Tried and true breastfeeding advice for mamas-to-be.
Do you really want to breastfeed your baby; but, you’re scared that you’ll fail because of all the negative sh** you keep hearing?
Are people telling you how painful it’s going to be? How tired you’re going to be? How your baby’s going to be too spoiled? Or, how they “drank formula and turned out just fine?”
Do you want more than “just fine,” for your baby? Are you looking for advice to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience? Want to hear from an experienced mama and breastfeeding expert? If so, keep reading as I’m going to share one tip that will help you get off to a good start.
It can be done!
Before I get to my one tip, let me say I see you mama! And, I’m aware of the challenges you face. Being set up to fail, layered with the societal norms of formula feeding can make it easy for you to give up on your breastfeeding goals. But for those of you aware of the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits for both you and your baby, and really want to make breastfeeding work, it can be done!
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it’s not easy. Many women report breastfeeding challenges, including latching pain, sore nipples, engorgement, and perceived insufficient supply. But, with proper education and preparation, breastfeeding can be made easier and many of these issues can be avoided or quickly resolved.
Learn how before baby comes.
As a breastfeeding specialist and a mama having nursed two babies, one for 17 months, my one piece of advice for any mama-to-be hoping to breastfeed is to take a prenatal breastfeeding course. Breastfeeding is a learned process for both mama and baby. With the right information and coaching, oftentimes, you can learn how to be successful.
The right breastfeeding class will teach you:
- The benefits of breastfeeding for mama and baby.
- How breastfeeding works, and what’s meant by supply and demand.
- Diet and nutrition for breastfeeding mamas.
- Different breastfeeding positions.
- How to help your baby latch properly so feeding isn’t painful.
- Tips for milk expression and proper storage.
- How to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
- How to navigate challenges and when to seek help.
- How to advocate for your rights.
- How to confidently breastfeed your baby in public, and for as long as you’d like.
Breastfeeding success is largely contributed to how your journey begins. Having an understanding of how it works will better prepare you to navigate challenges and block out all the breastfeeding myths you may hear and harmful guidance you may receive from those around you.
There’s help if needed.
Taking a prenatal breastfeeding class will surely provide you with information and tips for breastfeeding success. However, if you find that you still need help, it’s okay.
Don’t wait until your nipples are cracked and bleeding and your breasts are rock hard from engorgement before seeking help. If you have absolutely any concerns, my recommendation is always to seek help. If you have to pause and think, “should I call,” please call!
There are breastfeeding specialists or lactation consultants who can perform a breastfeeding assessment and create a care plan to help you overcome your challenges. You can easily find a breastfeeding specialist online; and, of course, you can always contact your care provider for a referral. If this is what you want for you and your baby, don’t let anyone convince you to stop because you have a few hiccups.
August is National Breastfeeding Month and the last week in August is Black Breastfeeding Week, so stand proudly in your decision to feed your baby the milk that was specifically created for them. And, remember my one tip for greater success, take a prenatal breastfeeding course to learn how to breastfeed before baby comes.
I hope you found this information helpful. Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and tools to support you along your childbirth journey.
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