you and your baby learn together. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and sometimes it feels like an Olympic sport—but it’s also a bond like no other. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combination feeding, or transitioning to formula, remember: fed is best, and your mental health matters.
Here’s to a journey filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few spit-ups along the way. You’ve got this, mama!
Got your own stories or tips to share? Drop them in the comments—because motherhood is better with a community. 🌟
Angela also runs a Breastfeeding support group every Monday in Bear Necessities charity on Saline Street, Airdrie from 1.30-3pm.