Angela says first time mums should be made more aware of how much support there is for breastfeeding so they don't give up in the first few weeks when it's hard, because breastfeeding does get better.

I happily and confidently breastfed my baby daughter for 10 1/2 months, exclusively for 6 before introducing solids. She was happier to try different foods more so than my son who had solids introduced too early at 4 months because in my mind I didn't know what I was doing properly and didn't receive the correct support to advise me otherwise.

Grace preferred me to lie on the bed and feed her which wasn't always convenient but at least relaxing for me.

My only complaint with feeding her myself was that it was so demanding on my time and having a 4 year old this was difficult. It also meant my husband wasn't so involved. I have just started back at work and had tried to introduce a bottle for my husband to be able to feed her as although she drank from a cup, she would only use a cup for a drink rather than a full evening feed. Until last week she was unable to drink from a teat but now that she had she has totally refused the breast resulting in a complete and immediate stop for me which I have found a little disappointing as well as sore and very uncomfortable.

All in all a good experience but in my opinion first time mums need to be made more aware of how difficult it can be and how much support they may need and most importantly not to give up in the first few weeks when its hard as it does get better if they persist and can be very rewarding.
Angela Kelly
Mum to Grace who is 10 and a half months old and thriving