I don’t mean three babies at once (although hats off to anyone who does that!) I mean three consecutive children.
It’s been almost six months since I stopped breastfeeding for what will probably be the last time, and to mark World Breastfeeding Week I thought I’d look back on what I’ve learnt breastfeeding three children.
Organised by the World Health Organisation, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1 to 7 to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.
This year, the World Health Organisation is working with UNICEF to promote the importance of family-friendly breastfeeding policies – like paid maternity & paternity leave and parent friendly workplaces – to help mums and dads nurture and bond with their children in early life, when it matters most.
So, to help bang the breastfeeding drum, I thought it would be fun to share what I learnt breastfeeding three babies over the course of six years.
10 things I learnt breastfeeding three babies
1. Breastfeeding does come naturally. You see so many negative stories about the struggle to breastfeed, but not very many positive ones. And there are positive ones. I don’t think enough is said about that.
2. You quickly become an expert. Even though you’ve never been a mummy before and even though you’ve never breastfed before, by the time baby number two – and then three – arrives you know more about breastfeeding than some health professionals.
3. You think you can’t possibly get any more tired, and wonder how on earth you’re going to get through the day. But you always do.
4. A good electric breast pump is a must. You might think it sounds expensive, but it’s not long before you realise it’s absolutely priceless – especially if you’re returning to work.
5. Giving up my dream job to exclusively breastfeed was the right thing to do. Even though it makes my blood boil, and even though I’m still smarting about it more than four years later.
6. We’ve got a looong way to go to normalise breastfeeding in the UK. And the fact there’s even a need to normalise something normal makes me so mad. And sad.
7. If men were the ones doing the breastfeeding the world would be a very different place. I’m sorry, but it’s true.
8. Don’t succumb to peer pressure. Stop when you’re ready, whether that’s at two weeks or two months or two years.
9. Breastfeeding at two isn’t ‘a bit odd’. It’s perfectly natural if that’s what’s right for you and your baby – or toddler.
10. If you want something done, ask a breastfeeding mother. We’re the queens of multi-tasking.
With workplaces under the spotlight in this year’s World Breastfeeding Week I’ve teamed up with small business support network Enterprise Nation and healthcare provider Equipsme to write about why I gave up my dream job to breastfeed and how employers can stop their staff doing the same – you can read all about it here if you’re interested! And to find out more about World Breastfeeding Week and how to get involved click here.
I can’t help but say a big KUDOS to all mothers. Y’all are doing great.
It’s pretty normalised here, or it was when I had my kids (over a decade ago). You can do it anywhere, or I did and no one ever said anything. I do like point number 8 but I would preface number 1 by saying it’s probably the same as fertility. It’s natural to some bodies but not to others. I had no problems but I’ve watched friends twist themselves up for 6 to 8 weeks, getting PND as a result (or bordering close to it) as demented people keep insisting they persist. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, or how much you want to, you need to ‘intervene’ with other methods. #KCACOLS
I think that these are all valid things to learn about breastfeeding. I wasn’t able to breastfeed my kids because I gave them jaundice. I think number 10 is truly cute. I think that can be said about any mother whether they’ve breastfed their kids or not. 😉 #KCACOLS
I like the pooint about not being influenced by others, everyonne is ready to stop at different times, I fed some of mine for 6 months only with returning to work and others for 2 years. #KCACOLS
Great photo of your drinks fridge there, that really made me smile, also some great advice there for all those new mummies xx
#KCACOLS
Certainly agree that the world needs to grow up and let feeding be normal everywhere. Great post. #KCACOLS
People do like to share their opinions on things don’t they, like the comment on breastfeeding a 2 year old! I think we are making progress though, with extended breastfeeding being discussed more and with breastfeeding in general. x #KCACOLS
You’re so right with number ten in particular. I can remember organising my older son’s birthday party with one hand and breastfeeding my younger son held with the other hand! #kcacols
Haha! I did think you were breastfeeding 3 babies simultaneously when I was first read your post title!
#kcacols