What would you say if I told you that the reason why women can’t succeed at breastfeeding is lack of preparation?
When I gave birth to my baby in the hospital, the delivery nurse came to me asking if I was planning to breastfeed my baby. Well, what kind of a response could I give her rather than ‘I guess, yes?’
Help! I haven’t even thought about it!
I was a science-nerd reading just about everything I could find about pregnancy and labour. But breastfeeding… Why on earth should I have thought about educating myself about it? I mean, every new mom does this. The process is kinda natural. Seems like you are all set. Or are you?
Lansinoh Survey on breastfeeding conducted in 2016 reports that many women feel overwhelmed when it comes to breastfeeding a newborn baby. In actuality, findings of more than 1,000 healthcare suppliers in five nations uncover that along with breast being best, prenatal education is best. The survey reveals that mothers who consult their doctors about breastfeeding before delivery have a much greater chance of succeeding at feeding their babies. So, in order to avoid unnecessary stress, I highly recommend to think about breastfeeding beforehand.
So make sure to check out The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class, whether you are pregnant or already breastfeeding, you will find it super helful. This comprehensive video course will guide you through the whole process of breastfeeding, giving the detailed explanation and handful of useful knowledge every mom needs to ensure successful breastfeeding journey. The nice bonus is that you’re studying in the comfort of your own home, which is absolutely priceless when it comes to the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum with the newborn in your hands.
As I’ve already mentioned, as far as organizing a well-established lactation is concerned, prep (as in preparation) is best. Yet, the later a new mom realizes this fact, the harder breastfeeding becomes for her. One reason might be lack of confidence. The other is the pain of the nipples when they crack and bleed. You just want to throw the burp cloth away and never do it again. Who would have thought that it might not be easy at all? It’s not like I talk now based on my own experience and thoughts I had before. No, nothing like that, of course…
That is why more than 80% of the survey participants think that it is very important that moms who are going to give birth consult their healthcare providers on the subject. The most preferable time is third trimester of pregnancy. That is how it should be. However, hardly ever does this happen in a reality. Half of the moms don’t touch the subjects of breastfeeding until they give birth or even after delivery. Only then do they ask questions about breastfeeding techniques, what to expect and how to overcome obstacle they have come across.
Now knowing what to expect and, therefore, not being prepared for the difficulties that might arise is the main reason why women can’t succeed at breastfeeding.
However, the survey revealed many other problems that come into view.
The second most challenging difficulty is returning back to work.
One fifth of healthcare providers agree that it is very hard for breastfeeding moms to find balance between work and personal life. In the US it is even harder since maternity leave policy has more restrictions.
So, the main idea here comes down to the fact that planning and preparing beforehand will save you time and sanity in terms of both pregnancy and breastfeeding, but honestly, it is related to all aspects of life.
Moreover, preparation is the key to success. Cicatelli Ciagne, Lansinoh’s Vise President of Global Healthcare Relations says that it is important to encourage future moms to discuss breastfeeding with their local healthcare providers before they give birth, so they are more comfortable and face less difficulties on the go. Moms should also be open to ask questions to help them succeed at their breastfeeding goals.
The funny thing, though, the advice is nowhere near obvious. I didn’t even have a single thought in mind of consulting my doctor about breastfeeding before the baby was born. I had so many other things to do regarding the baby arrival: I needed to understand the impact of the colors in the nursery, to do a serious research on car seats, strollers and lullabies, and the diet I had to stick to in the meantime… Managing all these things, I forgot about the most important one: how would I ever feed my son?
All in all, I hope that this article and the survey mentioned will make it clear for future moms that breastfeeding the baby is as important as deciding on the shades of blue you want your nursery walls to be painted in. And to be honest, it is even more important.
