By Beth Sanders, guest blogger
You’ve heard breastfeeding is good for baby. You’ve heard breastfeeding is good for mom’s health. And you’ve heard breastfeeding helps you bond with your wee one. But if you’re reading this, you’ve probably also heard some pretty scary things about breastfeeding. Or you’ve discovered it’s hard and you’ve got questions about how to make it work.
They say breastfeeding is just like walking. But, here’s the thing about walking: it takes TONS of practice. Baby will stumble A LOT trying to get her legs and feet going the right way. Lucky for her, you’ll be there to help her along.
Breastfeeding is like that, too. It takes practice. YOU MIGHT NEED A LITTLE HELP. So don’t be anxious, ashamed or afraid: go ahead and ASK for that help.
Cultural norms
In many cultures, breastfeeding is a normal part of life. Girls are exposed to breastfeeding, literally, their entire lives. Women are surrounded by experienced moms as soon as their babies are born.
Then there’s the US… Where, more often than not, mom’s first experience with breastfeeding is the moment she tries to breastfeed her own infant for the first time. Moms are trying to master a brand new skill that they’ve rarely, if ever, seen done – let alone, seen done WELL.
Experienced moms don’t get off the hook easily either. Because EACH BABY IS DIFFERENT. Just because you breastfed baby #1 with no issues, doesn’t mean nursing baby #2 will be a breeze.
Seek help
If breastfeeding is your goal, don’t go it alone when you’re feeling frustrated. Or when mastitis is driving you mad. Or when baby can’t figure out how to latch.
Reach out to other experienced moms. Talk to your pediatrician. Go to the breastfeeding support group at your local hospital. Call a lactation consultant. Raise your hand and grab a lifeline.
Think of breastfeeding as another skill you and baby can work together to master. Another amazing milestone! Just like those first steps your dear one will take before you know it – with your help.
Comment below or share your thoughts about breastfeeding on Facebook at MothersRest.
About the guest blogger:
Beth Sanders, mom of two boys, a registered nurse, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, provides in-home lactation consultations in Greensboro, NC and phone or Skype consultations for mothers outside the Greensboro area. Beth has worked in pediatric nursing in NICU, PICU, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Transplant, and Pediatric Home Health since 1994. Beth has been a Certified Lactation Counselor since 2012 and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2014. In addition to helping mothers in their homes, Beth is an expert consultant at www.tinyhood.com.
Learn more about Beth at www.greensborolactation.com.
And check out her post detailing the 5 signs your breastfed baby’s getting enough milk.
Photo by Image by Brian Odwar from Pixabay