Breastfeeding is a Mind Game. Here is How I Won It!

The best part of being a new mother for me was definitely breastfeeding. There is a sizeable population of moms who will not agree with me but let me explain why it was my favourite part.

Motherhood for me was about feeling special with unconditional love and nurturing. When I would see that little baby for whom the world was confined to nothing else but the comfort, smell and touch of the breast it made me feel special. It made me feel wanted. It made me understand what is nurturing. With my first one, I was a full time working mom and even though there were not many supplies available in India then that made life super easy for working moms to breastfeed all the way I was determined to do that. I had my sister as a coach and I definitely think that every mom needs that one person who she can share and bare herself and shamelessly ask for help. 

I met a lactation consultant in my prenatal classes and there were 7 things she said that have stayed me all these years.

1. Every mother rich or poor, fat or thin, dark or fair can breastfeed.

2. Breast is best.

3. Only I can do it.

4. Every mother gets enough milk to feed her baby.

5. Don’t do it in front of people who you don’t share a positive vibe with.

6. It’s the most convenient thing for a mom and you will feel hassle-free for the rest of the year.

7. It’s hygienic, unadulterated and ready to use.

Don’t we all remember all the useless advice we get when we first start breastfeeding? Here are a few gems that you need to completely ignore. Trust me it works. 

1. You aren’t getting enough milk.

2. You have a difficult baby.

3. Breastfeeding will make your breasts go out of shape and you can’t even exercise.

4. Your breasts are looking empty and you have just fed the baby. I don’t think there is enough milk to feed again.

Breast, Bottle or a Spoon and Cup? For the first 6 weeks, you need to simply feed straight off the breast. Find positions that work for you and your baby and you will start getting comfortable. This is when all the milk carrying vessels are released and the more times you nurse the lesser the chances of getting painful lumps.  

After 6 weeks I returned to work and started using the breast pump to pump and save while I was away at work.  I made sure to introduce my baby to the bottle a few weeks before I was going to begin work so that there was a minimal issue once I was away. I used the breast pump a lot more with my second baby as I needed to spend a lot more time with my older child. Mothers need to remember there is nothing wrong with bottle feeds. Your child will give up the bottle eventually.

In India, feeding with a spoon and cup is fairly common. I did not do that because pumping 16 ounces of milk is a task in itself. I was not about to waste it.  

Why do I think it’s a mind game?

I still remember the first night at the hospital. I was trying hard to breastfeed, trying hard to remember everything I was taught. And I remember thinking to myself if I want this convenience for the rest of the year then I better try and learn this and learn it well! I strongly believe that it’s a mind game because you need to be strong and determined and positive about breastfeeding.

• It is not a chore, think of it positively and as time specifically designed to bond with your baby.
• There will be days when you will be frustrated, angry and simple too tired, but those days will pass. It does get better. 
• Breastfeeding is not a time to reach for your phone to check messages but a time to bond with your baby.
• Love, sing and share your values with your baby.
• Of course you can also fall asleep during those dreaded midnight feeds!

I can’t sign off without saying reach out to others who need help. They are just like you when you started out. Every mom knows what is best for her child and never look down upon a mother who could not do it for reasons she knows best. Happy Breastfeeding!

 Image Source: webmd.com