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Breastfeeding is an age-old practice. For as long as we can remember, breastfeeding has been nature’s way of nourishing a newborn baby and our mothers and grandmothers did it with ease. It is also extremely important in order to keep your baby strong and healthy. Breastmilk carries with it nutrients that are integral for the development of an infant and it is advised that you breastfeed your baby at least until they reach 6 months of age. However, it isn’t always as easy as it seems. Many women face numerous challenges when it comes to exclusively breastfeeding their little one. Maybe it’s because they are unable to pump as much as their baby needs, or the baby has trouble latching on to the nipple. But this isn’t all. Although the practice of breastfeeding has been around forever, there’s a wealth of information on it that people have not been made aware of. Here are a couple of things no one told you about breastfeeding.
1. Take A Breastfeeding Class Before Birth To Prepare Yourself
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There are a lot of specific details to learn and keep in mind as you attempt to breastfeed your baby, and taking a class will help you feel more prepared for what’s to come. It will allow you to learn about different latching techniques, nursing positions, and tips for maintaining supply of milk. In addition, there are many issues that you may encounter that you should be made aware of, such as low or oversupply, breast engorgement, fast letdown, mastitis, and clogged ducts. Yes, all of these are common. Overall, it is best to educate yourself and be prepared for any scenario instead of being taken by surprise at the last minute. No one prepares you for how overwhelming feeding your baby day in and out is going to be. So, take a class to get a taste of what it will be like.
2. Breastfeeding Can Be Hard And Painful
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It is okay if it never gets better for you. Know that breastfeeding is a struggle and an unpleasant experience for some mothers, and that’s okay. A few mothers may experience an uphill battle with breastfeeding where it gradually gets better with time, but this is not always the case. Sometimes the process doesn’t get much easier, even after trying every trick in the book. It is important to acknowledge that you are doing your best regardless of the issues you are facing. Sometimes it may take you a couple of weeks to adjust to the pain of having your little one suck on your nipples but other times that stabbing pain may never subside. Everyone’s journey is different so be patient and kind to yourself.
3. Creating Milk On Demand Is No Joke
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Babies feed once every two to three hours at the very least, so when we say you will need to create milk on demand, we really mean all the time. This is especially true during the newborn days when they may need to feed every 45 minutes or so. You’re going to have sleepless nights and days of cluster feeding which can leave you sleep deprived, exhausted and HANGRY. We suggest that you ask your partner or a trusted family member for help. Let them feed you as you feed your baby. You’ll also have to learn to multitask if you want anything else to get done around the house. Soon you’ll be breastfeeding your baby while doing the laundry. It’s all part of unlocking your mom superpowers.
4. It’s Soothing For Mom Too
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Once you get over the initial hurdles, breastfeeding can become an enjoyable experience. You get to spend calm, quiet moments with your baby in the night where you can bond peacefully with them. In those moments you will realize that this is the most important place to be with your little one.
5. Some Babies Never Take To The Bottle
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The common practice nowadays is to pump milk and allow your partner to take the night shift while you rest up. And although this works well in most cases, some babies just don’t take to drinking milk out of a bottle. It may be because of the shape and size of the nib. Babies are used to the shape of their mother’s nipple and may find it hard to adapt to something else. In this case, you will have no other option but to nurse your baby all by yourself. However, you could also try other alternatives like a straw and a cup.
Breastfeeding can be a challenging job with many hurdles and complications. It could also be a breeze. There really is no telling until your baby arrives. So keep an open mind and stay well informed. Happy parenting!
