To Live Happily During The Breastfeeding Period
Of all the stages that constitute motherhood, the breastfeeding period is one of the most special. This is when the unique bonds between mother and child are formed. In addition – being the source of the baby’s food is a responsibility and an honor for the mother. In the midst of so many emotions and tasks, one must also create space to live happily during the breastfeeding period.
In fact, breastfeeding is so important that you start it when the baby is only a few minutes old.
This fulfills two functions: one is to give the baby an early attachment to the mother and to test its sucking reflex. It is also important for the baby to absorb and digest the essential nutrients contained in the first milk, also called colostrum.
Especially for first-time mothers, this stage can bring some doubts. So, in order for you to be able to live happily during the breastfeeding period, which you and your little one deserve – here are some important recommendations.
Tips for living happily during breastfeeding
1. Do not feel doubt or shame
Breastfeeding is a completely natural and innate process. Think of animals, which are mammals just like us. They do not have the ability to reason about why they do it, but they are still fully capable of feeding their offspring.
Do not be intimidated by those who suggest that you should not do it in public places or that you should “hide” to breastfeed. There is no greater delusion than this. You should always feel that you have the right to feed your child whenever you need to.
2. Find the right position
It is normal that at first you do not feel comfortable with the classic position of breastfeeding your baby. In reality, there are many such positions. The choice will be based entirely on what is most comfortable for you and your baby.
Poor posture can adversely affect milk production and cause nipple irritation due to the baby’s impaired sucking ability when he is in an uncomfortable position.
However, this is not a factor that you should worry about too much. In time, you will arrive at the position that suits you both best, and then the matter is resolved.
3. What should you eat during the breastfeeding period?
Through breast milk, the baby gets the nutrients that the mother has in her body. These, of course, come from what she eats. Therefore, the advice is to avoid unhealthy habits – that is, to continue as during pregnancy – and in the same way, eat a complete and varied diet.
According to specialists, the essential nutrients at this stage are calcium, iron, carbohydrates (which provide energy), proteins and healthy fats. Also, remember to drink water often.
4. Is it time to stop?
There are mothers who feel uncomfortable breastfeeding for too long. On the one hand, they are worried about not being able to produce enough milk to satisfy the baby’s needs. On the other hand, they are afraid that if they breastfeed for too long, it can cause some form of harm.
As for the first question, it is important that you start offering your baby other foods from the age of six months, to supplement the breast milk and vary the food. Your milk production should not be a problem; the body’s regulatory mechanism will take care of it.
Regarding the second question – no, breastfeeding for too long poses no risk. You can continue for five, six, even seven years if both mother and child so wish.
However, there is often a lot of social pressure around this. Again: the ones who will make the decision about this are you and your child. Criticism comes, in fact, from a lack of information in society.
5. What can go wrong during the breastfeeding period?
As always when we embark on a new process, we worry that something may cause us problems. Most mothers are able to breastfeed well, including first-time mothers.
Sure, there can be problems; The most common are inflammation or pain in the nipples and a condition called mastitis.
However, none of this is serious. You can cure it in an excellent way with self-care and, of course, with the help of a doctor you trust.
Finally, remember that you are by no means alone in this process. Your partner, your family and your friends are there to help you and give good advice. Keeping your thoughts secret is the last thing you should do: talk about them instead of staying calm.
In any case, if you still feel the need to talk to specialists in the field – in addition to your doctor of course – there are associations and groups that work with counseling for mothers with thoughts and problems, so that they can live happily during the breastfeeding period.
