![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Breastfeeding-in-the-sun--1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n- \r\n
- Wear Light Clothing<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Light, floating clothing with easy breast access is best! Avoid anything thick or clingy – ensure you are comfortable, and your clothing is breathable. Nursing access tops or bras also save a lot of time trying to get access to your breast so you can save yourself from working up a sweat. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Find Shade<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Avoid trying to feed in the direct sun because it will do neither you nor your baby any good. It is important to ensure your little one is not overheating in the summer, so shade is definitely going to be your new best friend when you are breastfeeding in the summer. If your baby is over 6 months old, consider using sunscreen to protect from any exposure. For younger ones a brimmed hat will help keep the sun off their faces.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Stay Hydrated<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hydration! This is oh so important. Your baby may feed more often in warmer weather to meet their hydration needs \u2013 and you should be drinking more too. You need to make sure you are hydrated enough for both yourself and baby. Never stray far from your water bottle!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Keeping You Cool<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Try carrying a handheld fan, spray water bottle and adding ice to your drinks to keep you more comfortable. A paddling pool or bucket of cool water to dip your feet into is also a great addition \u2013 you\u2019d be surprised how much you can cool down by dipping your feet into cool water. These summer months are definitely a good excuse for an ice lolly or two, as well!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Keeping Baby Cool<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Temperature regulation for new babies is really important to reduce the risk of SIDS. So, keep them shaded<\/a>, in light clothing and a regular check on their temperature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However you keep cool this summer, we hope that these tips from Pip help to make sure your breastfeeding experience is as calm and enjoyable as possible this summer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Pip is a practicing Midwife in the UK. She has many years of experience supporting new and expectant mothers. With a passion for supporting pregnant women by providing real, honest and evidence-based information, Pip helps women prepare for birth and postpartum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You can find more information about Pip\u2019s services on her website and check her out on Instagram @midwife_pip<\/a> for more tips and expert information.<\/p>\r\n
Breastfeeding the best way<\/h2>\r\n
Let\u2019s face it \u2013 we\u2019re lacking the right education when it comes to breastfeeding in the 21st<\/sup>\u00a0century and that also means a lot of old wives\u2019 tales being passed around. Breastfeeding is so much more than simply a way to please your hungry munchkin. And whilst it\u2019s a magical aspect of motherhood, nurturing that unique bond between parent and baby, it\u2019s also no secret that nursing a little one is no easy feat. We won\u2019t lie to you, it\u2019s an emotional rollercoaster \u2013 it\u2019ll be challenging, tiring, and overwhelming (not to mention messy) but it\u2019ll also be beautiful, intimate, rewarding, and completely worthwhile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Whilst the mechanics of breastfeeding can feel confusing \u2013 what about the impact it can have on mums themselves? It\u2019s completely normal to feel like you\u2019re struggling with your sense of self whilst breastfeeding. You may feel guilty that this joyous experience is feeling not so joyous for you. But let us reassure you, you\u2019re not alone! Looking after your cherub is incredibly important but looking after yourself is just as important. After all, our lovely mammas deserve all the TLC in the world too!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Whether you\u2019re a mummy-to-be or you\u2019re already on your breastfeeding journey, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll have a lot of questions racing through your mind. So, we\u2019ve teamed up with the\u00a0Breastfeeding Mentor, Danielle Facey<\/a>, to ease you into the wonderful world of breastfeeding and fully equip you before beginning your journey.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
As well as being a mumma herself, Danielle has an\u00a0MSc in Psychology,\u00a0<\/em>is a\u00a0qualified yoga and meditation teacher<\/em>, and of course is a\u00a0breastfeeding guru<\/em>. Using both her professional experience, and personal experience of being a mum, she offers advice to nursing mums so they can not only master breastfeeding but glow within themselves too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
The Benefits of Breast Milk<\/h2>\r\n
![\"Mum](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Breastfeeding-Week-2.1-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\r\nOnce your new addition to the family arrives, the\u00a0colostrum<\/a>\u00a0(first milk produced during pregnancy) that your breasts naturally produce for your babe\u202fis the best nutrition you can give them. It has everything your little one needs to grow, and it\u2019s also packed with\u00a0antibodies that\u2019ll protect them from infection and help make their immune system strong<\/a>. But that\u2019s not all! According to\u00a0Healthline<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0NHS<\/a>, there are plenty more benefits to breast milk, both for baby and mamma:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
For Baby<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
- \r\n
