Yaya breastfeeding and night nannying services, Mill Hill, London (2025)

08/09/2025

There's a lot of talk about pain being normal when you choose to breastfeed your baby.

Many will reassure you that it is normal to feel it, after all, you never had anyone munching on your ni***es before.

You just have to brave through it, as your ni***es will toughen up and you will be ok soon enough.

Many mothers will believe this, and they will continue feeding their babies. But breastfeeding becomes little by little a dreadful task.

They become anxious close to feeding times, they shiver at the thought of latching again the baby on a ni**le that's already pulsating with soreness.

Breastfeeding and pain don't belong together.

Indeed, breastfeeding is a learned skill, and it will take time to get it right, but be assured that improvements can be achieved by learning to position your baby at the breast will be the best thing you can focus on.

www.yayamaternity.com

17/04/2025

“I thought pain was just part of it…”

Sarah welcomed her baby into the world and looked forwards for her baby's first feed at the breast. To her surprise the feed was very painful and very different to what she expected.

She was told:
“Breastfeeding hurts at the beginning. You’ll get used to it."

So she gritted her teeth through every feed.
Cracked ni***es.
Tears in the middle of the night.
That knot in her stomach every time her baby started rooting.

But pain is not normal.
It’s a sign that something needs adjusting.

When Sarah finally reached out for support, things slowly began to change.
She learned how to latch her baby, and, with practice, the pain improved.

Focusing on positioning and attachment usually is the most significant change that helps mothers enjoy feeding their baby.

15/04/2025

Breastfeeding is hard.

Yes. I've said it out loud.

This is the reality for many mothers.

Breastfeeding might come naturally for some mothers, but for others, it takes a considerate effort to get to feed their babies comfortably.

Managing painful latches, sore ni***es, reducing bottle top ups and a low supply are some of the most common struggles mothers face during the first hours and days of welcoming their newborn into the world.

What I witness is the lack of competent support and guidance for mothers who need it.

And this leads to mothers struggling on their own and giving up their breastfeeding goals sooner than they wanted.

If you're a mother who is finding things difficult at the moment, reach out for support, don't feel you have to figure it all out on your own

Try your local breastfeeding support service or look for lactation consultants who specialise in delivering the support you need.

You can do this with the right support 🤱🏻

14/04/2025

Hi, I’m Georgie.

The face behind Yaya Maternity, and I’m here to make breastfeeding support easier, more accessible, and less overwhelming for parents.

I’d love to share a beautifully dramatic story about what led me to this work, but the truth is simple—my own struggles with breastfeeding were the driving force behind everything I’ve done for the past 10 years.

When I started breastfeeding I thought support would come naturally—that the help I needed would be there without me having to ask, that the advice I received would be clear and unbiased.

Instead, I was met with conflicting information, uncertainty, and the overwhelming fear that I was failing my baby.

I worried constantly—was he getting enough?
Was my milk enough to help him grow?
Was I doing something wrong?

The weight of that guilt was heavy, and when breastfeeding didn’t go as expected, I felt lost.

It was only when I finally found the right support that things started to make sense.
I realized that so many mothers feel the same way—doubting themselves, blaming themselves, carrying a pressure that no one prepares them for.

Breastfeeding should be a natural innate behaviour, but I learned that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

When I faced my own struggles, I realized just how little support there was—and how many mothers were left feeling exhausted, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.

That experience led me to volunteer with my local NHS breastfeeding service, where I worked with so many mums facing the same challenges. Seeing the impact that the right support could have was life-changing, and I knew this was where I needed to be.

I now work as a lactation consultant and night nanny, providing hands-on, personalized support to help parents feel confident and empowered in their feeding journey.

Check our some of the things I have to offer:

🤱 Home Visits – Whether you’re struggling with pain, latching, supply concerns, fast flow, an unsettled baby, pumping, or bottle introduction, I come to you with a calm, practical approach, tailoring support to what works best for your family.

🎓 Courses for Parents – From colostrum harvesting during pregnancy to a complete introduction to breastfeeding, my courses are designed to make feeding easier, giving you clear guidance without the overwhelm. Combination feeding? Bottle introduction? Pumping? We cover it all!

🩺 Training for Professionals – If you support breastfeeding parents in your work, my courses will give you the confidence and practical skills to help families with latching, supply issues, bottle feeding, paced feeding, and more.

