A fed baby is a happy and healthy baby however, I really would like to share my experience as an exclusively breastfeeding, first time Mum. I speak from my perspective as a British South Asian/Arab. Our women need much more education about breastfeeding; they really do.

Breastfeeding is as good as a full time job, it can be just as stressful and demanding but I find it extremely rewarding and gratifying.

If it wasn’t for support groups on social media and taking the time to read up on the topic, I believe I would’ve given up by now because hearing the ‘advice’ given by family members, made me feel that what I can give my child is not enoughyou sure your milk is coming through?

Maybe your milk isn’t filling him up?’ Maybe, just maybe he’s a little hungrier than usual. Maybe, just maybe, he wants his mother’s comfort but he’s happy, healthy and growing just as he should.

Another classic, ‘Give him formula, it will fill him up and help him sleep for longer. Give him formula, it will help with colic. Give him formula, it will help with reflux.’ Why? Why substitute the most natural thing I can give him?

He’s a baby with a developing digestive system, yes there will be hiccups (quite literally) on the way but his body needs time to adapt, it will change, he will grow stronger. As for sleep, what’s to say he won’t wake up in the middle of the night for a bottle?

Just like breast milk doesn’t solve the problems highlighted, neither does formula. Formula does not solve colic, it does not solve reflux, it may not keep my baby fuller for longer.

We live in a hot climate, so it’s fair to think that little one may become dehydrated but with that worry comes ‘give him some water, he needs water.’ The composition of breast milk will actually change in response to your infant’s needs.

Milk will have a higher water content when the weather is hot. Breast milk can be over 80% water, guess that’s enough hydration for a tiny human.

From my own reading there is no harm in giving them water but it has zero nutritional value, so why bother when you can give your baby exactly what they need. On the note of nutritional value…

‘Just stop feeding after 6 months, your milk has no nutritional value and the baby will just use your boob to comfort!’ Wrong, wrong, WRONG! I’ve set myself a goal of a year. If I reach it, I’ll be stupidly proud of myself.

My baby has Islamic rights (I know what you’re thinking, babies have rights? Pretty cool hey) to be breastfed till 2. Surely that in itself must mean something?

Your milk adapts as your baby grows, again, it gives them exactly what they need, when they need it. We are superwomen, it’s so important to trust the process and trust your bodies; they’re remarkable.

‘He’s putting his hands in his mouth, he’s clearly hungry’ - this really made me doubt my ability to feed, having done so successfully for 3 months. Believe it not, my son was actually showing all the signs of teething, yes an early teether!

Teething rings, teething gel, we tried giving him everything and taking on any advice and suggestions from experienced Mums but what comforted him the most?

Me! Just 2/3 minutes of comfort meant a sleeping baby who’d forgotten about gums bothering him. I’m sure it’s clear by now that you are all your baby needs!

I could go on, in fact as an English teacher, I sit and think, I should write a book but I’ll leave it here for now and try to wrap things up.

Breastfeeding gives you some time to collect your thoughts and I question why our women think the way they do. One possible conclusion I have drawn is, status...

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