- Contains all the nutrients needed for the first 6 months\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Reduces risk of illnesses such as ear infections, colds, allergies, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Helps promote healthy weight gain\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Positive impact on long-term brain development<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Contributes to building a strong bond between mum and baby<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
For Mum<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
- \r\n
- Lowers risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Reduces chances of developing postpartum depression<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Prevents breasts from becoming too full, which helps avoid mastitis (swollen breasts)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Helps your uterus contract back to its previous size prior to pregnancy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
The Impact of Breastfeeding on Your Body\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Weight<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
What if we told you breastfeeding actually burns calories? We bet you weren\u2019t expecting that! Of course, in terms of\u00a0losing weight directly through breastfeeding<\/a>, it will differ amongst women. Some may get back to their pre-baby figure quicker, others notice no effect, and some even gain weight during the process.\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0tells us that whilst breastfeeding\u00a0burns 25% of the calories we consume every day<\/strong>, it\u2019s\u00a05% more than our brains use.\u00a0<\/strong>So, whilst breastfeeding, if you\u2019re finding you\u2019re thirstier than usual, and your tummy\u2019s rumbling more often \u2013\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0has cracked the case for you!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Ligaments and joints<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
Whilst you\u2019re carrying your little one, a hormone called \u2018relaxin<\/a>\u2019 is produced which circulates around your body to help loosen up those joints and ligaments ready for the big day. But\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0lets us in on a secret all mummas should know \u2013 \u2018relaxin\u2019 will continue to move around your body for as long as you breastfeed.\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0tells us it\u2019s especially important to keep this in mind if you\u2019re a mum who\u2019s itching to get back into fitness after having your baby:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201c\u2026it is important to be aware of this for when you start to get back into exercising postpartum. You need to be aware that your ligaments and joints are looser than usual so take extra care to avoid injury.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Libido<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
You may not know but your libido can take a hit if you\u2019re a breastfeeding mama. Of course, this isn\u2019t true for everyone, but\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>says that for those mums who do find breastfeeding takes a toll on their libido, it can feel like they\u2019re alone in it. But\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>reassures mums everywhere that this couldn\u2019t be further from the truth! It\u2019s actually incredibly normal, and an issue that\u2019s a lot more common than thought to be. If you need some words of wisdom, Danielle says:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThere are things you can do such as focusing on a connection with your partner in other ways such as emotionally, intellectually and through touch. This can help you to reconnect and regain that intimacy.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Practicing Self-Care Whilst Breastfeeding\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
![\"Mum](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Breastfeeding-Week-3.1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\r\nSometimes you can struggle to feel like yourself whilst you\u2019re breastfeeding. But\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>tells us that self-care goes a long way \u2013 and we trust the breastfeeding guru with our life! You may feel guilty about\u202fself-care, but just know that taking care of yourself isn\u2019t a luxury \u2013 it\u2019s an essential part of being a good\u202fmum.\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>assures mums that all it takes is getting an extra pair of hands to take your cherub off you, so you can have some well-deserved downtime. And yes dads \u2013 we\u2019re looking at you!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Danielle\u2019s\u00a0<\/em>wisdom doesn\u2019t end there. She also advises taking baby steps because she understands it\u2019s natural as a mum to feel protective and want to be with your cub all the time:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cStart simple. Maybe lie completely still on a flat surface with a facemask whilst someone looks after your little one for 15 minutes and you get a moment of peace.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Danielle<\/em>\u00a0says over time, you\u2019ll become more comfortable with being away from your baby for longer stretches if you breastfeed them first. That way you know for sure they\u2019re not going to get hungry whilst you\u2019re away. Once you have that peace of mind,\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0suggests treating yourself in the following way:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201c\u2026perhaps start with half an hour in the bath listening to your favourite podcast and then build up to an hour. Whatever it is you do, just make sure to find time for regular me time, to give yourself a time to switch off and be still. Your body mind and soul will thank you for it.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
The Best Breastfeeding Positions\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
