I'm obsessed with baking cakes!

I'm often baking sweet treats and love experimenting with new recipes and ingredients. So I'm going to try to post a new recipe each week. At the moment, I'm obsessed with cakes, especially loaf cakes. They're usually fairly simple, easy to get the kids involved in and tasty! 

I don't tend to stick to a recipe directly, I often tweak it to my own tastes or substitute some of the ingredients and on occasion, add something new. 

A particular hit has been my carrot and walnut cake. Originally based on a Mary Berry recipe, I altered it slightly to include half Demerara sugar and half caster sugar. I also add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and sometimes add a handful of sultanas in too!

So here's Mary's recipe;

http://goodfood.uktv.co.uk/recipe/mary-berrys-carrot-and-walnut-cake/

I tend to either halve it and make one loaf cake, or make 2 cakes and share it with some guinea pigs (usually my grandparents and Noah's nursery staff!) 

Here's our finished result! Delicious and doesn't last long!

How much is acceptable to spend on children at Christmas?

With Christmas looming, I've seen a lot of Facebook statuses and comments on 'mummy groups' regarding how much to spend on children at Christmas and what is acceptable. Amounts ranging from £30-£1000, there was a huge amount of variation! This got me thinking about my own budgets and spending.

Personally, I always try to buy a larger gift, lots of clothes to wear in the next size up, some books, craft items and a range of toys with topics that will interest them. I've spent around £300-£400 on each of the boys. However, my budget was lower and I've overspent a little. Although, this year, I've become a little frustrated with the volume of plastic toys in my house and invested in lots of lovely wooden toys, some costing a little more, but lovely items that the boys will treasure. 

One thing I'm passionate about is not spending money that we don't have. So, getting into debt is a no no for me personally. How much do you spend and what do you think is excessive/the right amount?

Support for breastfeeding mums is imperative; should Health Visitors receive breastfeeding training from a formula company?

I'm always an advocate for mums to opt to breastfeed for the many benefits to both her and baby. I also believe that it is the role of the healthcare professional to empower and support women to do do. 

Throughout my journey as a mother, I've received some magnificent support, from breastfeeding support workers, health visitors and La Leche League; but have also receive some somewhat lacking support too. Some health professionals have occasionally given ill advised advice and it always makes me question their experience, their knowledge of breastfeeding and their qualifications in order to give advice. 

Some health care professionals appear to be keen to push the use of formula, rather than attempting to overcome the obstacles of the breastfeeding mother. Often simple recommendations in terms of latch and positioning can combat the issues that a breastfeeding mum may encounter. Women deserve respect and an understanding ear at these times of challenge in order to move forward after encountering issues. 

I'm always intrigued to what HCPs receive in forms of additional training in order to up skill themselves in order to provide the best support for mums. Recently, I heard that there was to be a Health Visitors National Conference. With an intriguing list of topic areas to be covered, one of the topic areas was breastfeeding; an area of great importance in the role of health visitors, especially in those early days. A fantastic opportunity to arm our Health Visitors with a wealth of knowledge to support parents.  However, I was dismayed to see that this seminar was sponsored by a formula company! Moreover one with a rather sketchy past in their promotion pf products and their ethics in the wider world. Wrong on so many levels! Looking through the agenda for the remainder of the training, it was also apparent that yet another formula company was supporting another seminar. 

Is this the way forward? Should CPD and training be influenced by companies promoting themselves and their products? We live in a world surrounded by advertisements for formula, filling mums with doubt of their ability to feed their children and our society has become a one in which formula feeding is seen as the norm. The biological norm, breastfeeding, receives little promotion and as a front line of support, our Health Visitors need to receive the best training, by those 'in the know', not a formula company trying to promote a product! Shame on you! 

Artis Zoo Amsterdam; the good, bad and the ugly

We recently enjoyed a mini break in one of my favourite places, Amsterdam. In the past, we'd visited (pre children) and had visited many of the main attractions; Anne Frank Museum, Van Gough Museum, Rembrandt etc. However, this time we were seeking out some more family friendly activities. We'd looked online and the Artis Royal Zoo seemed to have quite positive reviews, so we planned our trip there.

Priced at €19.95 an adult, €16.50 for a child and free for under 3s, it was quite a reasonably priced day out. On the whole, we enjoyed our day. Noah loved the giraffes and their more modern enclosure was clean, secure and well planned. 

