Here are our first three breastfeeding FAQs for those of you who are interested in breastfeeding your infants!
- What does breastfeeding feel like?
- Some people do find the experience painful. If the pain does not subside after a few days (it does take time to get used to it!), please talk to a lactation consultant. Some lactation consultants will tell you that breastfeeding is just painful and you will get used to it. That doesn’t have to be the case! Keep asking for second opinions and help until you find it. For other women, when their milk “lets down” it can feel like a tightening around the nipples or a tingling sensation. Then when the baby is actually getting milk from nursing, there may be some feeling of pressure or pulling.
- How will I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?
- This fear that their baby is not eating enough is a reason many women turn to formula. With formula, they can measure out the amount during each feeding and then visually see how much formula has disappeared into their baby’s tummy. But most parents do not need to worry about this issue. You’re likely to meet with your baby’s doctor(s) a few days after their birth, and they can assess how the breastfeeding is going. As long as your baby doesn’t seem overly fussy and has the right amount of poops and pees, you’re likely fine. Still worried? Check out this app. While it is not necessary, if parents are considering stopping breastfeeding and going to formula because they’re worried, this may be a better solution.
- Will I really be tied down with nursing my baby all the time?
- Well, maybe! It’s best to be prepared for anything. During the early months, there are some babies that seem to want to nurse constantly. Luckily, they’re not paying much attention to the world around them, so get comfy (many women find that a good nursing pillow and having their feet up can make all the difference) and make sure you have the essentials within reach: your phone, remote, a good book or magazine, water and maybe even a snack! Some women like to put together a mobile nursing basket with a water bottle, snacks and reading material before their baby is born so they have it set to go.
That’s all our tips for this article! Stay tuned for more breastfeeding FAQs and in the meantime: happy breastfeeding!
