Eight Things Women Worry About When Breastfeeding – Expert Advice
We know how important breastfeeding is for the healthy growth and development of a young infant. It provides all the essential nutrients that a baby requires during the initial stages of life. Not just that, breast milk can protect your little one from several viral and bacterial diseases, including some long-term health benefits. With new research emerging on the additional benefits of liquid gold, it’s safe to say that expectant moms are under a lot of pressure when it comes to breastfeeding (1). It also makes for a great bonding experience between the mother and baby. What’s more? It’s economical!
Imagine how a mother would feel if she is not able to breastfeed her baby. Women have to deal with a lot of questions and remarks if they are not able to or choose not to breastfeed. And while it’s a natural process, we hear how women give up breastfeeding halfway through their journey due to several reasons. Here are some common concerns women have regarding breastfeeding:
1. I Feel Pain When I Feed My Baby
“I’m in constant pain whenever I try to breastfeed. Sometimes it becomes so hard that I feed her formula milk instead.” This is one of the most common worries among breastfeeding moms.
Cracked nipples are one of the major reasons why women experience pain while breastfeeding. Let your breastmilk stay on the nipple and dry naturally after each feeding session. You can also apply purified lanolin to soothe cracked and dry nipples (2).
2. How Will I Know If I Have Fed My Baby Enough?
Women are worried about how long they should feed the baby and the duration of a feeding session. For some, their babies continue to feed for long periods and some babies feed very less. This makes it hard for the mother wondering if they have fed their babies enough.
Initially, every newborn feeds every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day. Watching out for signs such as restlessness, stirring, and sucking motions can help you recognize when they are hungry. However, remember that there is no set time for this (3).
3. I Need To Take A Medication
Mums can come down with a fever or some other illness while they are breastfeeding. So, what do you do in such cases?
Any medication that you take can transfer into your breast milk. While some medications transferring at lower levels pose no major risk, others can harm your baby. Hence it is best to consult your doctor before you take any medication while breastfeeding. Your doctor may also provide an alternative drug or ask you to temporarily stop breastfeeding (4).
4. I Am Not Having A Healthy Diet
Taking care of your baby and making sure they are healthy and happy may take up all your time and energy. This gives little time for moms to focus on their diet and health.
You need about 330-400 extra calories a day to keep up your energy. Eat a nutritious diet to meet all your nutritional requirements. It’s best to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your diet (5).
5. I’m Afraid I’m Having An Unhealthy Lifestyle
You do not compromise on your diet and lifestyle during pregnancy. Similarly, your lifestyle choices can have an impact on your baby post-delivery as well.
Smoking is a big NO if you are breastfeeding. It can interfere with your baby’s sleep and also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (6). Certain seafood with high mercury content can also affect your baby’s nervous system. And if you are drinking alcohol, make sure it has completely cleared off your system before you start to breastfeed again (7).
6. I’m Exclusively Breastfeeding, Does My Baby Require Any Additional Supplements?
Women who are exclusively breastfeeding may not meet all the nutritional needs in some cases. It leaves them wondering if breast milk is really enough.
Your breast milk may not provide the required vitamin D that your baby needs. Vitamin D is important for absorbing calcium and phosphorus which is required for strong bones. Talk to your doctor if your baby needs additional supplements (8).
7. I Feel Guilty As I’m Not Able To Breastfeed Properly
Breastfeeding may not come naturally to everyone. Some women struggle to breastfeed their baby, and eventually decide to stop when it starts affecting their everyday life and mental health.
If you feel that it isn’t going well, get help from your baby’s doctor or a lactation consultant. They might suggest pumping or supplementing with formula milk or expressed breast milk (9).
8. I’m Worried About Breastfeeding In Public
A new mother may feel anxious when they have to publicly breastfeed their baby. Hearing the horror stories of breastfeeding in public can make any mum uneasy.
You can try draping a muslin cloth or taking along a friend if you are hesitant at first. Also, remember that you are doing the most natural and beautiful thing in the world. If the others can’t come to terms with it, it’s their problem.
Whether you are a mum who is breastfeeding right now or is soon to breastfeed, we hope we were able to answer at least some of your doubts and worries regarding breastfeeding. If you have any more queries, talk to your doctor or seek help from a lactation consultant.
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