However, I was rather heavy hearted after viewing the lions. After seeing animals in the wild in Kenya and the wide expanse that they had, it upset me to think that these animals had such a limited space and witnessed such a lack of activity from them. I don't know the history of how they came to live at the zoo, but I believe firmly that their enclosure needs a complete redesign and thought for their long term wellbeing needs to be at the forefront of the zoo keepers minds. 

This was also very much the same for the elephants. Unhappy animals that were pacing around the enclosure with very little stimulation.

The zoo is quite a traditional and old zoo, so I appreciate that guidelines and expectations would have been a little different years ago. However, Artis need to review this. As a result, I don't think I'd return to visit the zoo and seek out alternative places to visit on our next trip. 

A year on from Isaac's cleft lip repair

What a difference a year makes...

A year ago, we were preparing ourselves for Isaac's lip repair operation. To think that a whole year has passed and that we're blessed with a beautiful boy with such a love of life, with a smile that can light up any room; it's astounding that were so worried about him, his future and how he'd deal with the surgery.

I'm not going to lie, handing over my 4 month old little bundle to the anaesthetist was the hardest thing I've ever had to do (and I've climbed mountains, given the breath of life to revive Noah when he was weeks old, abseiled off buildings and tolerated my husband for 13 years etc) but this was handing over control to the unknown. 

We fell in love with Isaac the moment we met him; his sparkling eyes, his soft skin, his fair hair, his relaxed temperament and his cleft lip. But post surgery, he was like a different baby; in pain, sobbing, inconsolable. I felt a sense of loss of his old smile  and redundancy that initially, I wasn't able to nurture and feed him; which he was yearning to do. To see my baby in a different light was heartbreaking. However a couple of days later, he was flashing his new smile and showing us how resilient he is!

A year on, these are distant memories, but still prevalent to the person he is today. He's tough; he needs to be with a boisterous big brother! He's full of personality and has a happy temperament. Yes, he has a scar (strangely, sometimes I forget that!) a small, raised mark on his lip, but it doesn't define him at all. He's Isaac, our little superhero. 

Isaac will still have to endure further surgery when he's around 8-10 years old. He still has a gap in his gum and will require a bone graft and advanced dental work in order to align his teeth. He has a flat nose profile, but it's entirely his choice if he'd like reconstructive surgery as an adult. Whatever he chooses, we'll be by his side to support him. 

I'd like to share some of our journey with you, so here are my columns that were published in Prima Baby magazine which detail his operation and post op.

My reason for writing; the amazingly talented, Roald Dahl

This week, many schools have been celebrating Roald Dahl dress up day. As someone who used to work in teaching, I'm a little jealous that I'm no longer in the classroom to witness the children (and staff!) in their finery and dressed as some amazing characters. If I were to get dressed up, I'd likely to get dressed as the Grand High Witch from The Witches or Mrs Twit from The Twits. 

In my youth, Roald Dahl was my go to author. I owned a wide collection of his books and used to get lost in them; with some amazing language and use of description, I'd often feel like I was a part of the story. Be it as an onlooker, but they really captured me and my imagination. 

Roald Dahl is the key reason why I love to write. Why I aspire to write more and complete further writing projects on a range of subjects. So today, I thank him for inspiring me. RIP Roald Dahl, an inspirational man and a first class writer.

The Cakeaway South Shields

Earlier this week, I entered a competition on Facebook and won a cake! I promptly received a full Cornflake Cake delivered directly to my door (within an hour of being notified!)

Anyone who knows me will know of my love of cakes and puddings, so I was really looking forward to receiving it. A day without cake is a day wasted!

This was a real retro sweet treat. With a fab sweet pastry base, lashings of jam and topped with cornflakes and gooey syrup, what's not to love? A real blast from the past, evoking great memories of childhood and school dinners. We'll definitely be ordering from The Cakeaway again. 

The Cakeaway South Shields are a company who deliver a wide variety of desserts including a range of cakes, ice cream sundaes, donuts and milkshakes. Deliveries take place from 5pm each evening to all areas of South Tyneside. 

https://m.facebook.com/cakeawaysouthshields

Potty training; when is it the right time?

Potty training your child can be quite a contentious parenting issue. Potty train too early and you run the risk of a child having multiple 'accidents', a child not understanding what's expected of them or from my own experience of working with children, negative connotations and issues such as withholding and refusing to go. Or leave it 'too late' and you're branded lazy and inadequate as a parent.

Potty training is one of many milestones that a child will be expected to achieve; however I don't believe that parents should come under criticism for the parenting choices that they make with regards to potty training. With our eldest, we simply waited until he was ready, could understand what was expected of him and didn't force the issue. 

