Every phase of life is going to bring unique challenges that you must overcome, and being a mother is the biggest challenge of all. You have so many things that are going to change when you become a mum that it is completely overwhelming to think about. A huge choice for an expecting mother is whether or not they are going to breastfeed their newborn for the first six months. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and there are some real breastfeeding challenges that may occur.
Some of the challenges you can face during breastfeeding can get very frustrating, but there is always help available. Whether the baby just won’t latch, they seem insatiable, or it is painful for mum, there are things you can try to see if they make a difference. Breastfeeding is a completely natural process and has been happening since human beings came into existence, so you have a lot of experience on your side.
If you are a breastfeeding mum that’s having a hard time, keep reading for some information that may change your life.
My Baby Won’t Latch On
Latching on to the nipple is not always something that is automatic and may require some guidance and assistance. This is the most common problem that faces breastfeeding mums across the world. One of the most common techniques to overcome this challenge is to use skin on skin contact to make your baby more comfortable. If this becomes a major problem you always have the option of using a breast pump for the first little while. That way you can fill a syringe or bottle and manually feed your baby until they can get the hang of latching on. You will need to have a great deal of patience with latching problems, but most instances end up working themselves out with a little bit of extra work and nurturing.
Oh, Baby It Hurts!
It seems like pain is a prerequisite for motherhood across the globe. From pregnancy, through childbirth, then breastfeeding, there always seems to be some form of pain involved for the mother. This can be a very frustrating time, but you must not give up, and it’s okay to ask for some help. Normally there will be some minor pain when your baby initially latches. This is usually when the baby doesn’t have the right angle or their mouth isn’t fully opened. Make sure you guide them properly and don’t push them towards your breast. If the pain persists after the first little bit it is time to consult your doctor.
It Never Stops
Newborn babies need to eat a lot. They are doing so much growing and developing during these stages that they almost need a constant stream of nutrition. It doesn’t help that they have absolutely tiny stomachs compared to adults so they need little food, but very often. Never worry about overfeeding your baby at this stage, he/she will certainly let you know when they have had enough.
No Need To Worry
While there are many other issues that could plague a breastfeeding mum, these are the most common that you will come across. Babies are going to take almost all of your attention for their care for the first six months, and you need to be ready with some support on hand. With most things in life, there is some sort of solution if you work hard enough to find it. If you are having trouble with breastfeeding there is no need to overthink it or worry, just look for help in the right places.