Tips to Overcome Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding and lactation may seem difficult to some, but it might be easier than you think. It’s also the best nutrition for a newborn and provides a sense of empowerment to mummies seeing their babies thriving and growing on breast milk alone. The mum-and-baby bond strengthens through every feed — touch, smell, gaze, heartbeat.
Why breastfeed
Among a whole list of benefits, breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for a baby. It protects your baby from diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes, celiac disease, other chronic conditions, and lowers the risk of infections and asthma. Breastfeeding can also help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and lower the risk of certain cancers. It saves families significant money compared to formula. You also stop menstruating for 6 months to a year after birth — which means you’re not ovulating and don’t need to worry about post-pregnancy contraception if you’re breastfeeding regularly. And breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day, contributing to losing the excess baby weight.
Most breastfeeding problems are easier to solve in the first two weeks than after a month of pain — reach out early.
Five practical tips to make breastfeeding work
Wake earlier on work days
If you’re heading back to work, wake slightly earlier than usual and have a proper breakfast. The calmer your morning, the better your first feed of the day. A rushed feed often means a frustrated baby and engorgement that lingers into the office.
Feed before you leave
Breastfeed your baby before going to work, even briefly. This empties the breast, comforts the baby, and gives you a clean start to the pumping rhythm of the day. Many mums find it’s the difference between a smooth and a stressful work morning.
Pump the night before
For the rest of the day, try to pump the night before and keep spares in the refrigerator. A small stash takes the pressure off any single pumping session at work and means you’re not staring down a freezer that’s a feed behind.
Build a support team
A nursing mother needs all the support she can get — make sure your husband and family are involved and helping as much as possible. Identify a suitable nanny or baby-care centre that understands breastfeeding rhythms and supports your routine.
Get expert help early
If you face difficulties during lactation, don’t struggle in silence. You can fix an appointment with our certified, experienced lactation consultants at Beauty Mums & Babies. Most issues are resolved in one or two sessions when caught early.