Parenting, as we know it, is always full of surprises. Many things don’t go as planned, but it’s better to have a plan than none at all.
Breastfeeding is something mamas should look forward to and not be scared at, especially if you know what to expect. Here are some scenarios mamas must anticipate should they decide to breastfeed their babies.
1.) How would I ensure I will have milk after birth?
It begins with the mother’s intent to breastfeed, so she must have access to all information about breastfeeding benefits. Mama, you should tell your OB-Gyne your birth plan and choose a facility that advocates breastfeeding. This advocacy comes with the following protocols: unang yakap (skin to skin embrace and latching immediately after birth which is proven to improve milk production), delayed cord clamping, and rooming in.
“The first embrace with a parent is not only emotionally important, but also absolutely critical for improving chances of survival and health outcomes for small and premature babies,” said Dr Karen Edmond, Medical Officer for Newborn Health at WHO.
According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding “acts as babies’ first vaccine, protecting them against many common childhood illnesses.”
“Breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, followed by exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, offers a powerful line of defense against all forms of child malnutrition, including wasting and obesity. Breastfeeding also acts as babies’ first vaccine, protecting them against many common childhood illnesses,” the World Health Organization added.
2.) What happens when I don’t have milk after birth?
This is one of the many fears mamas have. But fret not because you are not expected to have flowing, dripping liquid gold immediately after delivery. Breastfeeding supply highly depends on demand, so latching the baby must be the priority. A newborn has a small stomach and needs to be fed on demand – this does not mean your milk is not enough. It’s just how they learn to latch and teach your body to continually produce breast milk.
Keep latching and milk is expected to be visible 5 days postpartum, notwithstanding other factors like engorgement, clogged ducts, inverted nipples – which all have solutions.
3.) Will breastfeeding be painful?
Before giving birth, watch video tutorials on proper latching, which not only guarantees better milk production but also lessens breastfeeding pain. A good latch won’t be painful in the long run, mama, because the baby is able to sufficiently empty the breasts, preventing engorgement and clogged ducts.
A good latch also lessens nipple pain, because the mouth won’t put too much pressure on the areola with continued nursing.
Some tools may help ease pain like a milk catcher when you’re lactating and the baby is still asleep; a lactation massager may help unclog ducts; some warm compress; a nursing balm, among others.
4.) When do I know when to feed my baby?
According to breastfeeding advocate KellyMom, mamas must “nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)–don’t wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first–wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.”
5.) How long do I intend to do this?
Breastfeeding is good for babies up to 2 years and beyond so it would be ideal to keep nursing until this age. What’s a mama got to do? Hydration helps a lot, so drinking at least 4 liters of water is the ideal. Postpartum nutrition is also essential, so mamas, you should eat as much soup and protein and carbs as you can, at least for the duration of the round-the-clock feeding. Breastfeeding usually burns up to 500 calories per feeding!
Have a refreshing glass of M2 Malunggay tea, a mom-approved concentrated drink that helped many Pinoy moms stabilize their breastmilk supply.
If you will return to work after the 120-day maternity leave, it would be best to continue expressing milk. Technology is on your side because there are many available breast pumps for you.
Working mamas need to pump every 2-3 hours not just to fill their milk storage but also to tell their body there is continued demand for milk.
Choosing to breastfeed is a wise choice mama but it definitely comes with difficulties. The benefits are however high and make it all worth it.
More mamas are choosing to breastfeed their children, according to the WHO, but the numbers could still go higher.
“Progress is being made on exclusive breastfeeding, with nearly 44% of infants under 6 months of age being exclusively breastfed worldwide in 2020. This is still short of the 50% target by 2030,” WHO said.
