Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to bond with your little one. Many mothers make mistakes or end up giving up on the process altogether. It is vital that you persevere, as breastmilk is an excellent source of nutrition for your baby and offers many benefits over formula milk.
Learning how to breastfeed involves a lot of trial and error, and every mother will find the experience different. There is a whole host of information out there for new mothers which will help you be prepared and buy any equipment you need. However, it is important to be aware of these mistakes you should avoid while breastfeeding.
Not Budgeting
It is a myth that breastmilk is free, as you will need to purchase some equipment to help you out. Breast pumps can help your milk production, and nursing bras, milk storage bags or bottles are also useful.
You may even need to purchase additional supplements to help with the quality of your milk, so take the time to talk this through with your pediatrician before the baby arrives.
Sticking to a Schedule
This is a mistake that parents make throughout the early years of childhood and one that is likely to leave you frustrated. Babies will let you know when they are hungry; for some, it will be like clockwork, but for others, not so much.
Some days, your baby may want more milk than other days, which is perfectly normal. Just go with the flow, and you will save yourself a lot of wasted hours.
Taking the Pain
Breastfeeding shouldn’t be an agonizing experience, so if you are always in pain, then there is something which needs to change. There are numerous positions which you can try to make feeding more comfortable and make sure that your baby is getting all the milk they need.
Relying on General Rules
There is a wealth of information available for new moms about breastfeeding, but these are general guidelines. What works for one mom might not work for another, so try different positions and schedules until you find a system that works for you and your baby.
Not Asking for Help
Many mothers try breastfeeding, find the experience unpleasant and give up after a few tries. The fact is, if breastfeeding is painful or your baby isn’t getting enough food, then you are doing something wrong. Therefore, ask your pediatrician or care assistant for advice, because simple changes can make a big difference.
Getting Stressed
Breastfeeding can be frustrating and make you question if there is something wrong with you. It is easy to get stressed if everything is not perfect and worry about what people think when you are out in public. There are always solutions such as baby changing rooms or talking things through with a professional or friend. It is important to remember you are not alone.
Not Looking After Yourself
Breast milk provides so many useful nutrients and antibodies which your baby needs; however, if you don’t look after yourself, the quality of your milk will be diminished. Therefore, make sure you eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep and exercise.