Every mom has their own breastfeeding journey to tell. For some, it comes so instinctively. But more often than not, a lot of new mothers encounter so many challenges with breastfeeding. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! In fact, a survey conducted a few years ago reported that at least 92% of women had problems in the first few days of breastfeeding. To help you prepare for a successful breastfeeding experience, here’s a round up of the best-kept breastfeeding secrets!
Story Time
Back in the day, when I was young and innocent I seriously thought that breastfeeding was a natural thing that all mammals did. It was that simple…back then. Fast forward to me being a breastfeeding mom, I realized that there is so much to know about breastfeeding and it still continues to amaze me.
But in a nutshell, I think that knowledge is power and being exposed to and supported by a breastfeeding community makes ALL the difference. It not only makes you confident and strong but also mentally prepares you for that journey which has many ups and downs even for the toughest moms.
In A Nutshell…
- Breastfeeding benefits both mother and child. To prepare well, you should educate yourself, know the basics, find a good breastfeeding support group, be in touch with your maternal instinct, and expect some rough days,
- At the end of the day, all your efforts will be worth it. Know that what you are doing is enough.
- Breastfeeding requires a lot of learning, psyching yourself up for the right mindset, and preparing the necessary supplies.
6 Breastfeeding Secrets
You’ve probably heard all about the benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. Other than breast milk being the best nutrition for your baby, breastfeeding does so many wonders to your own body, like manage your hormones, burns calories, and fight postpartum depression. In addition, it also promotes a loving bonding environment between you and your baby!
The ultimate key to a great breastfeeding journey is in preparation. Here are 6 great breastfeeding preparatory tips no one really tells you about!
Breastfeeding Knowledge is Power
Although you may think breastfeeding will come naturally, there are still so many tips and tricks you should be aware off to have an easier experience. Before you give birth to your baby, read up on lactation blogs and books, seek the help of a breastfeeding expert, or attend a breastfeeding class.
Truth be told, breastfeeding is a learned skill. And being knowledgeable on the proper techniques and practices will give you the head start you’d need for a rewarding breastfeeding journey.
Learn How To Go Back To Basics
Nowadays, the latest breastfeeding equipment and supplies are becoming more and more complicated. Even though these lactation tools are modern technology, sometimes it’s just better to get back to the basics. Learn to trust your body, your biology, and your baby.
Instead of fiddling with expensive electrical pumps, you might want to give hand expressions a try. Thinking of getting a prescription for your breast pains? An organic and all-natural nipple balm might be a safer and better solution for your breast aches. There are so much more natural and organic alternatives to your breastfeeding woes.
Find A Breastfeeding Support Group
It takes more than two to get your breast milk flowing! Although a mother’s determination and a baby’s demand play primary roles for successful milk production, having the support of family and friends can be a tremendous help as well.
Just as it is with losing weight or starting a new habit, it’s much easier to keep on breastfeeding when you surround yourself with positive reinforcements from your environment. Start by having your family and friends on board with your breastfeeding! The people that are closest to you will give you the best form of encouragements for you to keep on nursing.
It’s also great if you can venture into your community and find the nearest breastfeeding support groups. Meeting up with other breastfeeding mothers, learning from their own experiences, and consulting with the local lactation consultant can heighten your interest to breastfeed.
Here are some ways you can find a breastfeeding support group:
- Ask your doctor. Some pediatric offices and hospitals have a lactation expert or IBCLC on duty. Often, they hold regular support group meetings
- The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offer peer counseling. Peer counseling means that a breastfeeding mom who has already had nursed her baby supports you in your breastfeeding journey.
- Search for the nearest breastfeeding support group centers through Nursing Mothers Advisory Council or Breastfeeding USA.
- La Leche League International also host their own breastfeeding support groups. Find one that’s near you through their website.
- There are many online breastfeeding communities like MOBI: Motherhood International where you can communicate with other breastfeeding moms.
Follow Your Maternal Instinct
That’s right: “mothers know best” — even with breastfeeding. A mother’s intuition is still superior. Biology tells us that breastfeeding is something all mammals do. Your body and brain are capable of releasing all these hormones that kickstart your lactation even before you give birth. By the time your baby is delivered, your breasts are ready to give out breast milk filled with nutrients and immunity that your baby needs.
Don’t let your fear get the best of you when it comes to nursing your baby! Trust and listen to your body and your baby. By breastfeeding often, you’ll hone and strengthen your maternal instincts.
Expect Tough Days
Nothing good comes easy — and that’s the case with breastfeeding too! It really takes a lot of hard work and determination. Some days it will be a breeze, but some days it will get rough. Whether it’s not being able to lactate enough, aching from breast pains, or a restless baby, be ready to face some tough challenges.
Fortunately, the more you get the hang of breastfeeding, the less tough days you’ll experience. Just keep on breastfeeding, mommy!
Know That You Are Doing Enough
No matter what happens to your breastfeeding journey, know that you are enough. Breastfeeding is not “all or nothing” for it to be successful. Don’t think of it as something that you pass or fail at.
Don’t give up just because you think you aren’t producing enough! Just being able to give your baby even a little breast milk already gives him so much more benefits. If the situation gets tougher, draw inspiration from your lactation advisers or support groups to keep you going.
Preparing Yourself For Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a mind over matter game. Let your body, hormones, and breasts do the work when it comes to preparing your breast milk. Getting into the right mental mindset to breastfeed will be the best way you can prepare.
Psych your mind to breastfeeding
- Have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. The reality is: most women can breastfeed. So with the right attitude and determination, you’ll be nurse your baby with breast milk!
- Know that breastfeeding is natural and it will take some time to get used to. No one is instantly good with breastfeeding. Many moms face a learning curve before they master how to nurse their baby.
Learn, read, and be educated!
- Read up on everything breastfeeding. There are so many blogs and information available online that will teach you everything you need to learn. Be aware of how the lactation process works and the expectations for a successful breastfeeding journey.
- Talk to other breastfeeding moms. It can be your mother, sister, or friend — they’ll have their own experience to share about breastfeeding. Keep an open mind as their tips may come in handy in the future.
- Attend a breastfeeding class. Pay close attention to the step by step procedures of breastfeeding. Take notes on how to clean and prepare your breasts, latching your baby, or triggering your let-down reflex.
Get your supplies ready
- Nursing bras a great as they can give you easy access to your breasts. Find one that’s comfortable and fits you well
- Maximize your breastfeeding benefits by getting your breast pumps through your health insurances.
- Nursing covers come in handy when you need to breastfeed in public. There are even so many designs available in the market now!
In Summary…
Every woman will have a different breastfeeding journey. Although some have it easy, most face some difficulties when it comes to nursing their babies. To help you get ready for a successful breastfeeding journey, it’s important to be educated, starting with the basics, trusting your maternal instincts, and expect tough days. At the end of the day, whatever the outcome of your breastfeeding goals, know that you are doing enough.
Through the right preparation, you can make the most out of your breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding is really just “mind over matter”. Psych yourself to a healthy mindset, learn as much as you can about the process of lactation and prepare all the necessary supplies.
