Seven Breastfeeding Tips For First-time Moms, As Told By A Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding is one obstacle many mothers find challenging to master, and I couldn’t agree more! As a first-time mom, I also had ups and downs trying to produce milk for my little one. The first month was a rollercoaster ride, but thanks to lactation consultant Janice Bustamante-Aton, I was able to sail through this new journey with ease.
Every August, we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. I had the privilege of speaking with Janice or “Ate Ja” about the challenges of breastfeeding, especially for first-time moms. While the challenges may seem never-ending, she emphasized that there’s always a way. “Every breastfeeding problem has a corresponding solution,” she noted.
This maternity nurse who has worked in the UAE for nearly a decade explained how it could be daunting for a first-time mother to breastfeed her little one successfully. “Support is always crucial, especially for mothers who have just started breastfeeding,” she said.
Specializing in the maternal and childcare industry for many years, Janice provides primary care to mothers and infants. She firmly believed that good health starts at home and in the community. “No children can easily be afflicted with infections and diseases if the family and community are proactive in protecting and caring for their young in the first place.” She further highlighted that healthcare providers play an essential role in conducting health teachings that guide and support families at the community level.
While there is no absolute formula for achieving the perfect way of breastfeeding, we are still fortunate to be in a time when information is easily accessible to help parents, especially mothers, get through this stage. In this blog, Janice shares tips that can be useful for first time mommies prepare and get through this phase.
Here are seven breastfeeding tips for moms who are about to start the journey of breastfeeding for the first time.
1. Do a preparatory course or attend any breastfeeding classes—your mindset and expectations matter in the long run.
Preparation is key to success, as they say. Motherhood is a new chapter that needs plenty of energy, patience and understanding as moms learn ways to take care of their young ones.
Ask your doctor, lactation consultant or maternity nurses what to know and expect about breastfeeding.
Online courses and classes are also available and easy to access, which would come in handy anytime and anywhere.
2. It will be challenging and you might encounter several obstacles. You, yourself, should be convinced that you can get through it.
Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to receive plenty of advice and get influenced by what others say about what to do. Internalize your reasons to breastfeed, not from the people around you, but from yourself. While support is essentially critical, it’s also significant to consider your feelings and reasons why you want to pursue breastfeeding in the first place. Your beliefs will become a source of motivation, especially when the going gets tough.
3. You will get conflicting advice from healthcare professionals and fellow moms. Believe in yourself and trust your gut. Your instinct is vital.
There will be forks in the road as mothers move along the journey; sometimes, it can be confusing and mind-boggling to which advice should be followed. There’s what we call a mother’s instinct, where deep down inside, mothers seem to know that it’s the answer to their problem.
4. Breastfeeding should be something you enjoy doing. Should you feel low and upset while doing it, ask for support and help immediately.
It shouldn’t hurt to ask for help. Professionals such as lactation consultants, maternity nurses and fellow breastfeeding moms who’ve been through the same situation are there to support you. Make sure to set your support system ready. When you’re having a hard time, you know where you can run to and seek help and support.
5. Eat well, think well and act well. Your body is your child’s best-resting place; protect it.
Babies cannot take care of themselves and rely heavily on their parents for nourishment, warmth and constant supervision. Breastfeeding mothers need more time and energy to produce breast milk for their babies. It’s crucial to have a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to promote milk production. It’s always best to take good care of one’s body first to properly care for another.
6. Your mental health is as crucial as your physical health; think positively.
Take some time off for yourself and do what you enjoy doing. It can be watching an episode of your favorite show, reading a book, having your nails done or simply catching up on sleep are some of the things that can help make you feel better—doing things that make you feel good leads to more positive emotions and a happier mindset.
7. Trust your body and believe what it can do to you.
The human body is capable of many incredible things. The fact that a woman conceives and brings a child into the world after carrying it for nine months is a miracle in itself. Sometimes you’ll doubt whether you can produce enough milk for your little one. As long as you’re taking care of your body, you’ll have to have more faith in yourself that you can do it.
Becoming a mom is an exciting journey. Nine months may seem a long time, but it often passes by in a blink of an eye. It’s never too early to prepare, especially when we’re talking about a new human being coming into our lives. “Enjoy every moment because they grow up too fast,” the lactation consultant expressed. Indeed, motherhood is a life-changing moment that touches each mother in profound ways.
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