Common Mistakes Mothers Make When Breastfeeding

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but motherhood is what defines a woman and her child. As your newborn needs proper nutrition to develop both physically and neutrally, breastfeeding becomes a topic of hot debate in your social circle. In the middle of all the sleepless nights and lullabies to sing your baby to sleep, breastfeeding also becomes a matter of concern.

Breastfeeding is natural but nursing is the art of turning babies into healthy children. However, many mothers, both first time and experienced, make mistakes when it comes to breastfeeding. Let us debunk the common mistakes most mothers out there make with breastfeeding that you should avoid at all costs.

Separated at Birth

Unless your gynecologist has prescribed you to do so, keep your baby close to you right after birth. Keep them on your chest and let them snuggle and feel your heartbeat. It’s too early for a baby to be spoiled, so start caressing them from day one so that they can get a feeling of safety and security around you. It’s the most natural thing in the world; trust me!

Latching On Wrong

The proper way to latch on to a nipple is to have your baby take in the nipple as well as the areola. If not, then your baby is not getting the proper nutrition that it should, leaving you with some afterburners as well, in the form of cracked or sore nipples. One way to help your baby latch on properly is to tickle the area between the upper lip and the nose. This will make your baby open their mouth wide so it’s easier to latch onto the nipple. It really works if you haven’t tried yet!

The Eternal Stress

Many mothers are always stressed out over whether their baby is getting proper nutrition or not. The best way to deal with this is to realize that breastfeeding is a learning process for you as well as the baby. Hence, if you don’t want your baby to be agitated, don’t stress out in front of them. Whether your baby is smiling or is upset, you should stay calm at all times and have them checked by the doctor every month to see whether they are growing properly.

Working On a Schedule

Breastfeeding is not a 9 to 5 job, so your baby should not have a schedule as such. Always remember that your baby at the breastfeeding stage has only needs, no wants. Hence, whenever they are hungry, it is your responsibility to feed them, regardless of whether it goes off their conventional time. If your baby is agitated despite having been breastfed, then look for other things to cheer them up!

The Always Early Pacifier

If you need a lady’s day out or your partner wants to feed the baby, your first instinct will be to introduce the pacifier. However, it is advisable to refrain from using the artificial nipple for at least the first four weeks to give your baby a good feel for breastfeeding. The time to bring in the pacifier will come, but if you don’t lay the foundation of breastfeeding, your baby may reject the whole process altogether.