How to support/encourage breastfeeding mothers?

[Gemini_the_Great]

Re: How to support/encourage breastfeeding mothers?

@cherryontop

I think support begins when a woman is pregnant. I heard from many women about how incredibly difficult breastfeeding is to the point that I was fully prepared to supplement right from the beginning. Surprisingly for me, breastfeeding was probably the least challenging aspect as a parent. It did not hurt at all. The hospital lactation consultant told me it only hurts if the latch is wrong which is actually very common. But if done correctly, breastfeeding should not and does not hurt. You will definitely be a little sore though during the first couple of weeks. It’s important to inform first time moms that breastfeeding is challenging but at the same time not make it so daunting that one is actually discouraged from giving it her full shot.

Also, I personally found breastfeeding to be very convenient since you don’t have to worry about clean bottles and sterilized water. It’s also very convenient if you’re traveling. And if the baby is fussy, nursing often helps the baby calm down. So maybe it would be nice to emphasize the convenience factor.

I also don’t think kids sleep longer at night with formula. Older babies often wake up coz of a switch in their sleep cycles not because they are hungry. They don’t know how to soothe themselves back to sleep so a formula fed infant is just as likely to wake up as a breastfed infant.

And finally at the end of the day, take a relaxed approach to breastfeeding. Be prepared to encounter some difficulties and don’t make it a do or die situation. Staying calm helps a lot. Try your best and if it doesn’t work out, give a bottle of formula. Baby will thrive either way.

SPOT ON!!

Also, I didnt mean to scare anyone of breast feeding but when I had my first born, I wish I had known it wont be a walk in the park and had not given up on it. All my life, I saw everyone around me bf like it was no big deal or probably us kids were just kept out of this but boy when I was hurt, cracked, sore I wish I had seen it coming.. I thought the hardest pasrt was labor and once you are past that, everything is golden. My point being, it’s not easy, you are not alone, there is help out there. Dont give up, dont pump too early, have you baby checked for tongue tie, ask for nipple shield, ask for triple nipple cream.. do whatever you can.. it gets better and once it does, it;s the most convenient thing ever like you said. I have bottle fed one child and bf the second one and yes all I need before leaving home is my nursing cover!