Thrive Infant Feeding

07/02/2026

Thought I would jump on the AI trend for a laugh! 🤩

07/02/2026

❓️To wake or not to wake...the BIG debate?!

Is far easier to navigate if you know the why..

When to wake a baby: Save this for later!

✅️ If feeding isn't going well and intake is poor
✅️ If they haven't regained birthweight and are still establishing feeding
✅️ If you have been advised to do so by a medical professional
✅️ If it is particularly warm and they are sleepier than usual (on holiday or in summer heat)
✅️ If they are unwell (eg. jaundiced, infection) and sleepier than usual
✅️ If you are worried about their feeding/nappy output
✅️ If you are breastfeeding and need them to wake to feed due to a long gap between feeds
✅️ If they are awaiting results for tests/metabolic screening in the first few weeks of life
✅️ If they have a confirmed or suspected medical condition that may affect their feeding/blood sugars/sleep
✅️ If they were born premature or low birthweight and are still catching up with feeding

If in doubt, wake them and offer

This is why the phrase "NEVER wake a sleeping baby" is dangerous for newborns. As well meaning as it is, very young babies are reliant heavily on the parent to regulate them and this sometimes includes feeding

Babies are programmed to feed day and night

They have small stomach capacity at birth and so need to feed frequently to maintain blood sugar and hydration levels

As they grow older, and as feeding becomes established, things usually change for the better and they can go longer stretches

My recommendation is that unless specified more frequently or they're waking themselves.. newborn babies should be offered the breast or bottle 2-3 hourly day and 3 hourly max overnight

This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace face to face assessment or medical review. Seek support from your midwife, health visitor, GP or paediatrician for individualised advice

🏆 My name is Shami, and I am an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and mum of 3 working in the Midlands, UK. I share daily tips and answer your feeding questions here in my little corner of the internet so come join me by giving me a follow...

05/02/2026

🏆 My name is Shami, I am a Tongue Tie Specialist, mum of 3, and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) working in the Midlands, UK. I share daily tips and answer your feeding questions here in my little corner of the internet so come join me by giving me a follow...

If you are here seeking information about tongue tie and whether to opt for a frenulotomy/procedure then you are in the right place!

Here are the steps:

1. Find a tongue tie specialist
2. Research their expertise and service offer
3. Explore NHS services (UK)
4. Discuss assessment results and alternatives to surgical intervention
5. Understand risks and follow up processes
6. Go with your gut....honestly...you will know in the moment

Remember that there is no such thing as the "wrong" decision. A good practitioner will support you to do what is right for you and your family.

03/02/2026

💚 Here to reassure you that there is no "normal" when it comes to pumping amounts!

🏆 My name is Shami, and I am an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and mum of 3 working in the Midlands, UK. I share daily tips and answer your feeding questions here in my little corner of the internet so come join me by giving me a follow...

💬 Let's talk expressing!

The amount you are able to express is impacted by so many different factors that it can be difficult to establish what is even your "norm"

This is why I talk about optimising expressing so that you can pump what your body is able to make to the best of your ability.

The kinds of factors that can impact your output are:

1. Milk production
2. Pump type/effectiveness
3. Time of day
4. Length of time since delivery
5. Fl**ge sizing
6. Frequency of pumping
7. Stimulation of oxytocin
8. Maternal health and wellbeing
9. Direct breastfeeding also
10. Introductiom of formula
11. Premature delivery
12. Difficult/traumatic birth
13. Breast surgery
14. Proximity to baby

There is more to this list, but I hope that this gives you some reassurance that milk output in your pump isn't simply a case of that is all I have.

If you are struggling with pump output, get in touch with someone who is trained to support.

31/01/2026

30/01/2026

📢 Parents and Professionals! Share and Save this post as a quick reference guide. Follow me for more interesting guides!

My name is Shami and I am a feeding specialist working as an IBCLC and tongue tie specialist in the Midlands, UK...welcome to my corner of the internet where I share my expertise with you 💚

This is my quick guide on 'nursing strikes'.....although not a common occurence, (according to my experience anyway) when they do happen, you are often left confused as to what to suggest/do next!

I am hoping that sharing this information will increase understanding and awareness for both parents and professionals of nursing strikes and ways on how you can navigate them.

I would be interested to hear your experience of getting through a nursing strike for other parents in the comments 💚

Take a look at the whole load of other FREE guides on my Instagram page and don't forget to follow!

This post is not intended to replace individual assessment and care planning, it is designed to raise awareness, understanding and to educate

29/01/2026

🆘️ What to do if you have joint pain and are breastfeeding

🩺 Book in with your GP for a review if your pain is persistent or affecting your mobility...or requiring pain medication due to severity

🌞 Ask for your Vitamin D levels to be checked and take a supplement if you are not already. In the UK, the guidance is for babies to take a daily vitamin D supplement if they are breastfeeding and taking less than 500ml of infant formula/day

🍲 Ensure you that you are eating a balanced and nourishing diet that is varied so that you are able to meet your body's needs

You do not need to stop breastfeeding unless you want to. Altering feeding positions can help you to manage any discomfort during feeds if needed. Use your body to carry your baby's weight as much as possible if your arms/wrists are hurting.

My name is Shami, I am a mum of 3 and IBCLC working in the Midlands, UK. Here, sharing my knowledge with you all to help you to feed your babies 💚

Follow me to binge on my really helpful videos! (And for a chance to submit your own questions!)

27/01/2026

📢 Top tips to increase milk yield during pump session:

Save this for later!

✅️ Check fl**ge size is correct
✅️ Relaxing environment
✅️ Use hands on pumping technique
✅️ Breast compressions and massage
✅️ Use double, electric pump where available
✅️ Feed baby from one side while expressing the other
✅️ Keep baby close or skin to skin
✅️ Watch videos of your baby if you are separated

This video shows a question and answer session with Shami Shafi, IBCLC and Tongue Tie Specialist in the Midlands UK. The topic for discussion is pump volumes when expressing. The importance of creating an oxytocin boosting environment is emphasized... Setting the scene for successful pumping ready for return to work.