A mother's story: the snack stations that changed everything

We asked a mother of two to share what the early breastfeeding weeks were really like, the parts that surprised her, and what she wishes she had known.

"I was so hungry, and so unprepared for it"

"With my first, I had read everything about the baby and almost nothing about looking after myself," she says. "I remember sitting on the sofa at 3am, feeding, absolutely starving, and there was nothing in reach. I would either go without or eat something that left me feeling worse."

What changed the second time

"With my second, I set up little stations around the house, water, a snack, a muslin, wherever I might end up feeding. It sounds tiny but it changed everything. I was not running on empty anymore. I had more patience, more energy, and honestly I enjoyed those quiet feeds so much more."

Her message to other mums

"Looking after yourself is not selfish. A fed, rested mother is better able to care for her baby. Be kind to yourself, keep good food close, and let people help. That season is so short, and so precious, even on the hard days."

Part of our series sharing the real experiences of breastfeeding mothers. Every journey is different, and there is no single right way.