Never, ever in a toilet! Imagine asking an adult or a bottlefed baby to have their dinner in the toilet! We don’t think breastfeeding is something you need to hide, but it’s important that you do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Here’s some tips.

Time and place

• Try and get settled somewhere before your baby gets hungry. If they start crying they might draw more attention to you.
• In cafés, get a seat that is out of the way. If you have to keep moving your chair, it might upset the baby’s feed.

Breastfeeding friendly places

• Larger shops are starting to offer mum and baby rooms for breastfeeding.

Find a quiet spot

• Many young women feel better if they can find somewhere out of the way.
• Fitting rooms are good.
• In a café you can sit with your back to the room.
• Some people even nip out to the car for 10 minutes.

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Click here for more advice on breastfeeding your baby discreetly.

The Be A Star Team.

We don’t understand how anyone could have a problem with a mum feeding her baby. But there are still some people who give strange looks and make comments. The main thing is to not let anyone stop you doing what’s best for you and your baby.

Be strong

• There’s lots of ways you can deal with these people. The important thing is not to get stressed about it – it’s not good for you or your baby.
• Ignore them completely – they’re not worth it.
• Tell the manager that you are being harassed.
• Make a joke about the situation.
• Calmly explain that it’s the best thing for your baby and completely natural.

Be confident

• The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel.
• It might be a big deal for you, but most people don’t even notice.
• Remember why you’re doing it – for your baby! The most important thing in your life. Who cares what other people think?

Be proud

• Breastfeeding is an amazing achievement – be proud of it!

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Click here for more advice on breastfeeding your baby discreetly.

The Be A Star Team.

Breastfeeding is nothing to be embarrassed about! But when you’re out and about, knowing what clothes to wear and feeding positions to use can help you feel more confident before you actually leave the house.

Clothes that work

• Any tops that unbutton from the bottom.
• Stretchy tops that pull up.
• Two piece outfits if you’re going somewhere special.
• You can now get trendy bras and tops that are made specially for breastfeeding.

Clothes that don’t

• Shirts that you have to unbutton – they make you feel really exposed.

Hints and tips

• Jackets, shirts over a vest top and cardigans – these can be used as a screen and will cover almost everything!
• Scarves and baby blankets are also good at keeping things under wraps.
• Use a sling or a pouch – they make carrying the baby easier on your back and cover most of your boob as well.
• Practise! The more you do it, the better you get at getting baby latched on quickly. You can do this without even leaving your living room!

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Click here for more advice on breastfeeding your baby discreetly.

The Be A Star Team.

 

VICKY THOMPSON, 25, FROM CARLISLE WITH 7-MONTH-OLD BABY SIAN

Vicky lives in Carlisle with her daughter Sian. Before she became a mum, Vicky worked full-time. Since giving birth to Sian, Vicky has returned to work part-time, but continues to feed Sian herself by breastfeeding when she is at home and expressing milk for bottles whilst she is at work.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
Even before becoming pregnant, I had decided that I wanted to breastfeed to give Sian the best start in life. It was the natural option as it’s easier than using formula in many ways. There’s no preparation and when we’re out and about, there’s not much to carry and I don’t have to worry about how long the milk has been out! Also, you can have a sleep whilst feeding if your baby is up lots during the night, so I’m not too tired during the days.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone was very supportive; answering any questions I had, but not pressuring me in any way. Most people that I know breastfeed as they are older than me, I think it was seen as more ‘normal’ in the past.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Give it a try! You can always swap to bottles later on and you may regret it if you don’t try. The pain does totally disappear after a while, just make sure that you’re sitting comfortably and have everything that you need to hand… drink, food, TV, remote!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I would say that support is really important, especially in the first few months, when there’s a chance that you may run into problems like thrush in the nipple. So, find someone to talk to. It is unlikely that everyone will disapprove and it does get easier. People’s opinions will matter less if you’re comfortable, besides, people will get used to it. I’ve been congratulated so many times by strangers who think it’s lovely to see, as it’s becoming less common.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Being able to go out for any length of time and at first, being uneasy about the quantity of milk the baby is getting.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I read books whilst pregnant and when I was in hospital, I spoke to the staff. I also spoke to other friends and family about their experiences of feeding their babies.

KATIE BURNS, 18, FROM WORKINGTON WITH 3-MONTH-OLD BABY AMY

Katie lives in Workington with daughter Amy. Before giving birth to Amy, Katie was on her college placement, now that she has given birth and her baby is a little older, Katie plans to return to her studies.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I was always going to breastfeed when I had a baby. I got to know more about it when I was pregnant which made me even more determined to do it.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone in my family have breastfed their babies. My mother breastfed me, my brother and my sister. My sister breastfed my nephew and my aunties even breastfed my cousins! My partner’s great, he thinks that that’s what breasts are for, he was breastfed too. My friends are funny; they think it’s fascinating! I think they’ll breastfeed too because it looks easy and convenient.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I would advise them to get as much information about it as they can, talk to people who have breastfed their babies. If you want to do it too, go for it! No matter what anyone else thinks!

