If you make the decision to breastfeed, you should be aware that it may not be as easy and natural as everyone makes it out to be. This is a new experience for both you and your baby, so don’t become disheartened if it takes a little time to get the hang of it.
There is no pressure to get it right the first time. The best guidance is to take it slow and keep trying. Most problems can be overcome with the help of breastfeeding specialists, and there are many creams available to make the experience more comfortable for you.
First of all, let’s discuss the benefits. Breast milk is designed to provide everything your baby needs, exactly when they need it. Feeding your baby with your own body also helps create a bond between the two of you and makes them feel warm and safe. From a financial perspective, breastfeeding eliminates the expense of formula. Additionally, there are benefits for you, such as burning up to 500 calories a day just from feeding your baby and stimulating the hormone oxytocin, which encourages your uterus to contract faster, helping your body return to normal sooner.
Each baby is different, and some may master breastfeeding right away while others take more time to get the hang of it. During this process, you may encounter a few pitfalls that can set you back or make it uncomfortable to continue.
Breastfeeding should not cause pain. However, some mothers may experience tenderness when the baby latches on. If the positioning and attachment are uncomfortable, it can cause your baby to suckle for too long, leaving your nipples sore and sensitive. A great way to soothe your discomfort while continuing to breastfeed is to use a nipple cream, like Lansinoh’s Lanolin, which soothes and protects your nipples without needing to be removed before feeding.
As you can see, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the pitfalls. So, if you decide to breastfeed instead of using bottles, be sure that your hard work and perseverance will be well worth it for both you and your baby.