Medically reviewed by Dr. Unsa Mohsin.
When you’re pregnant, everyone gives you unsolicited advice regarding the baby. But, no one specifically tells you about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is natural, but this skill doesn’t naturally come to new moms. If described in 3 words, breastfeeding is hard, traumatic and painful.
Therefore, if you are a new mom without any prior knowledge of breastfeeding, then read ahead and get to know of the 5 things that no one tells you about breastfeeding.
1. It hurts…a lot
We have all heard that breastfeeding doesn’t hurt if you latch properly. However, that might be true, but definitely not in the beginning.
A tiny human is gnawing at your nipples, for hours of the day. It will hurt. This pain is normal and it eventually does get better. There will be times when it hurts so much that you will not want to feed your baby the next time. But after a few attempts, the pain reduces.
2. It gets messier than your life
When your milk comes out, it gets messy and your breasts start leaking everywhere.
All of your surroundings and everything will be covered in breast milk. You will keep on leaking, but, the good news is that this stops as your breast adjusts to your baby’s needs. Initially, the situation won’t be pretty therefore, ensure that you have wipes and towels everywhere.
3. Keep all your tight clothes out of sight
Yes, you can still wear these clothes but only once your kid gets older. You might feel stylish and lovely, but once your baby starts crying for food then these ‘feel lovely’ thoughts will fade.
Start stocking up on loose-fitting tops, because they are comfortable, easy to wear and easy to remove when you try to breastfeed.
4. Breast milk screams “healthy”
Breastmilk provides optimal nutrition for the baby and contains important antibodies. Moreover, breastfeeding reduces the risks of many diseases.
There are many women who have lost weight by breastfeeding, so if you are keen on your health and weight then start breastfeeding. You won’t have to splurge on baby formula if you choose to breastfeed.
5. You’re still an amazing mom if you choose not to do it
You don’t owe anyone an explanation as to why you don’t breastfeed. There are times when women don’t produce enough milk, or it hurts so much that they cannot physically breastfeed because of the agonizing pain.
Women going through chemotherapy shouldn’t breastfeed. Even if you don’t have any of these conditions but choose to use baby formula, then that is completely okay. Remember, there is more to being a mom than being the source of food.
You will eventually learn
The birth of a baby doesn’t come with a manual. But, eventually, everyone learns the skill of being a mother and of breastfeeding. We stress on the fact that ‘breast is best’ but there are a lot more to it than that.
Do what you are comfortable with, learn along the time and enjoy motherhood. Do not let people shove their opinions just because you are a new mother. Keep yourself and your baby healthy!
Guest Credits: Asma Qadri
