Breastfeeding Mistakes You May Be Making and How to Avoid Them

So you’ve just purchased a breast pump from Baby Express, and now comes the hard part.

Despite how intuitive breastfeeding may feel, it is not always simple. There are several potential breastfeeding complications, from finding a comfortable breastfeeding position to ensuring that your child is attaching appropriately. It is normal to make blunders in the early phases of breastfeeding, but addressing common errors can help you and your infant feel your best. This article explains how to avoid some common lactation errors.

Having a rigorous feeding schedule.

When your infant sleeps, feeds, sobs, and defecates at will, it can feel like you have no control as a new mother. Therefore, it is comprehensible that new parents may wish to implement a feeding schedule to establish a regimen. However, a rigid dietary schedule can present its own challenges. Because their appetite levels may fluctuate throughout the day and alter as they develop, neonates must typically dictate the feeding schedule. For instance, your infant will initiate cluster feedings before a growth spurt to ensure you generate enough milk to support their growth. Following your baby’s feeding signals ensures that your milk supply can meet their needs, allowing them to meet their growth and weight objectives.

Introducing formula to treat insufficient breast milk production.

It can be difficult to determine if your breast milk supply is normal, and many mothers fret that they are not producing enough milk to adequately nourish their infant. Most mothers have adequate breast milk production and produce sufficient breast milk for their infants. Try some natural breast milk enhancers known as galactagogues if you have a low supply. However, if you are concerned about supply and introduce formula too early, your breast milk supply may decrease. Before introducing anything new while lactating, including formula, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant if you have any doubts.

Skipping pumping sessions.

We understand how exhausting an infant can be, but consistently pumping during breastfeeding sessions or regularly can do miracles for establishing a healthy supply of breast milk. Especially if you are adapting to time away from your infant, you must pump when you would typically breastfeed to produce enough milk for your baby’s growth. Skipping pumping sessions can result in engorgement, discomfort, and a decrease in breast milk supply; therefore, adhere to your pumping schedule to feel your best and pump like a pro.

Expecting breastfeeding to be painful.

Breastfeeding may not always be comfortable, but it should never be agonising, particularly as mothers discover what works for them. Persistent nipple pain or persistent discomfort due to breast engorgement or a poor latch may indicate a problem with the lactation process. For instance, breast engorgement may indicate that you are not feeding or producing enough, whereas a poor latch may indicate that your infant is not receiving enough breast milk. Discussing these potential causes of discomfort with your physician can help you breastfeed more comfortably and ensure your infant receives all the benefits of breastfeeding.