💙 Why I do this: Because every parent deserves support, reassurance, and real solutions—not just generic advice that doesn’t actually help.

Breastfeeding should feel like a choice, not a struggle, and with the right help, it can be a positive and enjoyable experience for both mum and baby.

📩 Want to chat?
Message me, or check out my website to see how I can support you!

https://yayamaternity.com/

13/04/2025

“He just screamed and refused the bottle.”

That’s what one mum told me after trying to introduce a bottle for the first time at 4 months. She had waited, thinking that was best—but her baby had other plans.

Another mum tried at 2 weeks, hoping to get some rest, but her baby started preferring the bottle… and soon refused the breast.

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The timing does matter—but so does how you do it.

If you’re unsure when or how to introduce bottles while breastfeeding, you’re not the only one confused about when is thr right time and how to go about this.

That’s why I created a course to guide you—so you can make feeding choices with confidence, not confusion.

Join me and learn how to introduce bottles without the stress.

Link in the comments!

12/04/2025

Blocked ducts can be uncomfortable and stressful for breastfeeding mums, but with the right care, they’re usually manageable.

😵‍💫 A blocked duct can feel quite uncomfortable and is often accompanied by specific sensations and symptoms, such as:

The affected area may feel sore, tender, or even painful to the touch, especially when pressing on the lump or when the breast is full.

You might notice a firm, tender lump in the breast. This lump is often localized to one spot and can feel like a small, hard knot or pebble.

💥 The area around the blockage may become slightly swollen, red, or warm to the touch.

The discomfort is usually localized, meaning it’s felt in one specific area of the breast rather than throughout.

You may feel more pain or tenderness when your baby latches on, as the pressure from feeding can make the blocked area more sensitive.

These symptoms can come on gradually or appear suddenly.

If the blockage isn’t relieved, it can sometimes lead to a more serious infection called mastitis, which can include symptoms like flu-like feelings, fever, and more intense pain.

It’s essential to try to manage blockages early to prevent further complications.

Here’s what you need to know to prevent and manage blockages, ensuring your breastfeeding journey is as smooth as possible.

Why Do Blockages happen?

Blockages (or plugged ducts) occur when milk flow is restricted in part of the breast, causing milk to build up. This can lead to a tender lump in the breast, localized redness, and discomfort.

Some common causes include:

💓 Poor positioning
If the baby isn’t latching well or not draining the breast fully, milk can pool in certain areas.

💓 Infrequent or irregular feeding
If breasts become overly full, milk flow can become sluggish, increasing the risk of blockage.

💓 Pressure on the breasts
Tight clothing, a poorly fitting bra, or even the weight of a bag strap can add pressure, leading to restricted milk flow.

💓 Oversupply or abrupt changes in feeding routines
When babies start to strech longer inbetween feeds, or kissing

🤩 Tips for Managing Blockages 🤩

🤍 The best way to clear a blockage is to continue removing milk from the breast. Start feeding or pumping on the affected side, as the baby’s suction can help clear it.

🤍 Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure in small circles over the lump, moving towards the ni**le. Avoid pressing too hard, as it can make things worse.

🤍 Before feeding, apply a warm compress or take a warm shower to encourage milk flow. This can soften the tissue and make it easier for milk to flow out.

🤍 Alternate with ice compressions. If there's any local inflammation, it will help it calm down, making removal of milk more efficient.

🤍 Try different positions, as they can help the baby empty different parts of the breast. A “dangle feed” where you lean over your baby can also use gravity to assist.

🤍 Fatigue and dehydration can impact milk flow, so drink plenty of water and rest whenever possible.

❣️ If the blockage is hard to remove, it can quickly evolve into mastitis ❣️

If you find it hard to manage, always contact a infant feeding specialist that will be able to advice you, depending on your specific circumstances.

11/04/2025

Breastfeeding does more than feed a baby—it deeply affects how a mother feels, both physically and emotionally.

Many mums are surprised by the intensity of the emotions that come with breastfeeding.
Some feel a huge rush of love and calm during feeds, while others experience sadness or anxiety they can’t quite explain. This is all real, and there are reasons for it.

Hormones play a big part.
Oxytocin, the love hormone, is released during feeding and skin-to-skin contact—it can make you feel peaceful and connected.
Prolactin, which helps make milk, also has a calming effect.

