Everyone is so quick to tell you that the “breast is best” for babies. While the statement is true, there are many things that people don’t tell you about going into it. The truth is it can be hard and it’s really not for everyone. Sometimes no matter how bad you want to breastfeed your baby, unexpected occurrences pop up, and you’re unable to do so.
However, if you are getting ready to have a baby and are considering breastfeeding, here are some things you should know first.
It’s Going to be Painful at First
If you’re thinking about breastfeeding, then you’re probably reading all the information you can. By now you’ve more than likely visited many sites and read lots of articles. How many of them warned you of how painful breastfeeding is at first?
You won’t notice the pain on the first day or so, but after several days your nipples will be sore and dry. Eventually, you may experience sharp pains each time the baby latches on. This only lasts about two weeks, but it’s not fun to deal with. Once your body is used to the process the pain will go away, so hang in there momma!
Milk Production Can Take Time
You’ve more than likely heard that your milk will change with time. It begins as a thick, yellow substance called colostrum and takes a week or so to transform into regular breast milk. During this time you will need to keep an eye on your baby and ensure he or she is getting enough to eat. Sometimes breastfed babies can begin losing a great deal of their birth weight. When this occurs your paediatrician may recommend supplementing your breast milk with formula.
Some mothers are completely against this and won’t consider it. The ones who do decide to supplement should just beware. You’ll want to pump frequently to help your body produce more milk on its own. Remember, the more milk you use, the more your body produces.
Also, remember to always give your child the breast before turning to the bottle. It’s a great idea to allow the child to suckle on the breast as long as they want on both sides, and then provide formula if he or she is still displaying signs of hunger.
It’s important to know that if you begin feeding the baby with the bottle more than the breast and don’t pump then your body will never produce enough milk to satisfy the baby. So, this is a slippery road and you should proceed with caution.
It Takes Dedication
As we mentioned, it takes time for your body to begin producing milk. However, once it does you will have an endless food supply for your baby. The only thing is that you will have to help this process out. It will require eating the right types of food, drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest, and pumping on a schedule. Most agree that you should feed infants on demand and pump your breasts about every two hours.
Breastfeeding requires both time and dedication but it’s totally worth it in the end! It can help you bond with your child, while also providing him or her with the perfect amount of nutrients!