Feeding a baby can look simple before you become a parent – you prepare the bottle, feed the baby, clean up and move on.
But once you are actually in it, feeding can become one of the most emotional and tiring parts of the day.
There are bottles to wash, teats to understand, pumps to figure out and a baby whose rhythm you are slowly learning.
In a recent Facebook Live sharing session hosted by Amirah Liyana, mums Fitrah Alysha and Athifah Ain Alang opened up about the real side of feeding, pumping, bottle-feeding and the pressure many mums carry.
The conversation was great as a reminder that feeding is something most mums learn one day, one feed and one small adjustment at a time.
Here are five feeding tips new mums can take away from the conversation.
1. Accept That Feeding May Feel Hard at First
I remember thinking, and this wasn’t even that long ago, and it’s something I ponder on now as well, “You know what, how exhausting can feeding be?” And then the whole thing on which teat to use, when is it time to change it. There’s always an overload of information.
– Nurfitrah Alysha
One of the first things Fitrah shared was how exhausting feeding can feel, especially as a first-time mum.
It is not only about giving milk to the baby, but there’s also the washing, preparing, choosing the right teat and checking the flow.
These small tasks can add up quickly, especially when mums are already tired.
For many new mums, this is where the overwhelm begins.
But don’t worry, Mummies; the important thing to remember is that struggling does not mean you are doing something wrong.
It simply means you are still learning your baby’s needs, your routine and what works best for your family.
2. Do Not Let Too Much Advice Overwhelm You
New mums often receive advice from every direction.
There is advice online, advice from family, advice from other mums and advice from people who raised children in a very different time.
Most of it may be well-meaning.
But when you are tired and still trying to understand your baby, too much information can start to feel like noise.
Athifah shared how overwhelming this can be in the early days of motherhood.
So, instead of trying to follow everything at once, mums can take a step back and focus on what actually helps day to day.
3. Pay Attention to the Small Feeding Details
Many parents only notice the little details once feeding becomes part of everyday life.
At first, a bottle may seem like just a bottle.
But over time, mums begin to notice whether it is easy to clean, whether the parts are too complicated and whether the baby seems comfortable while drinking.
Teat flow also matters. If the milk flows too quickly or too slowly, baby may become fussy or uncomfortable. This can make feeding feel stressful for both baby and mum.
4. Choose Feeding Tools That Make Your Routine Easier
Pumping comes with its own learning curve.
Athifah shared that she did not expect a pump to make such a big difference in her routine. But over time, she realised that comfort, fit and flexibility mattered more than she first imagined.
I had to also consider choosing the right bottle, the right teat size, the right teat flow for my baby at the nursery – and all of which I never heard of until I became a mum myself. We had to go back and forth choosing the right bottle for my baby, and to ensure she latched well like she did with the Phillips Avent bottle.
Other than bottles, choosing the right pump mattered too as a working mum. At first, I thought all pumps were the same. But I’m glad I quickly realised that all pumps function differently and how important it is to choose the right one for the ease of mind. As a working mum, I wanted a wearable pump like the Phillips Avent Hands-Free Double Breast Pump. Wireless wearable pump is important so that I could pump and work at the same time.
When you are already tired, even small inconveniences can feel frustrating.
Wires, uncomfortable fittings or a setup that feels difficult to manage can make pumping feel heavier than it needs to be.
5. Give Yourself Grace When Feeding Does Not Go as Planned
Beyond bottles, pumps and feeding schedules, one of the biggest takeaways was the emotional side of feeding.
Fitrah shared that there are moments when she feels like she is not doing enough.
Athifah also spoke about comparing her pumping yield and blaming herself when her baby became fussy with the bottle.
Many mums know this feeling.
Honestly, even as a mum of 3, I’m still figuring things out too. Sometimes I still question myself… ‘Is this bottle suitable?’, ‘Is my baby drinking enough?’ Because there is an expectation for it to be smooth and aesthetic or simply Pinterest mum. However, the reality is very different.
– Amirah Liyana
When feeding does not go as planned, it is easy to wonder if you are failing.
But babies can be unpredictable, and routines can change. What worked yesterday may not work today.
It just means motherhood is full of adjustments and some days will feel smooth. Other days, not so much.
Making Feeding Feel a Little More Manageable
If there was one message from the sharing session, it was that feeding does not have to be perfect.
What matters is finding support that works for you, your baby and your routine.
Understanding this, Philips Avent offers a range of feeding solutions designed to support parents through different stages of feeding, from expressing to bottle-feeding.
Backed by over 40 years of expertise in mother and child care and developed alongside healthcare professionals, Philips Avent focuses on real parenting needs and everyday feeding challenges.
The Philips Avent Hands-Free Double Breast Pump is designed for mums who need more flexibility while expressing, helping make pumping feel less restrictive.
For bottle-feeding, the Philips Avent Natural Response PPSU Bottle supports baby-led drinking, where milk flows when a baby actively drinks, allowing babies to drink at their own natural rhythm.
At the end of the day, feeding made easier is about finding small ways to make the day feel lighter.
To explore feeding solutions for expressing, bottle-feeding and everyday baby care routines, follow Philips Avent for more tips and product updates.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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