But not all hormonal effects feel good. Some mums get a sudden wave of sadness or irritation just before their milk lets down—this is called D-MER and is thought to be caused by a dip in dopamine. It can feel strange or even distressing, but it usually only lasts a few minutes.

Then there’s the lack of sleep. Night feeds and broken sleep are tough on the body and mind. Exhaustion can make everything feel harder—your patience is thinner, emotions feel more intense, and even small problems can feel huge.

There’s also the pressure. Whether it’s coming from yourself, family, or society, many mothers feel like they have to breastfeed, and do it “right.”

When things don’t go smoothly—if it hurts, if baby’s not gaining weight, if supply feels low—it can trigger guilt, self-doubt, and even grief. These feelings are valid and common, and they don’t mean you're failing.

On the flip side, when breastfeeding is going well and a mother feels supported, it can be deeply fulfilling.

The closeness, the rhythm of feeds, the sense of giving your baby exactly what they need—it can be powerful and joyful.

But this experience is never just about the milk. It's about sleep, hormones, identity, support, and expectations.

That’s why it can affect your mood so much.
You're not just feeding a baby—you’re learning, adapting, and giving so much of yourself.

10/04/2025

Breast refusal 😫
It can feel like a punch to the heart.
One day your baby feeds fine, the next — they’re turning away, arching their back, crying at the breast.

You’re left holding them, full of questions…
Is it me?
Am I doing something wrong?
Is this the end of our breastfeeding journey?

Guilt. Rejection. Confusion.
All of it is normal.
So many mums go through this — and it doesn't mean you've failed.

Breast refusal can be caused by teething, illness/immunisations, flow issues, or even just a change in routine.

It's rarely about you — and often it’s something that can be worked through with the right support.

You’re not alone.
You’re doing an amazing job.
Be calm and patient.
This doesn’t have to be the end.

Reach out for further support!

24/02/2025

Colostrum harvesting is a practice that embodies both science and heart—a gentle act of preparation that many mothers embrace to give their newborns the very best start in life.

In essence, it involves the collection and storage of colostrum, the nutrient-rich, antibody-packed first milk produced by the body.

This process can be initiated at a time when the body naturally begins to produce colostrum, often in the later stages of pregnancy or shortly after birth, and is guided by experienced professionals who understand the delicate timing required to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For mothers whose birthing experiences include unexpected interventions—such as emergency procedures or other unpredictable events—the practice offers a reassuring backup.

In these instances, both mother and baby might need additional time to establish a full milk supply, to build strength, or simply to learn the rhythm of breastfeeding.

Colostrum harvesting provides that extra moment of grace, a chance for both to catch up, free from the pressures of formula supplementation or bottle feeding.

It is a practice that reinforces the notion that every drop of this precious liquid is a testament to a mother’s commitment, nourishing the baby while also serving as a reminder of the resilience embedded within her own body.

In the journey of early motherhood, feelings of vulnerability often mix with fierce determination.

Mothers who turn to colostrum harvesting frequently describe the experience as deeply empowering—a way to take control during a time when so much feels uncertain.

The act itself becomes a quiet ritual of love and preparation, a tangible reminder that even when the birth process veers from the ideal, there is an opportunity to nurture and protect.

With each carefully collected drop, a story unfolds of hope, patience, and the tender bond between mother and child.

This practice is not merely a backup plan; it is a celebration of nature’s wisdom and the strength of maternal instinct.

By choosing to harvest colostrum, mothers are investing in a future where the baby’s first nutrition is as natural and unadulterated as possible, reinforcing the belief that with a little time and care, both mother and baby can find their own pace and rhythm.

The journey may be challenging, but it is filled with moments of profound connection and assurance—reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty in the simple act of nurturing life.

13/02/2025

Cluster feeding can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and confusing, especially when no one warns you about it.

One moment, your baby seems to have a regular feeding pattern, and the next, they’re nursing almost nonstop, fussing at the breast, and refusing to be put down.

It’s easy to wonder if something is wrong—if you don’t have enough milk, if they’re not getting enough, or if they’re just unsettled.

The truth is, cluster feeding is completely normal. It’s how babies boost your milk supply, comfort themselves, and adjust to the rapid growth happening in their tiny bodies.

