The Challenges of Breastfeeding: How to Give your Little One the Best while Staying Sane

More new mothers are turning towards breastfeeding now than they have in decades. Since the advent of formula and sterile bottles, most new mothers have opted to go that route. They were told that it was the more convenient, healthier, and modern option. Now that studies have come out to show the health benefits of breastfeeding, the pendulum is swinging back.

Advocates of breastfeeding will tell you that it is the most natural thing in the world. And that is true—it is how our bodies were designed to feed our children. However, natural doesn’t necessarily mean easy. Lucky for us, there are many tricks and products that can be used to help make the entire process easier. Below are tens ways that can help ease the process of breastfeeding so that both you and your baby can reap the full benefits.

1) Build your Support Network

Some of us are lucky enough to have loved one, either friends or family, who have been there and can help walk us through the learning phase. If you have that available to you, take full advantage of it. However, not all of us live nearby our closest family and friends, and even if we do, not all of them will have the needed experience. If that is the case, there is still a large network of mothers you can tap into online. These women are passionate about breastfeeding and will do everything in their power to make certain you get the experience you desire.

2) Covering-up Isn’t the Same as Feeling Ashamed—Do what Works for You

If going it au-natural is what feels right to you, do it. However, you shouldn’t feel like you are acting out of shame if you do cover-up. Remember, this is your personal journey and you have to do what works for you. Some mothers prefer to use a cover out of feelings of modest. Other, however, do so because their baby gets to distracted by everything going on to concentrate on eating. It is a good idea to have a cover-up on hand, just in case. Opt of a stylish one that travels easily, such as the Itsy-Ritzy infinity scarf.

3) Be Prepared to Struggle at First

There are plenty of lucky bothers whose babies latched on straight after birth and who never had a problem from the beginning day until the day they weaned. If you are not one of those mothers, do not despair—you are not a failure. Take time to research the common issues and how to respond to them before baby arrives. This will help you be prepared. And just remember: it gets better.

4) Keep Some Lanolin Ointment on Hand

One of those initial struggles you might experience are sore, even cracked nipples. If this happens, a lanolin ointment, such as Lansinoh, will help you get through it. You can apply it frequently and it is perfectly safe for baby to ingest. You could also consult with a lactation specialist to check the latch of your baby.

5) Be Prepared for Some Leakage

Getting caught in public with a soaked shirt can feel pretty embarrassing to some new mothers. Before your supply regulates, you may find this happening with great frequency. The best way to handle it is to use breast pads. There are plenty of disposable options on the market. However, if you want to save money as waste less, you could opt for a reusable brand, such as the Itsy-Ritzy washable nursing pads.

6) Stay Hydrated

Producing milk pulls a lot of water from your body, which can leave you dehydrated. Your dehydration can then lower your milk supply and make nursing more difficult. To keep yourself and baby as healthy as possible, work hard to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

7) Don’t Measure yourself Against the Pump

Your body is designed to respond to the sucking of your child, not a breast pump. As a result, many women will discover that they are unable to pump more than an ounce—sometimes less. While it is natural to worry that you baby isn’t getting enough milk, the amount you pump is simply not an accurate indicator of supply.

8) Invest in a Quality Pump

If you are not going to be the one caring for your infant all day, you will need to pump. Chances are this means pumping at work, so you will require a pump that is small, portable, and likely electric. The Lansinoh pro-double pump is a great option as it is designed to minimize the steps between pumping and storing milk.

9) Invest in Some Physical Support

Getting baby into the right position is key to a successful nursing session. How each mother does this can be different. Some rely on the use of a footstool to get baby up to the breast. Others prefer to utilize a support pillow, such as this one from Summer Infant. Make certain you aren't leaning over your baby and that it isn't painful for you.

10) Enjoy It

You will never be quite so close with your child as you are when you are breastfeeding. It is a special moment between to two of you. Savor it while you can.