Are you a first-time mom who has decided to breastfeed your newborn? But just the thought of it makes you panic, worry, and feel fear of the unknown. On the other hand, you may already be a mom but breastfeeding seems foreign to you. Or maybe a veteran mom who had a negative experience breastfeeding your older children.
A lot of articles and even books have been researched and read up. You have sought help from different people – mom, mom-in-law, mommy friends, lactation consultants, pediatricians, nurses, and even from mom groups and communities – you name it. Not to mention all the researches you’ve made about the different kinds of breast pumps, nursing tanks, nipple pads, and the like. And as a mom, it’s just normal to develop some fears. I know and I can completely relate.
Whatever breastfeeding issues you may have, however skeptical you may be, please know that you will get through them. Dread not because there are some practical tips that you may apply so you can overcome these fears.
Before we delve into this intriguing topic, let me salute you, moms, because it takes a deep level of courage to do this kind of responsibility. And all you just want is the best for your baby.
Here’s a list of some common breastfeeding fears and how to tame them:
Fear of Pain
Let’s be honest here, it feels really painful, uncomfortable, and over-sensitive breastfeeding when you have your milk for the very first time, and then you’re engorged. Some mothers would experience bleeding, cracked nipples, and even blisters and these were actually normal in the first few weeks of breastfeeding your baby. It will take days or even weeks to get your nipples to get used to your baby and vice versa. But, of course, eventually, nursing will get better and the pain goes away as your body undergoes a period of adjustment. The time will come that you will learn how to latch and you will be more fearless in nursing your baby.
What to do: Start applying healing creams (like a lanolin cream) before and after the breastfeeding session. You may also take Acetaminophen (generic name) – a drug used to treat mild to moderate pain. And ultimately, learn to relax as it will help the pain to go away.
Fear of Inconvenience
You may probably feel that it’s bothersome to breastfeed your baby all the time, that everything about your baby’s growth and health solely depends on you. You feed on-demand, you feel stuck, and can’t do anything but chained to your baby and breastfeed. The thought of everyone around you is on the go whenever they please and there you are on the couch with the baby just makes you feel frustrated.
What to do: Think that this will not last a lifetime. Change negative thoughts into positive ones like you’re exempted from any household chores because you are supported to just relax. That is so you would be able to produce more milk. Babies grow faster than you think and so use this time to bond with her/him. I bet soon enough when your baby weans, you’ll wish you go back to the time you’re breastfeeding him/her.
Fear of Breastfeeding in Public
Indeed, it’s such a daunting experience breastfeeding in public, if not scary. Nursing inside a family member’s or friend’s house already feels awkward, what more in public, right? It makes you feel shy. You’re afraid of exposing yourself and you may also be afraid of what other people will say towards you. But we are after our baby’s health first and foremost. When our baby is hungry, as a mother it’s innate in nature that we feed him/her.
What to do:
Invest in breastfeeding clothes (easy for you and the baby to breastfeed in and something loose) as these will be of huge help to you not to struggle in public. Include nursing bras, as well, because they will make you comfortable and keep you convenient.
Plan your outings and errands around your little one’s nursing schedule, as much as possible. That’s so you can do most of the breastfeeding sessions at home.
When nursing in public, use a breastfeeding coverup or a swaddle blanket for further coverage. But make sure that what you’re using is suitable for the weather. Your baby sweating and feeling uncomfortable while breastfeeding is the last thing you want to happen. You may also use the baby’s stroller as a barricade to obstruct other people from seeing your breasts.
And when you’re in someone else’s house, you may nurse your baby in a private room away from other people.
Don’t worry, things will get easier with time. Once you’re at it for a while, you can angle your baby right.
Fear of Milk Leaking