Just Because Breastfeeding Is Natural Doesn’t Make It Simple
Many mothers are able to start breastfeeding their newborn right away. This isn’t the case with all mothers. Plenty of mothers have difficulty doing so right after the delivery, or even into later infant development. What’s the solution?
Well, sometimes, biological issues are at play that can’t be directly overcome and necessitate the use of formula. For example, a mother who was anorexic when she became pregnant, or became anorexic after delivery, may not be able to produce milk.
There are other things which can initiate this outcome as well. Everyone is different. So, in this writing, we’ll explore several crash-course tips in benefits of breastfeeding for mom to help you be best prepared to do this in a healthy way.
-
Proper Nutrition Makes Breastfeeding Easier
This was alluded to in the opening. Conditions like anorexia may put the body in a position where it can’t produce enough milk for your newborn. Other bad practices in terms of healthcare have similar effects on the body. Seeing a nutritionist who specializes in pregnancy and breastfeeding can be important.
For most mothers, organic, non-GMO, non-processed foods rich in vitamins and minerals will be best; but you’ll notice a shift in taste preferences during the pregnancy, and even afterward.
To some degree, the reason you have this shift in cravings has to do with your body requesting specific nutrients. Regardless, proper nutrition promotes healthy breastfeeding, and if you’re in balance, you should see at least some reduction in strange cravings.
-
It’s Natural To Be Tired After Feeding
When breastfeeding, your baby will extract many calories from you. Depending on the size of the baby, and the size of that baby’s appetite, hundreds of calories may be extracted per feeding.
In fact, you may feel faint. That’s natural, having a few organic and healthy nutritional items available as advised by your nutritionist helps counterbalance this fatigue. Naps are okay, though.
-
Consultation Help, Even Remotely
There are situations where some sort of medical issue is that which is inhibiting healthy breastfeeding. The issue could be with the mother, or it could be with the child. For example, a baby born with a tooth—or several—can make breastfeeding exceptionally painful. For situations like these, a virtual lactation consultant may be advisable.
Consultation in lactation helps you determine if what you’re contending with is healthy or not, and gives you access to the latest medical know-how regarding ways conditions you’re dealing with could be overcome. If you’re going the virtual route, you can get that help wherever you happen to be, provided you have a decent enough web connection.
-
Latching Isn’t Always Straightforward
Muscular control can make latching an issue for your newborn. If you’re not producing enough milk, they may latch fine, but get no nutrition. The tooth issue referenced earlier could also complicate things here. Don’t feel bad if latching doesn’t happen immediately; many mothers contend with latching issues. Again, a consultant can be very important.
If you’re about to give birth, look into best practices for latching, and don’t feel bad if you’ve got issues with this at the start.
-
Breast Pumps Can Help Fill The Gap
For health issues like fatigue or infant teeth, breast pumps can help you at minimum give your child the nutrition necessary without having to rely on some store-bought formula. Having the pumps and the bottles available just in case makes a lot of sense.
Experiencing Full Breastfeeding Benefits For Mother And Child
Breastfeeding is healthy for you as a mother, just as it is for your child. But it’s not always straightforward. To experience the full benefits of this natural parenthood pillar, keep in mind that latching isn’t always straightforward, breast pumps help fill the gap, remote consultation is available, feeding will tire you, and proper nutrition is paramount.