Some people may have said that I'd left it too late, however when we tried when he was around 2 1/2 and just before he was 3, he simply wasn't ready. A couple of months after he was 3, he showed a lot more signs of readiness, so we went for it. It was far simpler than I imagined; as it was the right time for him developmentally. He's now dry both day and night, with infrequent accidents.

So, some things that worked for us;

* Have a potty readily available in places that your child regularly plays, we kept ours in the living room.

* Choose a character potty or buy a plain one and add stickers. Noah decided that he wanted a blue Peppa Pig potty (that didn't exist in the shops!) so we bought stickers and a plain blue one.

* Take your child shopping to buy underwear. We opted for bright colours and character undies (he didn't want to get George Pig or Thomas The Tank wet!) 

* Gentle encouragement and reminders of when to go to 'try'. Don't make a huge deal out of it.

* Don't get stressed when accidents occur, it'll only be for a short time. 

* Encourage your child to vocalise or sign when they need to go.

* Your child should wear clothes that make going to the toilet easily accessible; elasticated waist trousers, jeans or jogging bottoms are ideal. 

* We bought pull ups for evenings, but found that these caused some confusion. So personally, we've avoided them and luckily he's been dry most nights after the first week of toilet training.

* A sticker chart is a great way to visually see their successes. A sticker for every successful toilet trip may work.

Do it in good humour, as there will be accidents/exploration and your carpets may end up covered in your child's bodily fluids. It's easily cleaned up (bicarbonate of soda removes both smells and a Vax carpet cleaner has been invaluable!) Good luck! What's your best potty training tip?

The Unsung Heroes Of My Breastfeeding Journeys

Today, to conclude World Breastfeeding Week, I'd like to celebrate some individuals and organisations who have supported me throughout my breastfeeding journeys.

Firstly, my own mam. As a mother who has breastfed her own offspring, she has firsthand knowledge and experience of feeding. Always there, giving support, advice and geeing me on when I've felt like giving up. Even though she thought I was insane being hooked up to a breast pump so much, she gave unrivalled support. She's relished seeing her grandsons growing up to be happy and healthy on mummy's milk.

Organisations such as La Leche League are amazing. There's always someone day and night to give assistance and advice. I've had a few times when I've attended meetings or contacted them via Facebook for advice and they've been amazing. When you're sitting at home with ridiculously engorged breasts and in pain, LLL are on hand to take you step by step through it. 

Local Breastfeeding Peer support workers are a great help. Coming round to your home in the early days for a chat and talking through your journey and giving support where needed, passing on contact details on where to seek out support and giving ideas on positioning and discussing your concerns. Lovely ladies with hearts of gold!

Finally, my husband. As an avid advocate of breastfeeding, he's been a constant support throughout. In the early days with my firstborn, he praised my efforts of feeding, shared my frustrations and stresses when baby couldn't latch. Moreover, he surrounded me with love and humour at a time when I was doubting my own body's ability to feed my child. As I ended up expressing long term, he was always keen to wash bottles, bag and freeze milk (he also bought me a gift of a chest freezer for milk and named it 'The Booby Freezer'), cleaned my breast pump and most importantly, provide me with snacks and drinks when I was glued to the sofa. This time round, he's had it easier; no bottles, just boob. (So he's been delegated our toddlers bedtime! Rather him than me, as he's a monkey!) 

Thank you all for your support!

Extended Breastfeeding

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to a close, I'd like to share with you my thoughts about extended breastfeeding. 

Extended Breastfeeding is simply feeding beyond 12 months. I'm still currently feeding my youngest at 13 months. I've heard a lot of comments from people recently regarding when we're going to stop feeding 'now that he's 1'. Well, in summary, we're going to continue feeding as long as we both feel comfortable and happy about the situation. Whether that be for another month or another year, that's fine by me. They're only small for a short while and he's still gaining a lot of nutrition and comfort from feeding.

So, why feed beyond a year? They've got teeth, they're eating food and often can ask for milk and eek, walk! Yes, I'm feeding a little one who can walk and can sign for milk. 

Here are some facts about feeding beyond infancy (taken from www.babycentre.co.uk;

Why is breastfeeding my toddler a good thing?

Even though your child is now getting most of his nutrition from solid food, breastmilk still provides immunity from some illnesses, as well as nutrients and vitamins. Breastfed toddlers get ill less often than those who aren't.

If your child is ill, breastmilk may be the only thing he feels like having, or the only food that he can keep down. You'll feel better too, knowing that you're helping him to fight the illness. 

