The importance of finding community and support during your breastfeeding journey
This National Breast Feeding Week (27 June – 3 July), we caught up with one of our mums from Birmingham who kindly shared her experience when breastfeeding and navigate some of the challenges that she encountered.
Hannah Watton, age 36, discussed her challenges with Mastitis, a condition that causes pain, swelling and discomfort following her pregnancy, as well as the importance of finding your supportive networks. 
After having her first child, baby boy Alfred weighing 8lbs 30z with our Women’s Hospital in September, Hannah wanted to share her story with us to discuss how communities, family and friends can help to support women through their breastfeeding journey.
Despite the discomfort she experienced with her Mastitis, Hannah said:
“I’d still breastfeed if I were to have a second child, despite the challenges. I’ve learnt a lot as a first-time mum and once you do get into breastfeeding – it becomes super easy and convenient without having to worry about running out of milk or sterilising bottles. It’s all about your own comfort and seeking specialist support when you need it.”
There were initial challenges that Hannah and baby Alfred persevered through including ankyloglossia, more commonly referred to as baby ‘tongue tie’ which restricted baby Alfred’s mobility in his tongue, making it more difficult to breastfeed. Our Women’s Hospital Infant Feeding team were able to support both mother and baby through this challenging time.
Hannah said:
“There’s lots of information and support groups and peer feeding groups that you can attend to make breastfeeding easier – it's not as simple as it seems, and it does take a lot of perseverance.”
For some time, Hannah went to stay with her parents during renovations to her home for comfort.
The new mum told us that her mum had breastfed so it was nice not only to be in a comfortable environment away from the renovations but also to speak with her mum about how to breastfeed more effectively.
Hannah added
“My partner Ed supported my decision to carry on breastfeeding and despite managing the home renovations, he did as much as he could to at home make sure I was able to rest and concentrate on my recovery and Alfred.
“I think it’s important for people to know that my case was extreme - most mastitis cases you don’t end up in hospital, but that despite all of that it’s still possible to continue breastfeeding with the right support if you wish. Mastitis can make you very ill very quickly so if you suspect mastitis or a blocked duct then to seek help immediately.”
Hannah also confided in a friend who had also gone through Mastitis which gave her the confidence to continue with her breastfeeding journey, attending scans and consultations with our Lead Infant Feeding Midwife Leanne Cruickshank to reduce her Mastitis. Today, Hannah has been clear of Mastitis for nine months after a course of antibiotics.
Leanne Cruickshank said;
“There are a variety of difficulties that mothers can encounter when feeding their babies, but with evidence based information, support and encouragement these difficulties can be overcome. Support comes in so many shapes and forms this may be a neighbour making a hot drink, a friend cooking a meal, a supportive other saying "you’re doing well", a listening ear, speaking with someone encountering similar difficulties, people being kind in wider communities or accessing skilled trained support form a health care professionals. Everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed. It’s amazing the support that partners, the wider family, community, health and education services and workplaces do provide"
Hannah added:
“Leanne was an amazing support and offered so much help and advice! She was always on hand when I needed to ask her anything!”
Are you a mum-to-be or a new mum experiencing challenges during breastfeeding? We invite you to attend our Virtual Antenatal Breastfeeding Workshops taking place every Friday.
You can learn more information about our free-to-attend courses here.