Newborn Feeding Advice Every Mum Needs to Know

Newborn feeding advice

What I Wish I Knew About Feeding My Baby (That No One Talks About)

Hey Mama,

If you’re expecting, or you’ve just had your baby — please take a moment to read this.

Not from a doctor. Not from a leaflet. Just one mum to another.

There is so much we’re not told when it comes to feeding our babies — especially about breastfeeding, formula options, and what’s actually best for our little ones.

As a mum of two and a newborn photographer based in Ongar, Essex, I’ve worked with hundreds of new families. And let me tell you — almost 80% of the mamas who walk through my studio doors don’t know any of this newborn feeding advice. Not because they don’t care — but because no one ever told them.

And that breaks my heart.

My First Breastfeeding Experience (and Why I Gave Up)

With my first son, I really wanted to breastfeed — but I struggled so much.

I didn’t know what I was doing. I wasn’t taught how it worked. And every time I asked for help, I was told, “It’s normal. Just keep trying.”

I didn’t know how long to feed, when to switch sides, or how to tell if my baby was getting enough. He was unsettled, always hungry, and I was beyond exhausted.

Eventually, I gave up — and the guilt nearly crushed me.

My Second Baby — A Totally Different Story

With my second son, I was lucky. My best friend had walked this road before me, and she shared everything she learned.

She gave me all the tips I needed — the things no one else had ever mentioned.

And guess what?

With her help, I was able to breastfeed for a full year. It felt empowering. It felt natural. And most of all, it felt like healing.

Now I’ve made it my mission to pass this knowledge on to every mama who walks into my studio. Not because I love telling endless stories (okay, maybe just a little!) — but because I truly care.

The Most Important Tip:

One Breast = One Full Feed

Here’s what many of us don’t know (because no one tells us!):

Your breast produces two types of milk:

• Foremilk — watery and thin, to quench thirst

• Hindmilk — rich, fatty milk that helps baby feel full and satisfied

The hindmilk only comes after about 20 minutes of feeding, so if you switch breasts too early, your baby gets mostly foremilk — and stays hungry.

👉 Stick to one breast per feed, for 30–45 minutes, to let your baby get all the good stuff.

And if baby starts dozing off?

Gently tap their cheek, rub their feet, talk softly — they need to learn feeding time is not nap time. A full belly means longer sleep and a much happier baby.

Expressing? The Same Rule Applies

When you’re pumping, don’t swap sides every 10 minutes — you’ll only collect foremilk.

Pump one breast for at least 30 minutes to reach the hindmilk. That’s what keeps baby full and content.

Life-Saving Tip: Side-Lying Position for Night Feeds

One more thing that helped me so much — especially at night — was feeding lying down on my side.

This way:

• You rest your body

• Baby latches deeper

• Feeds are calmer, and you both stay relaxed

Honestly, it’s one of the best ways to survive those early sleepless nights. If you’re able, definitely give it a try.

When Breastfeeding Didn’t Work: My Formula Journey

When I gave up breastfeeding my first son, I entered a whole new world — formula.

And wow… I wish someone had prepared me.

Of course, I went for Aptamil — it’s the most recommended brand in the UK and one of the top globally. But my poor baby ended up with terrible colic, constipation, and constant tummy discomfort.

Every single feed, I added colic drops just to get through it. I was told over and over again,

“It’s normal. His digestive system just needs time.”

So I waited. And waited. And for three months, I watched my baby in pain — uncomfortable, crying, not sleeping day or night.

Eventually, I switched to HiPP Organic, which has probiotics and is much gentler on babies’ tummies. It definitely helped at first — but only for a few months. Then it all started again: constipation, restlessness, discomfort.

What I didn’t realise at the time is that our bodies (and babies’ bodies) get used to probiotics — and after a while, they often stop working as effectively. It’s not that they’re bad — it’s just that they’re not a long-term solution for many babies.

What Finally Worked: Goat’s Milk Formula

I didn’t discover this until my son was a year old — but when I did, everything changed.

Goat’s milk formula is so much easier for babies to digest, and it’s the closest thing to breast milk in terms of structure and softness on the stomach.

I switched immediately.

And just like that:

✅ No more colic

✅ No more constipation

✅ No more tummy pain

✅ Baby finally sleeping peacefully

Now I recommend it to so many of my clients and friends. It’s not a magic pill, but for so many babies, it makes an incredible difference.

Doctors rarely mention it. You won’t see it advertised like cow’s milk formulas. It’s harder to find and yes, more expensive — but honestly, it’s so worth it. Because nothing is more important than your baby’s comfort and your peace of mind.

This Is Why I Keep Sharing

I’ve helped so many of my clients through their feeding journeys — and to this day, some of them still message me to say thank you.

Not because I’m a doctor. Not because I know it all.

But because I simply shared what worked for me, and I cared enough to speak up.

And I hope they go on to pass that knowledge forward — to their friends, to their sisters, to another new mama just like them.

Because that’s how we make a difference.

That’s what really matters. 💛

Final Thoughts

So, mama — whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or figuring it all out along the way… I hope this gives you the support and confidence you deserve.

If you’re breastfeeding:

• Stick to one breast per feed

• Feed for 30–45 minutes

• Try side-lying feeding for rest and deeper latching

If you’re using formula:

• Pay attention to how your baby reacts — you know when something isn’t right

• Consider goat’s milk formula as a gentle, digestible alternative

• Be aware that probiotics can stop working over time — and that’s okay

From My Heart to Yours

I don’t share all this because I’m a professional.

I share it because I care.

Because I’ve been there — lost, tired, unsure, and just wanting to do what’s best.

If I can help even one mama feel more supported, more informed, and more confident — it’s all worth it.

Big hugs,

Tina x