Michelle Tant

 (May 2015) Parents in my antenatal sessions express a number of anxieties about breastfeeding and the early parenting experience however one stands out above the rest; pain. My own dissertation findings highlighted that partners were also worried that it would be painful, with an additional anxiety about how to protect her from this difficulty. Much of breastfeeding antenatal education is focussed on achieving pain free breastfeeding and in supporting women in their feeding problems, sore nipples is a recurrent issue. It has been said that “If you’re doing it properly then it shouldn’t hurt” and this statement has sat uncomfortably with me for a very long time. Ultimately it blames the woman for her own pain, and regardless of her proficiency at positioning and attachment, this sort of language does not empower or encourage women. Furthermore it may well be that her technique is ‘textbook perfect’ but there may be another reason for the pain such as a tongue tie, Raynaud...

I tried recently to pin point the moment in my life when I realised that what I really wanted to do with my life, in fact, needed to do with my life, was to be a midwife.   Truth be told although there was a moment of the seed being planted, it has taken a while for me to really grasp the enormity of this choice. Being a midwife is not just about catching babies and it is so important to really think, I mean really think about it. I don't suppose anything can prepare you for the inevitable sad side of the role but equally I don't suppose you'd be human if that side didn't affect you.   I've always known I wanted to work with people and so it was no real surprise that I ended up in the housing industry. Loads of opportunity to support people but ultimately I am still asking of people. They have to pay the rent and I have to ask for it.   When I was trying to get pregnant I discovered a thirst for knowledge about how it all happens, I was absolutely fascinated. ...