As your child matures, breastfeeding lets you comfort and feel close to him. The strong attachment your child feels with you while feeding will actually help him to be independent, rather than clingy. Forcing a child to stop breastfeeding before he's ready won't necessarily create a more confident child.

Toddlers are always on the go, so breastfeeding gives you both a chance to take time out. It's a good way for you to relax and give your child your undivided attention. The feel-good effects of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin may help you to feel calm and connected with your child.

If you travel a lot, breastfeeding is much easier than carrying around milk, or worrying about having to buy supplies at your destination. And when you're staying away from home, the comfort of your breast may be the best way to soothe any fears. 

So next time you see a mum feeding her little one (who looks a little older than infancy) don't react with a shocked face, an inappropriate remark or a head shake. She's merely mothering her child in the way that she believes is best for her child. 

My youngest's feeding pattern varies, however he's gradually cutting back on feeds and tends to feed on a morning, nap time, before bed and a couple of times during the night. As a family, we're content with this situation and raising a happy, healthy toddler. 

My take on World Breastfeeding Week!

In homage to World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I'd write a lighthearted piece about the realities of feeding. I'm currently feeding my 13 month old. 

1. Forge a good relationship with your postman or delivery driver. It's likely in your sleep deprived status, you'll flash at him when receiving your parcels. Worse still, accidentally spray him. My postie has witnessed some sights when delivering my Amazon bargains. Poor bloke!

2. In the early days, you'll spend a lot of time looking like you're entering a wet t shirt competition. With engorgement and excess milk, you'll likely compete with Pamela Anderson. I had a paediatric nurse laugh at how huge my boobs were 4 days post partum, they were like from a Carry On sketch! 

3. You'll find yourself shopping and trying on clothes and contorting yourself into strange positions to see if you can retrieve your boob. I bellowed to a friend, "well this dress is no good, I can't get my boobs out!" The elderly gentlemen waiting for his wife was a little taken aback by my outburst. I've recently discovered a Facebook group called Can I breastfeed in it? UK; where mums recommend clothes to each other that are perfect for feeding in and still remain stylish. It's costing me a fortune in pretty dresses, I just need an occasion to wear them to now! My 6 o clock, child induced curfew doesn't really permit a lot of it! 

4. You'll spend a fortune in coffee shops and cafes whilst out and about with baby and seek out the best feeding spots. My personal favourites are Pret and Debenhams.

5. In several places, you may get strange looks whilst feeding, abuse or sarcastic remarks. In some instances, use the opportunity to educate, otherwise ignore and just feed your little one. I've had a few instances of negativity. Even though the temptation is there, try to resist squirting these imbeciles with your milk; it's a waste of milk!

6. Feeding a toddler is a completely different ball game. The array of stretches your child can do whilst continuing to feed is incredible. I'm thinking of enrolling him in a gymnastics course, or sending him to the circus.

7. If you have a frequent feeder, it's very normal to feel 'touched out' sometimes. Make sure to make time for yourself. I've been known to say, "I'm going to have half an hour where nobody is touching me!" in order to overcome this. Note: squirting baby doesn't keep him at bay, it just entices him.

8. Oh, so your baby has teeth, you should stop feeding is a common remark I've heard. He's had teeth since 6 months, but it would be counterproductive if he bit me. His latch doesn't involve his teeth. In 13 months, he's bitten once and that was due to him sneezing. Yes, it hurt, but I'm alive to tell the tale!

9. Be prepared for bra shopping to be a nightmare, especially if you've got a larger bust. Nursing bras often resemble something your grandma would wear, so seek out pretty brands; Hotmilk and Cake Lingerie have lovely ranges!

10. Be prepared for a barrage of questions from friends and family; here are some of the most common;

* Are you still feeding?

* How long will you feed for?

* How often does he feed?

* Have you tasted your milk?

* Does he eat any food? (At 13 months I'm still asked this ridiculous question!)

* When are you going to go out drinking again? (Bottle refuser baby!)

* Are you allowed that glass of wine?

* Are you eating cake again?

In our home, it's natural and normal, it's not a taboo and it shouldn't ever be. It's simply feeding; I'm not a Superhero, I'm just a mum doing what I think is best for my baby. 

Feel free to share this with your mummy friends!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!

8 years ago, I married my lovely husband. After 6 years together, we'd planned our big day and it was time for me to wear the oversized dress (the waist would probably fit my ankles now!) and him to wear the quirky top hat and tails (and the cheesy pocket watch he'd insisted on having... I drew a line at the monocle!) A day that will stay with me forever, the day the we said 'I do' at the altar and celebrated with friends and family.

