What are the challenges of breastfeeding?
Common concerns of new moms, especially during the first few weeks and months, may include:
Personal comfort. Keep in mind this will be a new experience for you and may feel a little awkward in the beginning, remember though that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. Latch discomfort is normal for the 7 to 10 days but should only last less than a minute with each feeding., and should last less than a minute with each feeding. If pain or discomfort continues through the duration of the feeding or longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor right away as it could be an indication of an infection or other problem.
Time and frequency of feedings. Time commitment to your child starts here. In the same what that pregnancy upset your schedule expect a similar shift now that your child is born and you have started breastfeeding. Because breast milk digests faster than formula breastfed babies do need to eat more often. This can mean you as a new mother will be feeding your new born every 2 or 3 hours in the first few weeks. After you as a mother have increased your milk supply, other family members can assist with the feedings using pumped breast milk. About three months of age the child is now able to sleep through the night and life should become lightly more manageable.
Diet. While you are breastfeeding keep in mind that your baby is eating the same things you are. Just like during pregnancy, breastfeeding women should avoid fish that are high in mercury, and limit lower mercury fish intake. If you enjoy an alcoholic beverage the current line of thought is to wait about two hours before breastfeeding. If you like your coffee (and you probably will in the first few months) it is recommended to keep the caffeine intake below 300mg. (Which is about 3 cups or two Red Bulls)
Maternal medical conditions and medicines. As for medical condition your doctor should be part of the process from the beginning and can offer you appropriate advice. It is also a good choice to discuss with your doctor any over the counter or herbal medicine you are contemplating starting.
Like any new endeavor there are challenges you will encounter with breastfeeding, but like those challenges you faced and overcame in pregnancy you will find that you can succeed and do well at being a new breastfeeding mother.
