Breastfeeding: Is it for every mother?!
Throughout my life, even before becoming a Breastfeeding Counselor, I have always heard contradicting stories about breastfeeding. Some see it as an amazing experience and the best thing for both, mother and baby. Conversely, for others, breastfeeding was a disastrous experience and the most hectic thing that ever happened to them, yet they succeeded in doing it. A third version, as is always the case, some mothers didn’t even comprehend the idea of breastfeeding and were either indifferent or totally against it. Finally, the majority of parents and grandparents actually believed that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone! So what do you think – which version do you see as more realistic or which version do you believe you resonate with more?! The reason behind this article is to help you understand and decide whether breastfeeding is for everyone – and specifically you, or not.
The common reasons behind mothers not managing to breastfeed exclusively or at all:
Believing that since motherhood is a natural thing, breastfeeding should come naturally.
- Believing that since motherhood is a natural thing, breastfeeding should come naturally. Yes, that is right, however, it is also a learnt skill which needs patience, practice, and adaptation.
- Lack of proper training and preparation before delivery, hence not knowing the best practices of healthy nurturing (why & how).
- Lack of proper counseling before delivery, hence not being psychologically prepared to breastfeed.
- Lack of a qualified supporter after delivery, hence no solid support system for overcoming breastfeeding challenges.
- Misleading information from family and friends, due to common myths about breastfeeding, which creates a lot of pressure on the mother, consequently affecting breastfeeding.
- Introducing supplements while breastfeeding, like formula, water, herbs, juices and the like.
- Following up with a pediatrician who is not specialized in lactation management, hence not qualified to support mothers who want to breastfeed.
- Finally, not knowing what to expect, or when the baby is fine and normal and when something has gone wrong.
The truth is:
“While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behavior. An extensive body of research has demonstrated that mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices.”
WHO & UNICEF
Breastfeeding – most of the time – is about the mother’s psychological state, expectations, needs/goals and persistence. That’s why it is very important to seek advice and support from professionals (mother support groups, lactation consultants, breastfeeding counselors). Also, following up with a pediatrician who is a lactation consultant is crucial to the success of the breastfeeding experience. Reading and searching the internet is definitely very useful, only when following trusted sources who are specialized in healthy nurturing and breastfeeding on demand.
Life Coachers is a licensed representative for Gordon Training International with a mission to contribute towards developing a more peaceful and productive community through training parents, teens, teachers, employees, and managers effective communication skills that are applicable at home, at schools, and at work.
