Preparing for Breastfeeding Will Be Much More Difficult Than You Expect.
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I began to research the best parenting tactics, including breastfeeding. I started attending League La Leche meetings even before my bump was visible. Learned about latches and holds. I got my books on breastfeeding from the library and went to every breastfeeding event I could find. I was convinced that with the right mindset and great determination, everything would turn out well.
But all these preparations were wasted when my son was diagnosed with intrauterine hydronephrosis . Books could not prepare me for an unplanned induction or ICU stay. Almost a month after giving birth, I needed emergency surgery due to complications, and my son still didn’t grab the first time, possibly due to “nipple confusion” after bottle feeding. Lost and frustrated, I kept wondering what I did wrong.
One day my son suddenly realized this. There was no magic – he just decided to do it, and I ended up breastfeeding him for about a year and eight months. We did it well, but I would like someone to tell me how difficult it can be in the beginning. Nipple pain, soreness, problems with breastfeeding – there are so many problems associated with breastfeeding, but where is the discussion? It is important for mums who choose to breastfeed to be aware of problems that are normal.
Here are some ways you can better prepare:
Expect obstacles
Every combination of mother and child is different. Some women may enjoy the easy experience of nursing, others, like me, will face setbacks.
There are some things you cannot prepare for ahead of time: the shape of the grip, the anatomical issues of the mom or baby, and mental health issues. Fortunately, most of these questions can be addressed with the help of a dedicated breastfeeding counselor or birth attendant, such as a doula, obstetrician-gynecologist, or midwife. When you begin your journey knowing that there are problems that are all normal, you will not easily become discouraged.
Consider setting additional deadlines, for example, “If we are still struggling in two weeks, we will seek professional help.” The most important thing is to know when to take a break. If your struggles to breastfeed are affecting your mental and physical health, take a break. If you feel like a better parent for a week or two without breastfeeding, you may need to consider switching to formula.
Build a support network
The first few weeks of breastfeeding are physically and emotionally draining. But, as in most cases, it becomes more and more comfortable over time. One of the best predictors of breastfeeding success is having a support network.
Do you have a close friend who is well versed in the twists and turns of early breastfeeding? Tell her that you may be calling for her help. Is there an online support group that can comfort breastfeeding moms? Ask the board for local consultants on breast -feeding, or refer to the handbook International Association of breast- feeding. Develop your surroundings ahead of time, because when a baby is born, you may be overly excited.
Of course, your partner can also come along and help if you provide him with information on how to do this. My husband didn’t come to breastfeeding classes with me, so if I needed his support, I knew I had to give him a crash course on how to fill the gaps.
Ask someone for a protector
A close friend of mine recently gave birth to twins and was determined to breastfeed. Although she was motivated and informed, the doubts shown by the obstetricians discouraged her. They didn’t believe she could successfully breastfeed one baby, because of her age and race , let alone twins. This experience influenced her belief in herself.
The support you get in the hospital can make or break your nursing journey. When choosing a health care provider, choose a doctor or supportive person, such as a doula, to protect you. Here are some questions you can ask a potential defender:
- How will you protect me when I cannot?
- Do you know all my preferences?
- Do you have time to support me?
Research shows that people of color and members of the LGBT community face unique barriers when it comes to caring for childbirth due to prejudice and prejudice. For this reason, it is important for members of marginalized groups to make sure that the person they hire understands their identity and knows how this might affect their birth experience.
Be careful with yourself
Parenting is a difficult transition, and we all decide how we want to do what is best for our children. Like many other options, the decision to breastfeed is not easy, but many parents find it worth it. I decided to continue breastfeeding even when things looked bleak because it helped my family.
Each mother has to overcome different obstacles – physical for some, economic for others. It is important to know that not breastfeeding does not make you a less worthy parent.
As long as you try and progress according to the interests of your children, everything will really be fine.