In recent years there has been a trend back to breastfeeding. Sometimes the pressure placed upon new mothers to breastfeed can be very strong. Although the advantages of breastfeeding seem clear, if you choose to bottle-feed, you can rest assured that your baby will not suffer. The most important thing is that you and your partner feel comfortable with whichever method you choose for feeding your baby. Attempting to breastfeed when you have real difficulties or clearly do not enjoy it will only make you edgy and irritable, and you will communicate these feelings to your baby. Feeding is a time for closeness, where a special relationship develops between parent and baby. It is an opportunity for both to relax and enjoy each other’s company. If you decide not to breastfeed, whatever the reason, you can still achieve this closeness if you make the effort to regard feeding as a ‘special’ time together rather than just a chore. Bottle-feeding is discussed in more detail later in this chapter.
If you decide that you would like to breastfeed, no preparation is necessary during pregnancy. In particular, there is no need to use special creams to make your nipples tougher, nor should you try to express colostrum before the birth of your baby. If your breasts become bigger during pregnancy, you may need to buy a comfortable maternity bra to give you added support.
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