How I Supported a Mum’s Journey Back to Breastfeeding After Weeks of Bottle Feeding
CLIENT PROFILE
A first-time mum in early 30s | Baby 4 weeks old | Civil servant in Singapore, bottle-feeding for 4 weeks and want to bring baby back to breast
SERVICE RENDERED
Postnatal breastfeeding support
(This service entailed a home visit for a one-to-one consult in Singapore and 2 weeks of text support)
THIS MUM HAD TRIED TO BREASTFEED IN HOSPITAL, BUT WAS TOLD SHE HAD FLAT NIPPLES.
After a month of exclusively bottle-feeding, she still really wanted to breastfeed — but wasn't sure if it was still possible. Her baby hadn't latched since those first few days.
By the time we met, she was wondering if it was too late to try again.
WHAT DID OUR WORK LOOK LIKE
During our 90-minute session at her home, we focused on:
Helping mum and baby find a more comfortable latch and positioning
Encouraging flexible, enjoyable offering of the breast
Coaching both parents on paced bottle feeding and techniques to support bringing baby back to the breast
We followed her baby’s lead, creating a calm and safe feeding experience rather than one that felt stressful or pressured.
THE OUTCOME
During the session itself, her baby latched on one side, marking a turning point that brought mum a huge sense of relief and possibility.
Over the next two weeks, we stayed in close contact through text support. Mum sent updates, and as she continued to offer the breast generously, baby began to associate it with comfort and connection rather than stress or struggle.
Her confidence grew as she watched her baby respond. As she put it:
“I’m glad that baby could still latch well after a month of bottle feeding and am thankful for your support in this journey! Really couldn’t have done it without you.”
WHAT STOOD OUT FOR ME
You don't need "perfect" nipples to breastfeed.
You just need the right support — and someone willing to stay curious with you.
Sometimes we hear things like "flat nipples" and assume that's the end of the story. But this mum's experience reminded me there's usually so much more beneath the surface.
It wasn't about anatomy in the end.
What made the difference was finding a stable position that worked for baby, and creating feeding moments that felt calm — not pressured — for both of them.
This mum had a full milk supply. She was motivated and paying close attention to her baby's cues. Once she had the knowledge and reassurance to try again in a different way, she felt more confident and hopeful. And with a bit of time and trust, her baby came back to the breast.
I was really happy for her.
I love cases like this. They remind me that sometimes all it takes is a little bit of space to try again.
When mums ask me if it's too late, or if it's worth trying — this is the kind of story I think of.
Because you really never know what's possible until you give it a go.
This case study was built on a conversation with this specific client, going through our work together.
Anything in quotes is a word-for-word statement said by the client on a recorded call or in feedback.
NOT SURE IF YOUR SITUATION CAN BE TURNED AROUND?
You won't know until you try. Book a postnatal breastfeeding consult and let's see what we can do.
