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Breastfeeding

We all know breastmilk is the greatest gift you can give baby, physically, intellectually and emotionally. Breastfeeding is important for you, too. It helps shed preggie kilos and protects against female cancers, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

It may not be all moonlight and roses though. During pregnancy, you probably imagined the closeness and contentment you and your baby would share. For many moms breastfeeding is everything they hoped for and more. However, other moms have mixed feelings as it’s not quite what they imagined it being, while up to a quarter of women find the experience downright disappointing.

THE GREAT TABOO

Because breastfeeding is perceived as one of the most natural things in the world, many moms feel guilty about admitting that it’s just not something they like doing. For whatever reason, moms who admit that they actually hate breastfeeding are often judged harshly by other moms, being made to feel less of a woman in the process. Add in the pressure of getting it right, and it all goes pear shaped.

“Itisessentialtoacknowledge the less romantic, pleasurable aspects of breastfeeding. Otherwise moms with negative feelings may think something is wrong with them or that their emotions aren’t normal,” says Jessica Grobler, who is a La Leche League leader and a mom of two. Understanding your feelings – and realising that you are not alone – are the first steps toward a more satisfying nursing journey.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Breastfeeding really is not fun when you are struggling. Sadly, few women reach their breastfeeding goals because they encounter some common issues. The top three reasons for throwing in the towel are:

SORE OR CRACKED NIPPLES PROBLEMS WITH POSITION AND/OR LATCH

LOW MILK SUPPLY

If you experience any of these, call on a lactation consultant to help you before you decide to give up.

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a recently diagnosed condition characterised by sudden negative emotions accompanying letdown. This too can spoil your nursing plans. A mother may feel sad, depressed, anxious, irritable, or guilty shortly before and after her milk lets down. Researchers suspect that D-MER is caused by an excessive drop in dopamine levels and usually passes after about three months. For more information, visit www.d-mer. org or chat to your doctor or lactation consultant.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT HAVING FUN (YET)

CONSULT A LACTATION SPECIALIST Most problems can be solved with the right support and information.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Sensitive nipples, engorgement,

leaking breasts and growth spurts – all will get better. Attend a La Leche League meeting or breastfeeding support group to talk about things and hear other women’s stories too. Support from other nursing mothers is invaluable.

MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE

Breastfeeding myths abound, so do your own homework and get correct evidence based information. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of each feeding method.

COULD YOU COMPROMISE?

Breastmilk – even just a little – is invaluable for your child’s immune system. Consider feeding baby your colostrum, nursing for a predetermined time, or expressing partially or even fully.

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. You know yourself and your baby best. No one has the right to attack your parenting choices, no matter how much these differ from their own. YB

Just because you hate it doesn’t

mean you have to give up