Mia
Breastfeeding is a magical time in any new mother’s life. The bond and the connection that you make with your new baby cannot be replicated, so, take time to fully embrace and immerse yourself in what this journey has to offer you.
DO Focus on Your Mental Health and Well-being
Yes, you have just brought new life into the world, but do you know what, you also need to focus on yourself, and look after yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself then nobody else will. So, take time out to have regular showers. Eat healthily and try to do some gentle exercise. Looking after yourself will strengthen your mindset and keep your outlook and approach looking positive.
DO Speak To An Expert
Whether it is your first time breastfeeding, or you have tried it previously, it is important to know that you are never alone and that there is always a trained professional on hand to guide and assist you when you need it the most. On this Website, you can find both professional support and guidance, and quite often, having somebody independent, yet professional to listen to your story, guide you, and advise you, all while remaining independent is what you need the most. Professionals and experts know what they are talking about, and listening to them can just give you that reassurance that you need.
DO Reach Out For Additional Support and Guidance
You don’t need to go through the breastfeeding journey alone. It can be difficult to balance feelings and emotions at this sensitive time and to ensure that you talk about, and share everything you are going through you need to reach out for additional support and guidance at every opportunity that you possibly can. Friends, family, work colleagues, and even your partner will be there to lend a helping hand with nappy changes, washing, or just babysitting while you get a few minutes of valued sleep. Do not be afraid to reach out to others, they will understand, and they will help you get through any challenges or obstacles you may be facing.
DO Prepare For a Long Journey Ahead
If you are wanting to exclusively breastfeed your baby then you need to prepare for a long, and possibly rocky journey moving forwards. You will have ups and downs and you will have days where you feel that not everything is going the way you wanted it to. Breastfeeding successfully is about listening to your intuition and your body. If you fight against your instincts and your gut reaction when you find the whole journey will feel even longer. When you are exclusively feeding (especially in those early months) you will feel that the days are never-ending, and you will feel that one day just blurs into the next. However, you will also realize just how quickly time passes, so try and enjoy it as and where you can.
DON’T Be Hard On Yourself
Breastfeeding, especially in those first few weeks, is incredibly difficult. You can have problems such as latching issues, you could have a baby with reflux or colic, or you could have a tongue-tied baby. Breastfeeding is not always straightforward and if you get too stressed out with the process you may end up having milk supply issues, especially in the first few weeks and months. So, try and be easy on yourself. You have just nurtured a life inside of you for the last 9 months, so you need time to come around to this next phase of the journey. If you put too much stress and pressure on yourself then you will not enjoy this wonderful phase of motherhood, and you most certainly will not look back on these memories fondly.
DON’T Try To Live Up to Other Mums Expectations
Putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, and trying to live up to other people’s expectations is not going to help you farewell, so what you need to do is do what feels right for you. Not everyone breastfeeds the same way, for the same length of time, and at the same time of day., As every woman and new mother’s methods are different, just as their babies are yours will be too, so it is unrealistic and unnecessary to compare yourself to other mums and their breastfeeding journeys. You will get to know your baby, and you will get to know their feeding routine and timings, so don’t stress about what other mums are doing and when.
Breastfeeding is what you make of it, so try and have fun, and try and live your life as normally as possible. If you feel that breastfeeding is a hindrance to your life and way of life, you may resent the process and this will not help you bond with your new baby.
