In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova invite fellow LLLGB Leaders, Sophia Berman and Justine Fieth, to reflect on their personal early parenting journeys.

Before our baby arrives we may have a vision of what that time will be like.

When the reality of this transition differs from our expectations we may find ourselves on an emotional rollercoaster - it can be helpful to know that adjustingto having a baby can take time and is an ongoing process.

That having challenges, even feeling overwhelmed, is a normal experience. Pain, tiredness, your birth experience, and how much support you have will all affect how youfeel.

We are discussing the following:

- What we may expect motherhood to feel like

- What adjusting to life with a small person may look like

- What has helped us to find our feet in becoming parentsand the importance of support all round in those early stages of Parenthood.

Everyone’s experience is different, we hope you may hearsomething that resonates with you.

Watch this space for future episodes exploring other perspectives, experiences and journeys. Please get in touch with us on podcast@laleche.org.uk toshare yours!

 A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed and the listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes: For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/adjusting-to-motherhood/

Beginning BreastfeedingSupporting a Breastfeeding Mother
Out & About With Your Breastfed Baby
Safe Sleep & The Breastfed Baby
When A Mother Is Unwell
Why Come To LLL Meetings
So what do you do? a mother’s story
Breastfeeding & Postnatal Depression

https://laleche.org.uk/recreating-the-lying-in-month

https://laleche.org.uk/five-ways-help-breastfeeding-doesnt-go-expected/

LLLI Articles & stories
Why breastfeeding is good for mothers’ mental health, anarticle by Katheen Kendall-Tackett

Other websites
www.biologicalnurturing.com
www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com/Depression.html
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnataldepression

Breastfeeding Network – anxiety and breastfeeding

‘Motherhood’ poem is written and recorded by Jessica Starr