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Breastfeeding is supposed to be easy right? I mean, how many ways are there of doing it! And moreover, isn’t it just supposed to come naturally to all mothers? Unfortunately, breastfeeding may seem like an easy thing to do in theory, but it is not so in practice.
In fact, many new moms go through ups and downs while breastfeeding their child. Sometimes the baby cannot latch on properly, while at other times the breastfeeding habits of the mother might be to blame. Are you indulging in any such habits? Find out 7 such habits you may be carrying out unconsciously.
1. Not giving the tot enough time to feed
According to La Leche League International, a non-profit organization that promotes breastfeeding, the composition of your breast milk goes through changes even as you are feeding your child. Initially, your baby gets skimmed milk and then whole milk. Your baby needs both these types, so you need to give them ample time to finish the milk in each breast or your baby will be underfed.
2. Feeding your baby only on schedule
While it’s good to have and stick to the feeding schedule you have developed for your child, being too strict with it is certainly not good for your baby. Following stringent timings can make you miss feeding cues and even put a limit on the amount of milk your baby gets, which prevent the fulfillment of the nutritional needs of your child.
3. Being distracted while feeding your baby
Breastfeeding is a way for the mother and child to connect and form a deeper bond. If you are distracted by your smartphone, you can prevent yourself from deepening the bond. Your child needs you to look into their eyes when you are breastfeeding so make sure you do that.
4. Having a lot of alcohol
Whether you indulge in recreational drugs or too much drinking, both can be bad for you and your baby. If you have too much alcohol, your breast milk supply will take a hit, thereby harming your baby in more ways than one. If you want to go out one night and have some fun, make sure you express milk and keep it ready for someone at home to feed the baby.
5. Applying pressure to your breasts
Tight clothes are a big no-no when you are breastfeeding your baby. If too much pressure is applied to your breast in any way, your milk ducts can get clogged and even give rise to mastitis (an infection in your breast tissue that is painful). Also make sure you don’t sleep in a prone position or apply too much pressure with your fingers.
6. Having herbs without consultation
Yes, natural remedies are generally the safest options when it comes to breastfeeding problems but you should not self-medicate and start having herbs without consulting the experts. If you don’t speak to a lactation consultant first, you can adversely affect your milk supply as, believe it or not, even herbs have side effects.
7. Feeling ashamed of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your child is one of the most beautiful and natural things on this planet, so there’s no reason you should feel ashamed of it. You should do it whenever and wherever your child needs instead of focusing on what the society would think. Doing it without shame will boost your confidence and make the feeding session a good one for both you and your baby.
If you don’t have any of these habits, pat yourself on the back as it is a job well done. However, if you do, simply shunning them will make you even a more awesome mom than you already are!
