Breastfeeding support: 6 things every nursing mom needs to hear

A lot of moms stop breastfeeding before the recommended six months postpartum. In fact, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 percent of them stopped within the first month, and one third abandoned plans to exclusively breastfeed by the time they left the hospital.

The reason? They didn’t get the support they need. Breastfeeding can intimidate new moms for a number of reasons: Feeling overwhelmed dealing with a newborn, worrying your little one isn’t getting enough milk, being unsure about which breastfeeding position to use, or if your baby is latched properly.

It’s important for new moms to understand breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and to not feel like failures if the first few attempts are difficult. It might take a bit of time, energy, and patience to find your rhythm. The Stir contributor Michele Zipp shares a list of things every breastfeeding mom needs to hear.

6 things every breastfeeding mom needs to hear

1. Breastfeeding might feel different, even strange at first. “Almost nothing can prepare you for the feeling the first time your baby is put to breast,” says Zipp. If it feels weird, that’s perfectly all right.
2. There is a learning curve for both mom and baby. “Just like you need to learn how to breastfeed, your baby is also learning how to latch onto your breast,” adds Zipp. You may have to work a bit to get that perfect latch, and/or to find the best position for you and your baby. If you’re struggling, get help from a lactation consultant.
3. Breastfeeding can be painful in the beginning. Not only is your baby learning how to latch, your nipples may take a week or so to adapt to nursing. “The first week or two is the hardest and you may experience some pain while breastfeeding,” says Zipp. You will get through it. However, excruciating pain, if your breasts are red or feel hot or any unusual discharge from your nipple is not normal, so talk with your health care provider or lactation consultant right away if you’re in extreme discomfort.
4. “You might feel like you're doing it wrong and you're the only mom in the world doing it wrong and you need to know that you are wrong about that,” says Zipp. The reality is, you aren’t alone. Many moms feel the same way. Look for support groups in your community, at the hospital where you delivered your baby or online when you are having doubts. If you really think something is wrong, get help from a professional.
5. You might encounter some bumps in the road. Common breastfeeding problems such as an improper latch, sore nipples, and clogged milk ducts can all be fixed.
6. Pumping may not come naturally either, and that is OK. You will figure it out through trial and error. “The pump is both your best friend and your enemy and just because you don’t have it down yet, doesn’t make you a loser,” adds Zip. We know breast is best for your baby, and studies show it also helps mom, so hang in there if you can. And when you do face a small hurdle or two, remind yourself that you are doing a great job and that all your effort helps make your baby the biggest winner of all!