You Probably Really Can Breastfeed

[ThrivingMom]

This entry is not for moms who choose not to breastfeed.  To breastfeed or not is a personal choice and quite a hot topic and that's not what this journal entry is about.  Instead, I'm writing this for ladies who really and truly want to breastfeed but think for some reason they can't.  It seems like there is a lot of misinformation out there about breastfeeding that confuses many new mothers and discourages them from breastfeeding, even when that's really what they want to do.

It is important to keep in mind that for centuries women successfully breastfed their babies before formula ever existed.  If not having enough supply or a mom's milk suddenly drying up were common problems, the world would not be as populated as it is today.  Mankind produced generation upon generation before the invention of formula.  If you're wanting to breastfeed, but fear you will not be able to keep that fact in mind to encourage you.

Myth #1 Supply Issues:

The biggest myth about breastfeeding is many moms think that they do not produce enough milk or that there milk dries up.  When your milk first comes in your breasts can feel very full and heavy.  After your body gets used to breastfeeding, you stop over producing and instead start producing just what your baby needs.  When that full feeling goes away many moms mistakenly assume that their milk has dried up.  If your baby still seems satisfied after a feeding at the breast and is still wetting at least 6 diapers a day then your supply is fine.  Another reason some moms feel they do not have enough milk is that they cannot get a lot of milk when they pump.  This is normal.  Many moms successfull breastfeed for over a year, but are never able to pump more than an ounce at a time.  Pumps are not as efficient at getting the milk out as baby is.  Some moms do well with pumping, some do not.  It has nothing to do with supply.

Myth #2 You Need to Supplement Formula:

If you really want to breastfeed then it's very important that you choose a pediatrician for your kids that is probreastfeeding.  Many doctors out there aren't and are so quick to to suggest supplementing (or even switching entirely) to formula.  Again, mankind survived for thousands of years without formula.  It really isn't typical for a baby to need a formula supplement if the mom is healthy and willing to breastfeed. 

I've heard some doctors refer to jaundice as breastfeeding jaundice and tell well meaning moms that are breastfeeding that they most supplement with formula.  Both of my babies were jaundice and their pediatrician told me to BF on demand round the clock.  I did, and both babies made it through jaundice just fine.

Myth #3 You Breast Milk is Bad:

I don't really get this one at all.  So many moms think that because their baby fusses and cries that their milk is no good and not satisfying the baby.  I don't even know where this idea came from.  It's not like some women produce whole milk and some produce skim.  If your baby is wetting 6 diapers a day, then they are getting what they need.  Babies fuss.  Maybe your fussy baby has colic, maybe you aren't feeding often enough or cutting feeding sessions too short, maybe your baby is too hot or too cold.  If your baby is fussy, don't assume it's your milk.  Look to other possible causes for your baby's discomfort.

If you're wanting to BF, but are still lacking the confidence that you'll be successful then joint he BFing groups here at CafeMom for some great advice and support

**To all of you moms who have successfully BF, I encourage you to leave your suggestions and tips as a comment to this post.**

Tags: breastfeeding, bf, breast milk

Add A Comment