Each year, during the first week of August, the world marks World Breastfeeding Week, supported by WHO, UNICEF, national health ministries, and global partners. The week underscores the essential role of breastfeeding in promoting lifelong health, development, and fairness.
To celebrate the occasion, we’re sharing Amanda’s story — a mother of four who, with the support of our dedicated Infant Feeding team, has been guided through her breastfeeding journey as her family has grown over the years.
Amanda said:
“I set out to breastfeed our first baby who was born in October 2015 due to a preference for a natural approach for birthing and feeding. My husband was very supportive and shared my preferences. This felt like such a special gift for our baby.
We first met Caroline Jordan (from Darent Valley Hospital’s Infant Feeding team) with our first daughter and she was so informative, had a relaxed approach and great energy. It was what I needed: to meet someone other than my mother-in-law with such passion for this new journey. Even though our first daughter’s tongue tie was causing feeding challenges for both of us, Caroline reassured me about how well we were doing - the confidence she had in me and my milk supply was the reassurance a first time mum needs. Finally, our baby was referred for a tongue tie release, and we had a very successful experience.
Then, in July 2017, when I was pregnant with our second baby whilst still breastfeeding my first, caused me a little concern. But with the support and guidance of Caroline who was just at the other end of an email, I felt reassured. She had just finished reading a study on breastfeeding during pregnancy. I ended up breastfeeding throughout our second pregnancy and beyond.
I have such fond memories of feeding and bonding with both my girls at the same time but it wasn’t just me that felt that way. Feeding at the same time gave both girls a strong connection as they looked into each other’s eyes and held onto each other’s hands while feeding. Or even them both looking at each other and their gaze causing them to react to each other smiling and both losing their latches (so worth seeing that!)
We felt at ease to go back to Caroline for help with Annie. She had a severe tongue restriction, so she really needed help with feeding in different positions. The ‘koala hold’ was the best position for her to latch - it helped prevent her clicking and swallowing air.
I also breastfed throughout my third pregnancy in 2018/19 and again fed my second and third child in tandem. It also helped create a great bond, but when our third daughter got to an age when her little personality started to show, she made it very clear that she didn’t want her sister sharing her breastfeeding. This was a natural way for our second daughter to end her breastfeeding journey. She wasn’t upset and wanted her baby sister to be happy.
We now have a baby boy who was born in July 2025, and I can honestly say it’s blissful. We couldn’t wait to also share the news of our baby boy with Caroline and put so much trust in her help and advice with his tongue-tie. Luckily our son’s tongue tie wasn’t greatly impacting on his feeding, but Caroline was still able to help with some positive positioning and letting me know about his high palate.
It was great to have Francesca again to provide hands on support. She really made sure I know the hold and attachment. I had help previously from Fran with one of our daughters.
I will be forever grateful to Caroline Jordan’s positive support and to Darent Valley Hospital’s Midwifery team. Along with all the positive help from the women in my family. I can only ever say we have had thankful and happy times for all our 4 experiences.”
Thank you, Amanda, for opening up about your inspiring breastfeeding journey. We’re delighted our team could play a meaningful role in supporting you along the way.
For more information on infant feeding, please visit our website: Infant Feeding :: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust