Did you know that breastfeeding is a bit like riding a bike? Seriously! There’s a learning curve involved, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a beautiful journey. As an experienced mum who’s been through the quite a few breastfeeding struggles of my own AND a Lactation Consultant that helps mums through breastfeeding struggles day in and day out, I can tell you, there’s nothing quite like it! But getting the hang of it can be a rollercoaster. That’s why I’m here to tell you why taking a breastfeeding class before your little one arrives can be a game-changer. Are you ready? We’re about to dive into why taking a breastfeeding class or course is your secret weapon for a smoother breastfeeding journey. We’ll explore the challenges you might face and how a breastfeeding course arms you with the knowledge and tools to overcome them. From nipple pain to low milk supply, we’ll cover it all. Plus, I’ll offer three invaluable tips to empower you on your breastfeeding journey.
Understanding the Battlefield: The Initial Breastfeeding Situation
The reality is, when you first start breastfeeding, it might not feel like the serene, bonding experience everyone talks about. Lots of mums find it confusing, frustrating and even painful (though PAIN IS NOT NORMAL and is a sign that something’s not right!). From struggling to find the right latch to wondering if your baby is getting enough milk, the uncertainties can be overwhelming and bring a lot of anxiety.
Challenges are common and many new mums find themselves stopping breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped for various reasons. But here’s the thing: a huge number of these hurdles are preventable. And when it comes to the most common reason mums stop breastfeeding early, low milk supply, often the signs that make mums think they don’t have enough milk (e.g. Fussy baby who doesn’t sleep for very long) are false signs and mislead them into thinking they don’t have enough milk when they actually do.
Preventing Early Discontinuation
In my experience, I’ve seen countless mums facing obstacles that, with the right knowledge and support, could have been overcome or avoided altogether. Engorgement, sore nipples, and perceived low milk supply are among the common reasons that lead mums to stop breastfeeding earlier than intended. However, a breastfeeding course arms you with strategies to manage these challenges effectively. Techniques for proper latching, noticing and understanding feeding cues, and managing supply can drastically reduce these hurdles, enabling a more sustained breastfeeding journey.
Misleading Signs of Low Milk Supply
Moreover, many signs that mums perceive as indicators of inadequate milk supply might not necessarily mean that. Fussiness, frequent feeding, and shorter nursing sessions can often be misunderstood as the baby not getting enough milk. In reality, these signs are just normal baby behaviour and don’t clearly tell us anything about how feeding is going. Understanding these nuances is pivotal in building confidence and trust in your breastfeeding capabilities.
The crux of the matter lies in education and preparation. Learning about breastfeeding beforehand allows you to differentiate between normal behaviours and potential concerns, empowering you to navigate through these situations with confidence and clarity.
Painful, sore nipples
Ah, the notorious sore nipples—the biggest fear about breastfeeding for pregnant mums! It’s like this uninvited guest crashing the serene breastfeeding party. But like I said earlier, PAIN IS NOT NORMAL! It’s a sign that something is not right, usually baby’s latch.
See, a latch that’s not quite right can wreak havoc on those delicate nipples, squashing them against the hard roof of baby’s mouth 😫 This leads to the discomfort and pain that many new mums experience. However, here’s the silver lining: the fix for this is often simpler and easier than you think. It’s often about tweaking the way you hold your baby during feeding.
Learning the ropes of proper latching techniques in a breastfeeding course can be a game-changer. You’ll discover how a slight adjustment in positioning can make all the difference. From ensuring your baby’s mouth covers not just the nipple but a good part of the areola to finding the most comfortable nursing position for both you and your little one, these small changes can alleviate nipple soreness significantly.
Remember, your comfort during breastfeeding is just as crucial as your baby’s feeding. Simple tweaks guided by proper knowledge can transform those toe-curling moments into a much more comfortable and enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your baby.
Tips to empower you on your breastfeeding journey
Tip 1: Knowledge is Power
Here’s where a breastfeeding course swoops in as your superhero cape. You learn about breastfeeding techniques, proper latching, and how to recognise your baby’s hunger cues. Understanding these basics beforehand arms you with confidence and crucial know-how when it’s go-time.
Tip 2: Support Matters
In a breastfeeding course or class, you’ll discover the crucial role of a lactation consultant—a guiding light through potential breastfeeding challenges. Additionally, you’ll learn to set up your support system, identifying people who can offer practical and emotional support. From partners helping with tasks to the experienced friends that can provide invaluable advice, a breastfeeding course or class equips you to build this vital support network to help you through your breastfeeding journey.
Tip 3: Preparation is Key
One thing they don’t tell you is that you need to prepare for breastfeeding. A breastfeeding course or class not only educates you about things like how to maximise your milk supply and how to actually latch your baby, it will also equip you with practical tips like how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, how often your baby needs to breastfeed and how to care for your breasts. This preparation can make a world of difference to your wellbeing and your confidence when your little one arrives.
Your Next Step
So, Mumma-to-be, a breastfeeding course is not just another checkbox on your pregnancy to-do list. It’s an investment in you and your baby’s breastfeeding journey, your mental health and both yours and baby’s physical health, paving the way for a smoother ride. Arm yourself with knowledge and a support system that’ll have your back through every feeding hiccup. Get yourself into a breastfeeding course or class to help you on your way to a smooth, happy and fulfilling breastfeeding journey.
Join My FREE Breastfeeding Masterclass: “Unlocking the Secrets to Successful Breastfeeding: Learn how to get breastfeeding going well, without the nipple pain and low supply worries.”
To dive even deeper into this empowering world, I’m hosting a FREE breastfeeding masterclass where we’ll delve into the essentials of breastfeeding that can help you avoid the most common breastfeeding hurdles that have mums stop breastfeeding early. Equip yourself with the tools for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Remember, this journey might have its twists and turns, but with the right guidance and preparation, you’ll be cruising through like a pro. Cheers to you and the beautiful adventure ahead! 🙌
If you have questions or concerns, you might like to get in touch with an IBCLC to help you to work out what’s going on and develop a plan that suits your individual situation. You can book a home visit or online consultation with me below.
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