My newborn’s first brush with the breast was a comedy of errors. Neither of us knew what we were doing – and well-meaning nurses and doctors seemed hardly more clued up than we were. Ironically, it was probably my ignorance of the whole process that cemented my success. I didn’t know at the time that breast was best – I just knew it was the natural aftermath, as it were, of giving birth. This meant I was blissfully naïve about formula feeding too; it never occurred to me to give Samara a bottle!

Modern society has made great strides in medicine, not least of all in the fields of reproductive health, pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately, this has also caused interference in some natural human practices, such as breastfeeding. For years, Western mothers were encouraged to nurse their babies on a fixed schedule and to swap to formula milks at the slightest whiff of trouble. Thanks to enlightened experts and savvy parents, these outdated policies are changing.

Being a journalist, I’m instinctively curious and as a mum, fiercely protective of my child’s well-being. When I started researching breastfeeding in-depth and discovered a wealth of information about the power of human milk, I was sold. More than two years later, I’m still nursing – and still loving it.

I’m not a lactation consultant or medical professional. I wrote this book because mums-to-be deserve a helping hand with producing the world’s most phenomenal foodstuff. In the words of playwright, author and mum of two Karen Jeynes :

“Try it. Just try it. It might seem weird to you, your friends might tell
you not to bother, but once you've got baby latched, the bond between the two
of you is unbreakable, and you feel like a wonderwoman. Sometimes you also
feel a little like a cow, but mostly - you feel like a wonderwoman”.

Chapter one : Mum’s Marvellous Milk Bar!

Birds do it, boobs do it
Everybody knows that breast is best, but getting to grips with a new baby and leaking mammary glands feels like rocket science in the early weeks. While breastfeeding is the most natural form of nutrition, it’s a marvellously messy process of trial and error. You may leak, you may cry and you may toy with throwing in the towel. Don’t, if you can help it. Midwives, health visitors, your mum and the internet have loads of useful advice. Expect the unexpected and remember that it takes time to master the most important skill in the world.

Of nurses and nipples
Did you know that the word “nurse” historically meant “to breastfeed”? Like these caring professionals, you need to be patiently dedicated to the task at hand to succeed. Today’s fast-paced society demands quick-fix solutions, but your role in the early days is simple – nestle down with baby at the breast and get to know each other. It takes time and effort, so settle in for a breast fest and don’t rush.

Nanny nature
Mother’s milk is the perfect food. It contains all the necessary nutrients to build a bonny baby and what’s more, it comes pre-packaged and at just the right temperature! The World Health Organisation advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Those magical mammaries will help your baby reach her IQ potential, protect against illnesses and promote overall health.

Liquid diet
Introducing a smorgasbord of solids before six months of age won’t do your baby any favours. Nothing but mother’s milk for the first several months of life is the ideal meal plan. Unless advised otherwise by your GP or paediatrician for specific health reasons, it’s best to delay starting solid food until the second half of your baby’s first year. Why, you ask?

• The risk of food allergies lessens
• The risk of obesity decreases
• Your baby is better able to fight off diseases
She’ll handle solid food much better from six months onwards

Chapter three : Preparation is Everything

What comes naturally
When I was pregnant, the basics of breastfeeding were not a priority. Morning sickness, tightening jeans and outlandish cravings dominated my thoughts. Although I knew that I wanted to breastfeed, the most information I ever gleaned about it was a half-hour crash course at my antenatal class.

It’s true that a few thousand years ago, new mums learned on the job without the benefit of lactation consultants, fancy books or cooing midwives. But why eschew the benefits of 21st century living? Starting as soon as possible, get your head and heart around breasts - you’ll feel exceptionally wise and holier-than-thou once baby is born. Preparation really is key and there’s plenty of help if you know where to find it.

Nourish those nipples
You may have been told to squeeze, prod, poke and “sun” your breasts in order to “toughen them” up for breastfeeding. This is nonsense. A little TLC for that gorgeous bosom may be helpful, but ignore the old wives’ tales about scrubbing nipples with a toothbrush or burning them to a crisp in the midday sun!

