Unlike animals that carry for 12–18 months, human babies arrive sooner, and need to remain close in those early weeks, craving the rhythm, warmth, and connection of the womb. That’s why skin-to-skin, calm environments, and responsive feeding are so important.Breastmilk is a powerful, living fluid - rich in immunity, antibodies, and gut-healing properties. And the first milk, colostrum, often goes uncelebrated. It’s vital in protecting the gut, reducing future digestive issues, and breaking down bilirubin levels to help prevent jaundice. I see its magic in my clinic every day.

My programme begins at 37–38 weeks. Mothers learn gentle hand expressing, twice daily when prolactin levels are highest. Whether you produce a few drops or fill syringes, it’s not about quantity - it’s about preparing your body and mind.Clients tell me this early expressing builds confidence: “It’s the milk for my baby, and my body is responding.” We increase to three sessions daily just before term, helping mums connect with their babies and prepare for birth emotionally and physically.

After the baby arrives, we express small amounts of colostrum into syringes to support feeding and reduce pressure on mum. It helps with:

• Supporting latching and preventing fast let-down
• Reducing risks of jaundice or sleepy feeding
• Avoiding engorgement around day 3–4

Yes, it’s intensive - but by day 5–7, most of my clients have regained birth weight (even after C-sections!) and are confidently, exclusively breastfeeding. I often hear the same question from amazed midwives: “Are you sure you haven’t topped up with formula?”

In the early weeks, many babies experience unsettled periods, and too often, reflux or “silent reflux” is wrongly blamed on breastmilk. But breastmilk isn’t the cause - it’s the solution. It contains natural pain relief, sedatives, stem cells, and antibodies. What babies usually need is:

• To be held
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Gentle motion, warmth, and comfort

When milk alone doesn’t calm them, I tell mums: pick up your baby, wear them, bounce, sing, walk - this is the 4th trimester.

By 4–6 weeks most clients begin gentle pumping and may introduce a dummy if they choose. Their milk supply is now strong and steady. Babies feed efficiently, sleep more deeply, and mums start getting their evenings back.By now, most families are finding their flow. And when the 4-month regression hits? We’re ready for it - no panic needed. My clients are supported, milk supply is adjusted, and we guide babies through that transition smoothly.

From 5 and a half months, most of my families start and then move into my Food & Sleep Programme from 6 months - weaning, allergen exposure, baby-led feeding, and the foundations of deep, independent sleep (no controlled crying, ever). It’s such a joy to support families again at this stage.

With nearly 40 years of experience, I could write books on breastfeeding. But I hope this short blog brings reassurance and guidance to any mum on this journey. You’re doing an incredible job - and your efforts today are building your baby’s future health and resilience.

Sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and celebrating the power of breastfeeding is how we shape healthier generations to come.