Hey mumma! I bet you’ve heard the phrase “breastfeeding is natural”, but did you know it’s also a learned skill? As a mum, I vividly remember when I was pregnant, the mix of excitement and anxiety that came with the thought of breastfeeding. In my practice, I’ve seen countless new mums facing challenges they never even anticipated. But here’s the thing: breastfeeding is a skill that evolves with time and experience. So, if you’re pregnant or a new mum, buckle up for a conversation about the natural art of breastfeeding, the learning curve that accompanies it and what you can do to make breastfeeding easier for you and your baby.
Why People Find Breastfeeding So Difficult
The Misunderstood Realities
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural thing in the world, and it is. But, the reality is that it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, at least not straight away. Latch issues, engorgement, and the stress of wondering whether your baby is getting enough can be overwhelming. The pressure to be a ‘perfect’ mum can make this even harder!
One contributing factor is that, unlike in the past where women were exposed to breastfeeding through their communities and families, modern life often isolates us from our communities. In our fast-paced society, we don’t always have the opportunity to witness and learn from experienced mothers in our community. The lack of exposure to breastfeeding before becoming a mum can contribute to the challenges many women face.
Another factor is society, and the media often paint an unrealistic picture of how babies should behave, setting up expectations that don’t always align with reality or evidence-based practices. There’s this notion of babies feeding like clockwork, sleeping through the night from day one, or adhering to a strict schedule. These unrealistic portrayals can lead parents to believe that if their baby doesn’t fit into this mould, something must be wrong. In truth, babies have their unique rhythms and needs. Understanding and embracing their natural patterns can ease the pressure on parents and contribute to a more relaxed breastfeeding journey.
Lost Support in a Modern World
We no longer live in the traditional village setting where support and guidance were readily available from multiple generations. The sense of community and shared wisdom has faded, leaving many new mums feeling isolated and navigating the intricacies of breastfeeding without the collective support system that was once normal. This isolation can add an extra layer of difficulty to the already complex journey of learning to breastfeed (and motherhood!).
Understanding these societal shifts is crucial in approaching breastfeeding challenges with compassion and recognising that, despite the lack of a village, there are still resources and support networks available to help you on this journey if you know to look for them.
How to Make Breastfeeding Easier
Learn About Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives
Research shows that when pregnant mums get antenatal (prenatal) breastfeeding education, breastfeeding outcomes are often better. It’s like giving yourself a head start in the game. Attend breastfeeding classes, read books, and talk to other mums about their experiences. Equip yourself with knowledge so that when the time comes, you feel more confident and prepared, know how to overcome common challenges and where to get help if you need it.
If you’re keen on learning the art of breastfeeding, you might like to join the waitlist for my upcoming online course, ‘Breastfeeding Basics: From Prep to Pro’. Launching in just a few weeks, this comprehensive, and easy to digest course is designed to guide you through every aspect of breastfeeding, from preparation to becoming a pro. Let’s walk this journey together. Sign up for the waitlist now and be among the first to access a wealth of knowledge and support (plus score a special VIP bonus come launch day)!
Get Support
It’s normal to feel confused, lost and overwhelmed at the start of your breastfeeding journey, but know you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s), join breastfeeding support groups, or lean on experienced friends and family. Having a support system can provide the encouragement and advice you need if things get tough.
Take It Easy on Yourself
Planning to breastfeed is one thing; executing the plan is another. Understand that breastfeeding is a skill that evolves with time (for both you and baby!). There might be challenges initially, but with patience, persistence, and support it gets easier. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly from the start. Every journey is unique, and your baby is learning just as much as you are.
If you’re pregnant, this might all sound a bit scary, as I mentioned earlier, learning and getting prepared for breastfeeding before bub arrives really can make a difference. Download my free “Preparing For Breastfeeding” guide to learn the steps to preparing so you can give you and your baby the best start to breastfeeding possible.
Breastfeeding is a natural, but it’s also a learned skill. Educate yourself before baby arrives, seek support, and don’t beat yourself up. Remember, it’s okay to stumble along the way. Take it easy on yourself and enjoy the moments of connection with your little one.
If you’ve found these insights helpful, DM me on Instagram and let me know what you’ve taken away from this post. Here’s to a beautiful breastfeeding journey 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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