“Guess What… You Know Your Baby Better Than Anyone” with Bonnie, a Registered/Neonatal Nurse, IBCLC, Founder of Mammas Here Lactation, and Mother

Beautiful Bonnie! A neonatal/registered nurse and IBCLC who I watch endlessly honor and serve mothers. 

In true nurse style, Bonnie served up some great advice for new mothers ❤️

Be gentle with yourself in the early days of motherhood. Lower your expectations and embrace the precious moments with your baby. Your role is to love and nourish your little one, and to trust in your abilities as a mother. Your emotions may fluctuate but just flow through them. Soak in the cuddles deeply, for these moments fly by. You know your baby better than anyone, trust your instincts, and take advice selectively. Embrace skin-to-skin time and feeding while lying down in bed if it feels right for you. Believe in yourself, mama, you've got this!”

Be gentle to yourself in those first hours, days, weeks, and three months proceeding birth. 

Lower expectations of yourself to be up and out of bed, to be cleaning the house, to socialising, to be on top of everything.

Your role is to be with your baby, to love her, and nourish her with your warmth and precious breast milk or other feeding methods. 

Don’t judge how you’re feeling so much, just flow through as your emotions fluctuate from hour to hour. 

These moments truly fly by. Soak the cuddles in deeply. 

Trust in yourself, and your abilities as a mum. 

Guess what…you know your baby better than anyone, you grew her for her life and birthed her from your own beautiful body. 

Believe in yourself and take advice sparingly and selectively as only to work for you and your family. 

Have your baby skin to skin and feed her laying down in bed if you like in those early days and weeks. It’s so relaxing and positive for your body to heal. No need to always be upright in a chair to feed. 

Prioritise yourself and your baby by surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Don't be afraid to ask for help with household tasks like cooking and laundry so you can focus on bonding with your newborn. Consider hiring a postpartum doula, as they can provide invaluable support during this time.

Whether you choose to breastfeed, use formula, or a combination, seek out the right support before giving birth. Educate yourself about breastfeeding during pregnancy by taking a breastfeeding class and scheduling a lactation consultant appointment after birth. Connecting with other breastfeeding mothers in a support group can also be beneficial. Create a feeding plan as part of your birth plan and learn how to express milk antenatally. It's also important to know your breast pump flange size before birth and learn proper positioning and latching techniques to reduce feeding issues and nipple trauma.

Remember, being prepared and seeking support can greatly impact your breastfeeding journey and postpartum experience.

You can follow along Bonnie’s support via @mammasherelactation