During these times, exhaustion can creep in quickly. It can feel like there’s no break, no time to eat properly, shower, or even think.

The best thing to do is accept that this phase isn’t forever and lean into it rather than fight against it. Set up a cozy feeding space with water, snacks, and something to watch or listen to.

Let your body relax rather than tense up with frustration. If possible, plan to feed in a way that allows you some rest—lying down on the bed or couch, letting your baby nurse while you breathe deeply and close your eyes.

Support is everything. Let someone else take care of meals, housework, or older children if you can.

Say yes to offers of help, even if it’s just someone bringing you a drink or holding the baby for a few minutes between feeds.

If you’re feeling touched out, step outside for a breath of fresh air when the opportunity arises. Passing the baby to a partner or lying them in a safe space for just a moment can help you reset.

It’s okay to feel drained.
It’s okay to cry, to wonder when it will end, and to need reassurance that you’re doing everything right.

The truth is, you are. Your baby is following an instinct as old as time, and your body is responding in the best way it knows how.

This will pass, and one day, you’ll look back and realize how much strength you had in these moments, even when you didn’t feel it.

Until then, take it feed by feed, breath by breath, knowing that you are enough.

30/01/2025

🥰 Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it’s also a rollercoaster for your hormones! 😵‍💫

💓 Many mums feel a calm, peaceful connection during feeds, thanks to the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.

These “feel-good” hormones can bring comfort, helping you bond with your baby in a way that feels deeply rewarding.

🫣 But what many people don’t talk about is the other side—the mood swings, emotional dips, or even feelings of sadness that some mothers experience.

These shifts happen because breastfeeding naturally causes fluctuations in hormones.

While oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is released when you’re feeding, the levels can vary from feed to feed, and for some mothers, it can even lead to a “hormonal crash” after breastfeeding.

This can result in feelings of sadness or “the blues,” which can be surprising and confusing.

🫠 And when it’s time to stop breastfeeding or if you decide to transition away from feeding at the breast, you may experience a sudden drop in oxytocin levels.

🧐 This drop can trigger an emotional response, leaving some mothers feeling unexpectedly low, sad, or even grieving this change.

It’s completely natural and common—your body has been so closely bonded to your baby during breastfeeding that the hormonal shift can feel like a significant adjustment.

If you’re experiencing these emotions, whether during feeds or as you transition away from breastfeeding, remember that you’re not alone.

❣️These feelings don’t reflect anything about your love for your baby or your strength as a mother—they’re simply your body’s natural response.

❣️Give yourself grace and reach out to your support system. Sometimes, just talking it out with someone who understands can bring immense relief.

Above all, remember that it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s through a conversation with a friend, talking to a professional, or simply taking time for self-care.

Your feelings are valid, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. ❤️

Tell me, what feeling do you associate breastfeeding with?

29/01/2025

If I could go back and whisper to myself as a brand-new mum, there are so many things I’d say, so much I wish I’d known.

Nipple's that needed to get tough? What a joke!

The RIGHT burping technique for my baby? There's no such thing.
Every baby is individual and what works today might not work tomorrow.

Looking back, I realize how hard I was on myself, how much pressure I put on every little thing to be perfect.

I felt I had to figure everything out on my own, to get it ‘right’ for my little one, even when I was exhausted and overwhelmed.

I remember even doubting my husband's capacity to properly hold the baby, or even change his nappy 😅 crazy, right?!

What I wish I knew then is that it's okay to not have all the answers or do everything myself, but in the moment I thought I knew best.

I wish I knew babies come with their own personalities, and sometimes all the advice in the world won’t make things easier.

I wish I knew that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength, of wanting to be the best mum I can be. I didn’t have to do it all alone, and I realize now that I didn’t have to suffer in silence through those challenging moments.

I wish I knew that motherhood would stretch me in ways I couldn’t have imagined but also bring me moments of love and joy deeper than anything I’d ever known.

That, yes, it’s hard, but there’s a village out there, and it’s okay to lean on others when you need it.

If you’re a new mum reading this, please remember: you’re not alone, you’re doing better than you think, and there’s no ‘perfect’ way to do this.

There’s just your way, and that’s enough.

Please let me know what helped you cope better with the newborn stage and what advice you would have for a new mum.

Yaya breastfeeding and night nannying services

08/09/2025

17/04/2025

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11/04/2025

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