In this post, I want to share some of the breastfeeding mistakes I made when beginning my breastfeeding journey. Are you making these breastfeeding mistakes?
Okay, momma, let’s be honest we’re only human and mistakes are natural.
Granted we’re more like superhuman, but we still make mistakes. In this post, I want to share with you the mistakes I made when beginning my breastfeeding journey.
I won’t sugarcoat anything and say breastfeeding isn’t difficult, but it is so worth it if you stick with it.
Don’t let mistakes like these be the reason you prematurely end your breastfeeding journey.
If you are reading this and considering breastfeeding or just beginning your breastfeeding journey I want to encourage you, don’t give up. Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience and if you stick with it, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
1. You haven’t done your research.
Make sure you do your research!
There is an unlimited amount of articles, Pinterest graphics, blogs, and googlable advice to guide you during your journey.
As much as possible, try to be proactive as opposed to reactive. I feel like I was the latter of the two and that made breastfeeding a little more challenging for me at the start.
Related Post: Breastfeeding Tips Every New Mom Needs to Know
I am a busy first-time mom who is a first-generation breastfeeder. What I mean by that is most women in my family did not breastfeed their children. In fact, some of my family even questioned why I would breastfeed in the first place.
The truth is when I started breastfeeding I didn’t have others to tell me about what it was like breastfeeding and I made the mistake of not doing the proper research myself. I was just winging it!
Because every child is different, there will always be some aspect of winging it, but knowledge is power.
Research gives you an idea of what to expect which is invaluable and truly helps with preparation.
2. You’re listening to naysayers
Let’s be honest here: we live in an extremely judgmental world.
It is so easy for people to make rude and judgmental comments about situations they have never been in themselves or don’t fully understand.
I will never forget a close family member who said to me “the reason your son isn’t sleeping through the night is that he’s not getting enough from your breast. You should just give him a bottle instead”. This person chose not to breastfeed her children.
While I do think the comment was ultimately meant to be helpful, it activated my mom guilt on a whole other level.
I was trying my best and working hard through postpartum anxiety and fears of not providing efficiently. On top of that, sleep is a very touchy subject for most new moms. Am I right?! I’ve never heard the parent of any newborn say “I’m sleeping great these days”.
In situations with naysayers, we have to remind ourselves of the facts and remain positive.
Factually, switching from breastfeeding to formula would not guarantee my son would sleep through the night. In addition, he was getting enough breastmilk during each feeding because he was
- Eating enough times during the day
- Gaining weight
- Making enough wet diapers
- Audibly swallowing
Reminding yourself of these things helps to keep your sanity as you continue on your journey.
Breastfeeding can be controversial and everyone has an opinion. Surround yourself with positivity and encouragement. Know that you are doing your best for your child and you got this momma!
3. You don’t know how to hold your baby while nursing
Related Post: Breastfeeding Essentials: exactly what you need to successfully breastfeed
Your back will thank you for this one. There are four common ways to hold your baby to breastfeed. The cradle hold is our personal favorite. What’s your holding style?
Always remember to bring your baby to you, not the other way around.
Bending over or straining yourself to breastfeed is not only uncomfortable for you but inhibits a comfortable hold and a good latch. There’s nothing wrong with unlatching the baby and starting again.
You both need to be comfortable in order for it to work. I would always remind myself to take deep breaths, stay calm, and keep trying different positions until we connected.
Check out this article from Fresh Milk Mama with more information about these four breastfeeding positions.
4. You’re not tracking when your baby is eating
Using the Medela Tracker to keep track of when the baby was eating and sleeping totally elevated the breastfeeding game for me.
This app helped me track his weight, the number of dirty diapers, and how long he nursed on each boob.
I used this tracker from birth until we began sleep training!
5. You’re forgetting about you!
As a mom, it’s so easy to forget about yourself. I still find myself forgetting to eat at times.
Keep in mind in order to provide your baby with the nutrients they need to survive, you have to have nutrients to give them.
Stay nourished and stay hydrated. Try these breastfeeding foods to increase your milk supply!
Breastfeeding products I recommend
Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you choose to take action (and I hope you do!), I will earn a commission. I have chosen these products because they are awesome and helpful, not because of the small commission I will receive. Thank you!
Happy reading, Momma! XO.
Let Me Know With A Comment
If you could describe breastfeeding in one would, what word would you use?
If I could describe breastfeeding in one word I would say “connection”.
The connection I created with my son has been life-changing. Reflecting on my body’s ability to create a suitable habitat for Baby Boy in my womb and then create the single most important nourishment for him to drink for the first 12 months of his life is phenomenal.
Our bodies are capable of much more than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.
Remember, mistakes are Inevitable, but they don’t have to define your breastfeeding journey.
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