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Every woman who embarks on the journey towards motherhood dreams of becoming a perfect mother. She looks out excitedly for almost everything, from the baby’s outfits, diapers, pacifiers to breast pumps, much before the baby is born in order to gear up for her motherly duties. It is true that every woman believes she’ll get to breastfeed her baby at least for six months to a year. But it is also true, that most of them eventually end up breastfeeding only for 3 months or even less before they completely wean the baby off.
There is a humongous amount of research and development that’s been done since years to prove the benefits of breastfeeding. It protects newborns from sudden infant death syndrome, heart disease, jaundice, hepatitis and a host of other diseases in future. The colostrum in breast milk, which is rich in antibodies, boosts the immunity of the baby. Likewise, it protects women from ovarian and breast cancer and helps her lose excess weight by burning calories. Apart from this, it encourages bonding between mother and baby.
When women are indeed aware of its importance, then what makes them quit breastfeeding so early in the first place?
Reality Check
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When women chalk out plans for breastfeeding, it’s generally about the number of hours she’ll breastfeed every day up to the time she’ll wean the baby off, which will probably be a year. However, all her breastfeeding plans fall apart once the baby is in her arms. The reason for this is that most women ‘theoretically’ prepare themselves for breastfeeding, but not practically. A host of reasons like poor latch techniques, breast bruising and general discomfort, especially after C-Section results in them giving it up soon. Almost every health care center nowadays provides free antenatal classes for would-be mothers. It’s imperative that mothers utilize this opportunity to learn the latching techniques or also how to deal with indented breasts. Women may also get in touch with other would-be mothers and form their own support groups. Use of soothing breast creams a little before the due date will also help tenderize the delicate areas which will help alleviate swelling and pain later.
Misconceptions About Hunger
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One of the biggest reasons for mothers giving up breastfeeding in a hurry is the misconception that they are not producing enough milk. When they find the baby constantly crying even after hours of feeding, they assume the baby is still hungry and end up either mixing formula with milk, and after six months, starting on cereals to supplement the demand. However, while babies do cry when they are hungry, sometimes all they want to do is suckle. Try sticking a clean finger in their mouth, and if that pacifies them, a good quality pacifier will be of great help. Also, check their diapers to see if they are peeing well. A full diaper means the baby is sufficiently fed.
Non-Conducive Work Environment
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On an average, a baby generally requires nearly 8 to 10 hours of breastfeeding, a demand most mothers are unable to live up to, especially the working mothers. Most women join their organizations anywhere from six weeks to three months after giving birth. However, most employers do not understand the importance of breastfeeding, which is why offices do not have breastfeeding areas for women employees. Even if mothers wish to pump the breast milk during lunch breaks, storage becomes an issue. A little consideration from employers would go a long way in retaining a skilled employee at work, which should work as a win-win situation for both.
Although breastfeeding is important, for various other reasons, if you are unable to breastfeed your baby, do not hold yourself responsible or feel guilty about it. It is believed that almost 90% of newborns are bad at latching, which is one of the reasons why women give up breastfeeding, for the sake of their baby. What matters most is your baby’s happiness. Despite your decision, if you still find him/her active, healthy, and smiling, it was worth it. You are still the world’s best mum for your little one!