You may need to try a few breastfeeding positions before finding your favourite one that works best for you and your little one.\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0lets us in on her tried and tested favourites:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Line your baby\u2019s nose up with your nipple instead of their chin \/ jaw<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0says this helps them open their mouth wide and get a good deep latch, so they can get all those yummy nutrients from your breast effectively and comfortably.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
- \r\n
- Lie back<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Danielle tells us that this position helps your bub get in a comfy position and stay there, so you can have your hands free and relax whilst breastfeeding. You can either do this whilst perched on a chair with a cushion or in your happy place (bed) with lots of cushions. And it\u2019s easy peasy according to\u00a0Danielle<\/em>! She says all you have to do is lay your cutie in full body contact and line their nose up with your nipple. You can do this with your baby lying vertically, but if you\u2019ve had a c-section or your baby\u2019s very long, angle them across your body and allow them to latch onto you. Now, you\u2019ve got your hands free to snuggle your little one or move them into a position where mama will be comfortable too.\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0says to just make sure you don\u2019t apply any pressure to the back of their teeny tiny heads, so they can wiggle about freely.\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
How to Deal with Breastfeeding Soreness\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Breastfeeding shouldn\u2019t be painful. However,\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0tells us that when your little one\u2019s ickle teeth are coming through or if they\u2019re\u00a0cluster feeding<\/a>, you may experience a little bit of pain. Fear not though mamas! Danielle has a couple of tricks up her sleeve to help reduce discomfort, as she recommends expressing your own breast milk and then applying it to the sore nipple to help it heal. Or if you\u2019re after other remedies, Danielle says to apply natural-based products such as nipple creams and balms (whether oil or lanolin based) to get you on the mend.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
If the soreness you\u2019re experiencing is because your nipples are engorged or you have a clogged milk duct,\u00a0Danielle<\/em> tells us a hot or cold compress (or alternate between the two) should do the trick.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
On a final note,\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>urges mums that when in doubt, to contact an\u00a0IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)<\/a>, who will look after you on your breastfeeding journey. Danielle<\/em>\u00a0also advises that if you\u2019re experiencing soreness and develop a fever and chills, to seek medical advice as soon as possible. It\u2019s always better to be safe than sorry!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
And there\u2019s more where that came from! If you\u2019re interested in learning more, you can\u00a0follow Danielle on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and be further inspired on your breastfeeding journey. And if you\u2019re looking to get your head stuck in a good book,\u00a0Danielle\u00a0<\/em>has a book called\u00a0\u2018Self Care: The Breastfeeding Edition\u2019\u00a0<\/em>and you can access it for free on\u00a0Amazon Kindle<\/a>, or via her\u00a0website<\/a>. Breastfeeding on your own terms (and self-care) begins today!<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As any new mum will tell you, breastfeeding isn\u2019t light work and that is even more so in summer. We all struggle in the heat sometimes; it can be agitating and easy to get flustered. Breastfeeding can become an uncomfortable, sweaty mealtime for both you and your little one. With that being said, there are some ways you can make breastfeeding in the summer much easier. Here Pip Morrish, of Midwife Pip, gives us her<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7518,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[252,529,484,187],"tags":[460,462,282],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5673"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5673"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6628,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5673\/revisions\/6628"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Lie back<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Danielle tells us that this position helps your bub get in a comfy position and stay there, so you can have your hands free and relax whilst breastfeeding. You can either do this whilst perched on a chair with a cushion or in your happy place (bed) with lots of cushions. And it\u2019s easy peasy according to\u00a0Danielle<\/em>! She says all you have to do is lay your cutie in full body contact and line their nose up with your nipple. You can do this with your baby lying vertically, but if you\u2019ve had a c-section or your baby\u2019s very long, angle them across your body and allow them to latch onto you. Now, you\u2019ve got your hands free to snuggle your little one or move them into a position where mama will be comfortable too.\u00a0Danielle<\/em>\u00a0says to just make sure you don\u2019t apply any pressure to the back of their teeny tiny heads, so they can wiggle about freely.\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
- Reduces chances of developing postpartum depression<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Reduces risk of illnesses such as ear infections, colds, allergies, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Contains all the nutrients needed for the first 6 months\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Keeping Baby Cool<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Keeping You Cool<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Stay Hydrated<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Find Shade<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n