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
I don’t think there are any drawbacks. I like the fact that I can express and go out and about. I’m going away overnight next month and have expressed and frozen my milk so that Amy will have enough milk whilst I’m away.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I spoke to my mother and the midwives in the clinic and read the leaflets that they gave me.

North and West Cumbria

Breastfeeding Information and Support

National Breastfeeding Helpline
Calls are answered locally by
trained mothers. 9.30am - 9.30pm
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk
Tel: 0300 100 0212

Postnatal ward West Cumberland
Tel: 01946 523 260

Maternity ward Carlisle
Tel: 01228 523 444 Ext 4269

NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor
Anne Marie Steel—West Cumbria
Tel: 07900 904 054

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
NCT breastfeeding line: 0300 330 0771
NCT pregnancy & birth line: 0300 330 0772
NCT postnatal line: 0300 330 0773

Special Care Baby Unit
West Cumbria: 01946 693 181 Ext 4248
Carlisle: 01228 523 444 Ext 4271
(For special care babies only)

Helpful Numbers

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (24 hrs)
Tel: 08444 122 949

La Leche League (24hrs)
Tel: 0845 120 2918

Cumbria PCT
Penrith
Tel: 01768 245 317

Cumbria County Council
Children and Family Information Service
Tel: 08457 125 737

The Brook Advisory Helpline
Free and confidential advice and contraception
www.brook.org.uk
Freephone: 0808 802 1234

Sexual Health Clinics
Carlisle: 01228 814 814 / 591 986
West Cumbria: 01900 705 050

Family Planning
Hilltop Heights
Tel: 01228 608 028 or 0845 122 8690

Drug & Alcohol
Carlisle: 01228 88 22 99
West Cumbria: 01946 599 413

Health Visitors (Carlisle)
Hilltop Heights: 01228 608 045
Petterill Bank: 01228 547 137

Health Visitors (West Cumbria)
Workington: 01900 706 153/152

Social Services—children/adults
Whitehaven: 01946 852 852
Workington: 01900 706 325

Carlisle (children): 01228 226 877
Carlisle (adult): 01228 22 7000

Breastfeeding Groups

Carlisle and District

For more information on the groups below, contact:
Infant Feeding Coordinator
Helen Ferris—Carlisle
Tel: 01228 814 269 / 07879 632 018

Harraby Petterill Bank School
Mon 1pm - 2.30pm

Wigton Low Moor Church Hall
Tue 10am - 11.30am

Belah Community Centre
Thur 2pm - 3.30pm

Morton Manor Community Centre
Fri 1pm - 2.30pm

Longtown Children’s Centre
Fri 10am - 11.30am

West Cumbria

For more information on the groups below, contact:
Infant Feeding Advisor
Sharon Rogan—West Cumbria
Tel: 01946 523 260 / 07733 361 687

Methodist Church Hall, Cockermouth
Wed 10.30am - 12pm

Cockermouth Leisure Centre
Mon 10am -12pm

Maryport Child and Family Centre
Fri 1pm - 2.30pm

Workington Community Hospital
Fri 1.30pm - 3pm

Valley School, Whitehaven
Tue 1pm - 2.30pm

Seascale School
Mon 1.45pm - 3.15pm

St Mary’s and St Michael’s Egremont
Wed 11am -12pm

Cleator Moor Children’s Centre
Thur 1pm - 2.30pm

Children’s Centres: West Cumbria

Howgill Family Centre
Tel: 01946 62681

Cleator Moor Family Centre
Tel:  01946 62681

Egremont Children’s Centre
Tel: 01946 62681

Distington Community Centre
Tel: 01900 873699

Frizington Family Centre
Frizington Nursery School
Tel: 01946 62681

Minto Centre
Tel: 01900 873699

Children’s Centres: Carlisle and District

Barnardos Carlisle West
Tel: 01228 223417

Barnardos Carlisle South
Tel: 01228 625937

Aspatria Children’s Centre
Tel: 016973 22777

Wigton Children’s Centre
Tel: 016973 49555

Silloth Childrens Centre
Tel: 0845 5436909

South Cumbria

Breastfeeding Information and Support

National Breastfeeding Helpline
Calls are answered locally by
trained mothers. 9.30am - 9.30pm
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk
Tel: 0300 100 0212

Furness Breastfeeding Helpline
Tel: 01229 582 464
6pm - 11pm

Cumbria PCT
Penrith
Tel: 01768 245 317

NHS Direct
www.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 46 47

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
Tel: 08444 122 949 (24 hrs)

