One of my biggest reasons for deciding not to breastfeed was because I never actually saw a woman breastfeeding before.
One of my biggest reasons for deciding not to breastfeed was because I never actually saw a woman breastfeeding before. In my world it was abnormal so why would I do differently to everyone around me?
As it turned out I did end up breastfeeding and absolutely loved the experience. What amazed me was the number of women who were breastfeeding around me that I never noticed before.
I became a pro at spotting a breastfeeding mum even if she wasn’t breastfeeding at that particular moment in time. My breastfeeding radar was off the charts now that it was something that related to me.
Here are 10 ways you’ll know she’s a breastfeeding mum when you see her;
1. String tops. She’ll wear them under everything. My breastfeeding wardrobe pretty much consisted of my regular t-shirts and jumpers but with some kind of string top underneath it. It means you can easily access your breast to feed the baby without feeling like you’re exposing your entire belly and catching a death.
2. She’s a fan of cake. Well, I think all new mums are a fan of cake but that breastfeeding sweet craving is on another level. She’ll regularly be spotted feeding baby and devouring some kind of cakey goodness.
3. She is always online. Like she literally texts back immediately even if it’s 4am in the morning. Cluster feeding and breastfeeding in general gives you plenty of time to catch up with friends, scroll through your feed and in my case... book holidays. She’s a pro at holding the baby in one hand and her phone in the other.
4. You’ll regularly see her downing a bottle of water in a panic. The PHN and GP keep reminding her to up the water and ensure she doesn’t become dehydrated so when she remembers she guzzles the whole thing in one go.
5. There is A cry. I swear I just know by a baby’s cry if they are breastfed. It’s a “feed me this very instant” kind of panicky cry and it usually lasts for all of three seconds before mum latches the baby and calm ensues. It’s actually really amazing to witness.
6. She’ll seem a little bit Zen – even if she isn’t aware of it. Breastfeeding brings with it heaps of Oxytocin which is great for helping you to feel relaxed and happy.
7. She’ll mention it if you talk to her. I’ve gotten in to the habit of saying hello to a mum with a young baby because I know how scary that time can be. Breastfeeding mums are pretty quick to tell you that they’re breastfeeding. It’s a combination of pride and hoping that you might have some experience and can offer a warm bit of advice.
8. Her husband or partner looks exceptionally well-rested. Joking. Well, kind of. My husband was great for night changes, cuddles and anything I needed but as the source of milk I definitely slept a lot less and that was totally OK with me.
9. She will probably have a baby sling or carrier. These are super popular nowadays but breastfed babies tend to be happier when they’re close to their mum. Having the baby in a wrap or sling makes day to day life a lot easier for a breastfeeding mum. Happy baby, happy mum.
10. She travels pretty light. You might notice a breastfeeding mum has just a handbag or a back-pack because she needs a lot less; a couple of nappies and a spare pair of clothes and she's sorted!
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.