Chapter seven : You Are What You Eat

Truth and lies!
You may have heard horror stories about having to give up dairy, wheat, curry, chocolate and every other favourite snack while breastfeeding, but really, that's just not so. Following the same, healthy diet that you ate while pregnant should be fine. Of course, if you gorge on fried chicken and two litres of cola every day, your baby isn't getting the full benefit of a wholesome, varied diet. It's true that some babies react to milk and wheat - only time will tell if this is so. Naturopaths advise excluding dairy while breastfeeding and say that if baby suffers digestive disorders or allergies, then wheat is likely the culprit. But don't blame every fussy episode, tummy cramp or sleep problem on your diet.

Stress test
More often that not, lack of confidence and sleep deprivation are major factors affecting breastfeeding. Before worrying about gremlins in your diet, always ask yourself if you are rested and relaxed enough. Dealing with fatigue and stress successfully is important for milk production and a happy, hip mum. Consider this :

• When you’re anxious about dealing with a newborn baby, she picks up on your feelings of inadequacy and helplessness
• She may become stressed herself, displaying “colic” symptoms, rejecting your breast and generally appearing to be a poorly little soul
• Worried and convinced you’re an awful mother, you visit doctors and health visitors in an attempt to find the cause of your baby’s distress
• Often, when the reason can’t be found, health professionals may blame your diet – and bang goes breastfeeding!

Fatigue, lack of support and tension are major reasons why your relationship with baby – and breastfeeding – may suffer. Deal with underlying issues, focus on getting nursing right and problems almost always resolve themselves in a flash.

Baby weight blues
Another sore point for sexy mums involves how to lose those luscious love handles gained during pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding and battling baby weight, you may have all sorts of conflicting theories floating about :

• Will breastfeeding really speed up my weight loss?
• Don’t I need to eat SO MUCH MORE since my body’s an energy-chomping, milk production plant?
• I suppose I can’t go on a diet now because I’m nursing. It’s so unfair!
• I’m spending so much time learning to breastfeed – I don’t have time to watch my weight!

Take a moment. No matter what people tell you, it’s more than possible to get your life (and your tight jeans) back, even when you’re breastfeeding! You can both eat and diet like a normal person – you just get to do things a wee bit differently. Making milk is not a prison sentence and it’s just as healthy for you as it is for baby. It took you nine months to gain that extra weight - give yourself nine months (or more) to lose it. I’m still trying to get back into my jeans! Every woman is different and slimming down is not a race.

Menu make-overs
Look, even dieticians and nutritional experts have bad food days. The whole point about eating well is that you’re obviously keen for baby to be well-nourished or you wouldn’t be reading about breastfeeding in the first place. As your baby grows, she’ll be eating what you eat and since she’s part of the family, she’s great motivation for improving the entire household’s nutrition.

Madame Munch
Let’s look at some basic foodie do’s and don’ts during breastfeeding. It’s true that some foods may negatively affect your baby and of course, you’d be a silly goose to continue eating caramel popcorn if it clearly gives you heartburn and mutates your munchkin into a mewling, spitting banshee! If you’ve learned to relax and are aware that anxiety can upset your baby but are still convinced that something in your diet is contributing to nursing problems, then consider the following tips :

• Alcohol is best avoided, since it can creep into your breastmilk. A little isn’t likely to do any harm, but best you chat to your GP or lactation consultant for expert advice
• Onions, cabbage and beans are common gas-producing foods. They’re extremely healthy, though, and should only cause problems if you have a very toxic colon. Cut these out if you eat large amounts and seem to blow up like a whale. Luckily, baby is rarely affected by similar symptoms.
• Bananas, fresh, unsalted nuts and green vegetables provide magnesium. If your baby seems to suffer from cramps, discomfort or hiccups, eat more of these
• Some babies are lactose intolerant – they can’t adequately digest dairy produce. It’s a myth that the best source of calcium is cow’s milk. Vegetables, fruit, raw nuts and seeds and even potatoes contain calcium. Do some research on this – you’ll be pleasantly surprised
• Good natural sources of iron are raisins, nuts, free-range or organic eggs, legumes such as peas, avocados sand green vegetables. Iron supplements can cause your baby discomfort and raise the risk of tummy infections, so chat to your doctor about swapping to a “food state” supplement or upping your natural intake of this important nutrient
• Try to eat a varied diet. You may find that “same old same” sandwiches day in and day out is as boring and uncomfortable in the tummy for baby as it is for you.
• Wheat and dairy are common food allergens. Consider swapping to rye or gluten-free breads and slow down on the cheese spreads!
• Remember that even the most malnourished, impoverished women are able to breastfeed their babies. Stop fussing about food so much – be sensible, not stressed.

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