La Leche League (24hrs)
Tel: 0845 120 2918

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Breastfeeding Line
Tel: 0300 33 00 771

Cumbria County Council Children
and Family Information Service
Tel: 08457 125 737

Sexual Health
Tel: 01229 404 464

Drug and Alcohol Services
Tel: 01229 615 651 or 07775 917 443

Stop Smoking Midwife
Tel: 07768 483 394

Home Start
Support for parents or carers with children under 5
Tel: 01229 824 411

Domestic Violence
Tel: 01229 838 746

CONNEXIONS
Young parent support
Tel: 01229 824 052

The Brook Advisory Helpline
Free and confidential advice and contraception
www.brook.org.uk
Freephone: 0808 802 1234

Postnatal Wellbeing Support
Tel: 01229 820 029

Family Planning
Tel: 01229 845 953

Social Services
Tel: 01229 407 894

SARAH METCALFE, 20, FROM BARROW-IN-FURNESS WITH 2-MONTH-OLD BABY KIAN

Sarah lives in Barrow with her son Kian. As well as looking after her newborn baby, Sarah loves catching up on all the latest TV and playing on her computer.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I chose to breastfeed as it is best for my baby and a lot, lot easier for me. I knew when I found out that I was pregnant that I was going to breastfeed my baby.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone around me was very supportive of my decision.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Give it a go!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Just ignore them and do what you want to do!!

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
The only drawback that I’ve found is how other people can view breastfeeding, and their negative attitudes towards it.

 

AMY GILL, 24, FROM DALTON-IN-FURNESS WITH 6-MONTH-OLD BABY ELIZABETH

Amy lives in Dalton-in-Furness with her daughter Elizabeth. Before giving birth Amy worked full time as a registrar at a local zoo, keeping the records of all the animals up to date. Amy is now concentrating on being a good mummy!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I decided that I wanted to try to breastfeed Elizabeth whilst I was pregnant. I wanted to do the best that I could for my baby. I’m so happy that I chose to breastfeed! : )

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My family are very supportive of my decision to breastfeed, especially my mum, she’s been fantastic.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Take a good look at the options, to breastfeed or to bottle feed, then make an informed choice based on what’s best for you and your baby.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Keep thinking positively and remind yourself — YOU ARE A STAR… because you are. If it really does start to get you down, contact a local breastfeeding support group for help.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
For me, there are no drawbacks, I love the fact that I don’t have to prepare bottles and that I’m able to feed my baby myself.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I went to the local Parentcraft classes at the children’s centre; the midwives who ran it were so helpful and full of great advice!

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EXCLUSIVE
Pregnant mums are more likely to breastfeed when dads get involved in the decision. Whilst the final say needs to be with the mum, blokes that take the time to find out the facts about breastfeeding whilst she’s pregnant make their partners feel more confident about doing things naturally.

GET INVOLVED
Dads that take a backseat and leave the mum to decide by herself are more likely to miss out on the many benefits that breastfeeding will give to their baby.

If there’s one thing that separates the men from the boys, it’s how they deal with being a dad. Here’s some top tips to help you step up to the plate.

1. You can’t really break the baby!
Don’t be afraid to pick your baby up for a cuddle! There’s a knack to it when they are really little, but don’t worry, your instincts as a dad will
kick in.

2. Don’t Panic.
You might feel like you’re having a heart attack when the midwives, doctors, and health visitors disappear and leave you holding the baby. Prepare for this in your mind. Stay calm, work together and remember that help is always on hand.

3. Know where to turn.
Keep a list of important numbers next to the phone, so that when panic does set in you can get help or advice quickly. As well as the midwife, doctor, health visitor (and your mum), include friends with children, your antenatal teacher and the breastfeeding helplines.

4. Be patient 
New mums have a lot to cope with—lots more than you! Get ready to be patient and supportive at all costs. She’s carried the baby for 9 months, given birth and is now worried about being mum—she deserves to be a bit narky! More seriously, read up on post-natal depression. Get to know the signs and get help quickly if you’re worried.

5. Breast is best
Breastfeeding will give your baby the best start possible, but make sure you don’t pressure your partner. Make the decision together and make sure she knows that you’ll be there to support her if she decides to give it a go.

6. Fill the cupboards
Stock up your cupboards and freezer with plenty of food to make quick and easy meals. You’ll have very little time on your hands for a while and meals prepared in advance are great for saving precious minutes (and reducing washing up!)

7. What about sex?
In the early days, it’s unlikely that sex will be on the agenda at all.  She’s likely to be far too tired, sore, and self-conscious about her body. Take this on board and help her to feel loved and attractive again. Give her lots of cuddles, and tell her how beautiful she is and how proud of her
you are.