5 Ways To Reduce Your Breastfeeding Concerns

Starting a new venture is hard enough without having to worry about whether your child will be accepted. To ensure that your baby gets the support he or she needs, it’s important to understand what you need to do and not do as a new parent. If you’re planning on breastfeeding your baby, there are many things you need to be aware of so that you can have the most successful experience possible. If you have any concerns about starting breastfeeding or preparing for it, here are five ways you can reduce those concerns before they become an insurmountable obstacle.

Know What to Expect

No two moms are alike. For some, breastfeeding is a breeze. Other mamas struggle to get even a drop of milk out of their breasts. Whether your body goes with breastfeeding like clockwork or you have some difficulty, it’s important to know what to expect. Ask your doctor or set a virtual appointment with lactation consultant about what they experience. Research online to learn more. Even if you’re not experiencing any issues, it’s good to be prepared so that you don’t feel like you’re falling short. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and allows you to have more patience with the process.

Be Prepared For The Unpredictable

If you thought breastfeeding would be a straight-forward, straightforward process, you might be surprised to find out that things don’t work out that way. Breastfeeding is an adventure. It’s a beautiful and intimate experience between you and your baby. At the same time, it’s also a highly unpredictable (and sometimes frustrating) experience. When you first receive that first breast milk, you’ll be excited to give your baby the best possible start. But, as your milk comes in, you’ll be amazed at how unpredictable things can feel. You may have a day when your baby nurses for a long time and you’re left with a moderate supply. Or, you may have a day when your supply is very low and your baby can’t get enough. What’s normal will depend on your own body and your baby’s age. As long as your baby is eating, you have a good supply. However, your milk production can fluctuate a lot over the first few months.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Breastfeeding is a practice that’s well-received in a wide variety of cultures. In many cases, it’s the norm across the world. But, it’s also important to remember that breastfeeding is a very personal experience. Where do you find the support you need? What questions do you need to ask? There are a million things to consider. It’s important to remember that breastfeeding is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. You may experience ups and downs. It’s normal to have a few setbacks. But, it’s important to know what to expect. And, it’s important to ask questions while you’re getting to know each other.

Set Realistic Expectations

As with anything new, your breast milk supply will take time to develop. It can take up to six weeks for your breasts to produce sufficient milk for your baby. During this time, it’s normal to have low supply days or several days when your baby can’t get enough breast milk. Be prepared for these ups and downs and don’t get discouraged if there are some days when you don’t produce as much as your baby needs. During the early weeks, your baby will probably be getting most of his or her nutrition from your milk. As your milk supply develops, he or she will shift more to solid foods. There are many factors that contribute to a slow or fast milk supply. Thus, setting unrealistic expectations can be a big mistake.

Learn Basic breastfeeding 101

A quick Google search will lead you to all kinds of information on breastfeeding. Be sure to follow this up with in-depth research. There are many breastfeeding support groups online. You can also ask your doctor, lactation consultant, and other healthcare providers for recommendations on reputable resources. For example, you may be surprised to learn that human milk is not the best source of nutrition for your baby. Make sure you understand what types of foods are recommended, why those foods are important, and why breastfeeding is not the best way to get those nutrients.

Stay Connected With Your Local Support System

Your partner or significant other may be willing to be your exclusive breastfeeding partner for a short time. This may be an option for some couples. Some hospitals, doctors’ offices, or health care providers will have a policy or protocol for breastfeeding parents. This can help you understand what’s expected of you and what rights you have. While it’s important to remember that breastfeeding is a personal choice, it can also be helpful to know that you’re not alone in this experience. There are many breastfeeding mothers out there who are there to support, encourage, and answer questions. Stay connected with other breastfeeding parents. Join a breastfeeding support group, attend a breastfeeding conference or seminar, or connect with other moms online.

Bottom line

If you’re planning to breastfeed, be prepared for the unpredictable. Many things will be out of your control. When you’re prepared for the unexpected, you’re more likely to come out on top. A good place to start is by learning basic breastfeeding 101 and staying connected with other breastfeeding moms.