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10 Serious Breastfeeding Mistakes You Should Avoid

Breastfeeding Mistakes You Should Avoid

Breastfeeding is the first important thing a mom does after giving birth to her newborn, but this may not be a smooth sailing for all. Often lack of knowledge and guidance leaves a new mother helpless tackling this breastfeeding issue which is so crucial for the healthy growth of the baby. Nursing a newborn also demands certain skills and techniques to provide comfort and satisfaction for both the mother and the child.

It is natural for a new mother to adopt wrong breastfeeding techniques due to lack of knowledge, but it is never too late to rectify the mistakes and take up the right procedures. Here we sum up 10 common breastfeeding mistakes that mothers do unknowingly. Going through this will help mothers adopt smarter breastfeeding rules and techniques.

Not Being Educated Well In Advance

You need to educate yourself about breastfeeding techniques as you approach the last trimester of your pregnancy. Gather proper information about do’s and don’ts of breastfeeding from reliable sources. Your consulting doctor will be the best person to give you the first-hand information. Your mom can also educate you with useful breastfeeding tips. Reading journals and magazines also help a lot that will make you mentally prepared to face any trouble while breastfeeding.

Not being educated well in advance

Getting Frustrated Quickly

Your assumptions regarding feeding your newborn may not go on expected lines, and that often builds up severe frustration. This is very much prevalent in first-time mothers. No need to fret about this because about 20-30% moms go through such agonizing moments while nursing her newborn. All you need is to have patience and keep cool if you see your baby upset with your breastfeeding techniques.

Getting Frustrated Quickly

Incorrect Latching On

Incorrect latching on is another big mistake committed by breastfeeding mothers, but practice makes you perfect. You need to concentrate and observe certain things. Your newborn’s mouth should be wide enough to take in your nipple including the areola part while sucking. This will enable your baby suck enough quantity of milk properly. The latching problem continues for about a week and is not at all a big concern.

Incorrect Latching On

Seeking Too Much Of Advice

There is no harm in seeking advice regarding breastfeeding techniques, but if you go on asking each and every person you come across, it will leave you confused. Uncalled-for advice will pour in from friends and well-wishers, but it should be your choice to accept those or not. It is recommended to follow the advice of the doctor or a professional that will keep you confident of your breastfeeding procedures.

Seeking Too Much Of Advice

Giving Up

This is another big mistake that you should avoid strictly. Often pregnancy and delivery related stress takes a severe toll on the stamina and mental strength forcing a nursing mother to give up breastfeeding and opt for bottle feeding. Working moms experience this most as they are under pressure to resume work as soon as possible. Under any circumstances, you should hold on to your patience and never give up breastfeeding considering the future health benefits of your baby.

Giving Up

Presuming Anything

You need to believe that your breasts are designed perfectly to meet your newborn’s demands, and through proper feeding techniques he or she will derive the required nutrition from your breast milk only. Assuming always that enough milk is not produced by your breasts or your baby is crying out of hunger is wrong. Crying of your baby does not always imply that he or she is hungry as this is the only mode of communicating with the external environment.

Presuming Anything

Sticking To One Posture

There is no fixed posture to breastfeed your baby. Your baby may be comfortable with a certain breastfeeding position one day, but  the next day he or she may prefer another position. Trying different breastfeeding postures also makes a mother comfortable in feeding. After a fortnight, most babies adopt a comfortable breastfeeding position which you can carry on.

Sticking To One Posture

Neglecting Your Diet And Rest

To breastfeed your baby properly, you need proper diet and rest. Nursing demands extra calorie intake and your diet chart must be done accordingly. A newborn’s sleeping pattern seldom matches with that of the mother’s. Therefore, it is wise to adjust your sleeping hours with that of your baby. Have frequent short naps if you are unable to sleep for long hours. Proper rest will soothe your nerves and will keep you energetic to meet the demands of your newborn.

Neglecting Your Diet And Rest

Not Involving Your Partner

Your partner or husband also needs to support you while nursing. You should never hide your breastfeeding problems from him. He may suggest you some better ways too. You can ask him to hold the baby while you adjust your breastfeeding position. Your partner’s involvement in these activities also strengthens the family bonding.

Not Involving Your Partner

Early Weaning

You should carry on breastfeeding your baby as long as you can. Weaning within 2-3 months is another big mistake that many moms do. Breastfeeding has immense health benefits. Therefore, the longer you nurse your baby healthier he or she will be.

Early Weaning

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