What You Need to Know If You Are Struggling with Breastfeeding

Put quite frankly, breastfeeding is not easy. This is a lesson most mothers learn the hard way as no one tells them before they give birth. It all looks so blissful and you imagine yourself holding your little bundle of joy close to your chest as they feed and you rock them gently and stroke their soft baby hair. Every time you look at a mother feeding her baby you see a picture of perfection and can’t help but admire her. For this reason, many new mamas find themselves struggling with the whole nursing process to a point where it becomes overwhelming. If you are one of them, here’s a few things you should know:

BREASTFEEDING IS A CHANCE TO BOND WITH YOUR BABY

Most mothers know this even as they take their babies home from hospital but it is quickly forgotten as the struggle gets real. Well, here I am to remind you that no, you are not just feeding your baby. This is when the baby looks into your eyes and hears your heartbeat. It is the moment she feels your skin and learns the way you smell. You are basically teaching the baby that you are their mother, provider and protector.

YOU ARE NOT PERFECT

Just because you are now a mother, it does not mean that you should automatically know everything about it. Its not like you acquire some sudden knowledge upon the sight of your child. You and your baby are both learning, mostly from each other. Every mother and her baby are a unique combination that takes a different time and different ways to adjust. You are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. Take your time to enjoy motherhood rather than be hard on yourself for not knowing things.

YOU ARE NOT COMPETING WITH ANYONE

Do not ever, ever compare yourself with other mothers. Comparison brings about a lot of frustration. Don’t breastfeed your baby for two years just because your mom did so. You need to understand that your baby is different and has different needs, preferences and demands from other babies. You are also different and your parenting style does not necessarily have to be the same as that of other mothers. Let your child grow at her own pace.

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you are feeling judged by others for not doing what they expect, remember your baby and yourself are the priorities. Don’t do something you wouldn’t usually do just to please others or make them feel comfortable.

TAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Eat well, rest and even spoil yourself. You just gave life to a little being that stayed in you for nine months and now you are nourishing them from your body. You deserve it.

Conclusively, every mother needs to understand that they are different from all others, and that they should take their time to learn while also being kind to themselves. Only then will they be able to feed the baby and bond with them properly.