Over the past 8 years, we've created lots of memories together, travelled and seen some wonderful sights and brought our beautiful boys into the world. 

So today, I'd like to celebrate my husband, Alex; the funny, charming, sarcastic man, who always allows me to get my own way and shares my ridiculously childish sense of humour. Every day is approached with a smile and a laugh. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SZGcNx8nV8U

 

I love you today for who you are and who I am, all because of you. You deserve a medal as big as a bin lid for putting up with me! Happy anniversary, here's to many more years of comedy, eating copious amounts of chocolate and me being The Boss! 

Surviving being a mum of 2; a guide for newly pregnant mums expecting number 2

A year ago, I became a mum of 2 when my precious second born son was born and we've learned a lot during the last year. Here's a few pointers in summary.

1. You might currently think of yourself as a yummy mummy, occasionally get your hair and nails done. Scrap that, chop those nails, invest in an array of hair pins and bobbles and dry shampoo (yeah, 3 day old unwashed hair is acceptable now!)

2. You've recently gone back into trendy and 'unmumsy' clothes, now during your second pregnancy, wear your maternity clothes; but keep them-with the volume of cake and biscuits you'll eat (to save your sanity!) you'll not likely get back into your normal clothes for a long time.

3. Other people's bodily fluids on your clothes, don't worry, a quick once over with a baby wipe is sufficient. Anyway, nobody will know whether it's shit stains or chocolate and neither will you, until you lick it...

4. You think you're tired now, wait until you've got 2! A toddler running, jumping, thinking he can fly and a tiny baby who needs assistance with their every need. You'll find yourself using phrases that you never thought would escape your mouth, "don't hit your brother with broccoli and stop rubbing your bum on him..." 

5. Tantrums from a toddler are inevitable and it's best to try to spot them and intervene before they become out of hand. A great tool for this is chocolate, or crisps or any other junk that'll stop them speaking for 5 minutes whilst you're feeding/burping/changing baby number 2.

6. You'll see your husband/partner in a completely different way. Delegate to them some of the jobs you'd like them to do, whether it be toddler's bedtime, getting up early and letting you have another hour in bed etc. however, remember to praise your husband/partner, he's just an overgrown boy who needs a pat on the back when he's been 'very helpful' too! Reward him with a beer or some chocolate every now and again to keep him sweet and sing his praises to your family. 

And finally...

7. You'll never know love like this; when you see your two children interacting, showing joy and love for each other, your heart will melt every time and you'll forget that he's dug up your plant and told his sibling that it's salad/wiped his own faeces on your carpet/drawn on the door and blamed his baby brother or sister/wrecked your living room with a trail of toys... HAPPY PARENTING MUM OF 2! 

Forever Bright Toothgel Review

I've been using the Aloe Vera Toothgel for around 2 weeks now (morning and evening) and overall, I'm impressed with it. It's quite surprising at first glance; it has a fresh, green colour, as opposed to the White or striped toothpaste that I usually use. However, this just shows how natural the product is. 

After every brush, my teeth are left feeling clean and have a lovely sheen to them. I often opt for a toothpaste with whitening properties and this makes no bold claims, although it's certainly made a difference.

I suffer from sensitive gums, that are prone to bleeding, however when using the tooth gel, it feels gentler on my teeth. 

My only complaint is that it doesn't contain fluoride, therefore my youngest is unable to use it (he was born with a cleft lip and his teeth have limited enamel, so he must use a toothpaste with added fluoride). 

Priced at £5.98, some may argue that it's a little expensive for a toothpaste, but a little goes a long way and this will last for a long while. I'm keen to try out other products in the range. I love the fact that they're from nature, with no nasties in them. 

To purchase Forever Living products, contact Lianne; either on Facebook or via her website: 

https://www.facebook.com/naturesbountybeeandaloe?ref=bookmarks

www.beesandaloeforever.co.uk

Cake Smash Photo Shoot

This week, we enjoyed one of Isaac's birthday gifts; a cake smash photo shoot.

After viewing some other cake smash shoots, I wasn't sure how Isaac would react. However, he happily put his feet into the cake and after I gave him a taster, he was keen to eat more. I cut him a slice and he went to town with it! He was filthy and had fun! The photographer got some amazing shots of the boys. Here's a sneaky preview:

We highly recommend Joe Connor at Foto Couture, based in South Shields.

I'm a party planning obsessive!

