Before I had my first child, I pictured breastfeeding as magical and easy. Just simply place the baby on the breast, they drink, and done. I mean anyone can do this, right?
I wish someone had told me breastfeeding is hard. Yes, it comes naturally to some Moms and babies but for many first-time Moms it is really difficult.
Here are some things I wish I knew:
- Breastfeeding hurts. The first few weeks your nipple is going to hurt even if you get the latch correct. Then you get used to it, kind of like breaking in new shoes.
- For the first six weeks you will breastfeed all the time. This does not mean you don’t have enough supply. Babies just eat a lot. They have small stomachs and need to fill them up every 1-3 hours pretty much.
- Babies have growth spurts. Now I know you probably know this but did you know that when they are growing they like to eat more. So now we are talking about breastfeeding every hour on the hour some days. It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk, in fact, when they cluster feed it is telling your body to make more milk for them!
- Breastfeeding can affect your mood. This hormonal state is different from pregnancy but still not “back to normal”. Some may feel overwhelmed by being the only one who is feeding the baby.
- Breastfeeding can make you feel drained. You burn 500 calories a day breastfeeding. It is important to feed yourself healthy food and drink plenty of water or you can feel drained by the end of the day with no energy.
- There are people that can help. There are people who specialize in helping breastfeeding moms. They are called lactation specialists. Your pediatrician can help and your OB provider as well! Reach out for help if you are struggling with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for Mom and baby. Together you are going to figure it out and if you are not sure about something then ASK FOR HELP!
Yours truly,
Stork Mama