I love planning a party; whether it be an afternoon tea, a kids birthday party, a milestone birthday surprise party or a wedding, I get a little obsessive and involved. 

I usually choose a theme and follow that for colour, favours, decorations for the room, food etc. For Noah's previous birthdays, we've had an animal themed party with Zoo Academy, a Disney themed party with a bouncy castle and character visit (thanks to my sister and sister in law!) and a soft play, digger themed party.

As Isaac's 1st birthday approached, there was one theme that came to mind-The Very Hungry Caterpillar as our theme. Mainly because Isaac loves food! So our decorations and food were on this theme. 

I've recently discovered Pinterest too. Dangerous territory for a party obsessive! Next up, planning Isaac's baptism...

What's your favourite party theme?

Breastfeeding Awareness Week... Not in Babies R Us!

As you know from my earlier posting this week, it's Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Babies R Us on their UK Facebook page chose to make reference to it by advertising a machine that prepares formula (see below.)

I was flabbergasted at their ridiculousness. Perhaps they could've actually shown support for breastfeeding mothers by promoting products to support breastfeeding; a discount on a breast pump, nipple balm, nursing bras or breast pads perhaps? 

In the early days of breastfeeding, many mums have doubts about their ability to feed,  they may be suffering from mastitis, tender nipples or blocked ducts, their baby may be going through a growth spurt and frantically feeding around the clock. All normal, but when confronted with an advert such as yours, this may deplete their confidence and look at an alternative.

What Babies R Us have done is the opposite of normalising breastfeeding. They have actively chosen to promote a product during this time, even making reference to breastfeeding week in the advertisement. 

I have 2 'perfect prep' God given machines, no need for electricity, cables or any additional purchases. They don't take up a ghastly amount of room on my kitchen bench, the milk is ready 24/7 and at the perfect temperature, with no need to wait. 

Thanks to people who give support to breastfeeding, we're still feeding at almost a year. I just hope that your online marketing team think before advertising products that actively discourage breastfeeding, especially during Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Week!

This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week and in homage, I'd like to document my feeding journeys with the boys. 

When Noah was born, he was a tiny 4lb 10.5oz bundle, who was very sleepy and struggled to latch. After a few days, his weight had plummeted and he had jaundice and was admitted to hospital. He continued to struggle to latch and I felt like a failure and in reflection, I just had a lack of support. I wasn't aware of support locally or of the work of La Leche League. I was in pain and encouraged to express by neonatal nurses and give him my milk via a bottle (so that they could monitor his intake and combat dehydration whilst he was beneath the bilirubin lamps.) 

When we came out of hospital a few days later, he refused to latch, so I continued to express and bottle feed. Those early days were a struggle and

I was expressing every 2 hours round the clock, feeding baby, washing and sterilising. It was a busy cycle of events; but I was determined that he'd have my milk. At 6 months post partum, I stopped expressing at night and did every 3/4 hours throughout the day. It was limiting, I had to take my pump with me everywhere and I felt quite a stigma in bottle feeding. Although, I knew that I was doing the best I could do. 

I managed to continue to express for 14 months. With support locally being fairly lacking at the time, I was able to get a lot of support online on Facebook groups of mums who'd chosen to express for a wide variety of reasons. I'm proud of what I achieved! He's now a happy and healthy 3 year old!

Second time round, I was told that it was highly unlikely that I'd be able to feed Isaac due to his cleft lip and possible palate. I mentally prepared myself for a journey of expressing again and the lovely people at Medela sent me a fabulous Freestyle pump. However, with the support of our cleft nurse and La Leche League, I was determined I give it a try if his palate wasn't involved. 

As soon as he was born and I'd checked his palate, I immediately tried to latch him. Magically, our little bundle was determined to feed. He latched perfectly and with careful positioning techniques, he was able to feed. I had a large store of colostrum and syringe fed him top ups after feeds. He lost very little of his birth weight and was a frequent feeder. We even got involved in The Big Latch On during the last Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

After his cleft lip operation, he was determined to get back to the breast, even though he was in pain, we reverted to syringe feeding for a few days. Together we worked hard to achieve and amend his latch and Isaac continued to thrive. He's now approaching his first birthday and I'm happy to say that we're still feeding. I'm not sure how long that we'll feed for, but I'm proud of how far that we've come, with a variety of hurdles along the way.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, with benefits for both mother and baby. It's something that I'm keen to promote and I'm hoping to get a qualification in supporting mums in their own feeding journeys. There needs to be more support out there. Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Week!