Why new mothers should NOT be scared to breastfeed: Expert reveals 7 reasons many think they can’t feed babies the ‘natural way’ and what to do instead
- Professor Amy Brown, a researcher and infant feeding expert, shares her tips
- A survey found just half of UK women are still breastfeeding after six weeks
- Common fears include breastfeeding pain and not producing enough milk
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Breastfeeding is good for both mothers and babies, but not everyone will find it comes naturally.
Nursing hit headlines last week when ultra-marathon runner Sophie Power, 36, stopped halfway through a 106-mile race to breastfeed her baby.
The photo went viral and, although some questioned her choice to do the run while nursing a baby, many were supportive of her juggling motherhood with fitness.
An infant feeding survey conducted by the NHS found that 80 per cent of women who stop breastfeeding in the first 6 weeks are not ready to do so – and most stop for reasons that, with the right support and information, could have been prevented.
It also found that in the UK, just half of women are breastfeeding by six weeks compared to 90 per cent in Scandinavia.
There are common misconceptions and fears new mothers may have about breastfeeding and, in this piece for Healthista, researcher and infant feeding expert Professor Amy Brown, of Swansea University, debunks seven common fears about nursing.
Breastfeeding is known to be healthy for both mothers and babies, but many women worry about it hurting, them not producing enough milk, or their diet not being healthy enough, Professor Amy Brown reveals
1. It will hurt
It’s common to worry that breastfeeding will hurt, but with the right advice and support, it shouldn’t.
The sensation can sometimes take a little getting used to, but any pain that lasts more than a brief few seconds, is excruciating rather than uncomfortable, or damages your nipple, needs sorting out.
But the good news is that there are plenty of trained professionals out there who can help you.
The key to comfortable feeding is getting your latch right.
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Lots of people imagine a baby just sucking on the nipple like a straw but when a baby latches on correctly they take a big mouthful of your nipple and surrounding darker skin (your areola) and draw your nipple right back into their mouth.
It can be tricky to get this right at first, but it’s really important to persevere as if the latch is not right your baby can damage your nipple and may not get enough milk.
A few tiny adjustments in angle or how you are holding your baby could save your nipples. Ask your midwife to check your latch as many times as you like.
If your baby is still struggling and doesn’t seem to be able to get a deep mouthful of breast, talk to your health professional about getting them assessed for tongue tie.
Some baby’s tongues are tethered too tightly in their mouths meaning they struggle to latch. Infections such as thrush or mastitis can cause pain too.
If you notice any itching or pain in your nipples, or deep in your breasts, or hot, red areas then contact your health professional as soon as possible.
All of these things are fixable and do not have to mean the end of breastfeeding.
2. ‘I won’t be able to make enough milk’
You might have heard stories that lots of women don’t make enough milk.
DOES BREASTFEEDING AFFECT WOMEN’S RISK OF CANCER?
Breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer, a report suggested in August 2017.
For every five months a woman breastfeeds, her risk of developing breast cancer is lowered by two percent, a study review found.
Researchers believe breastfeeding protects women against the condition as it makes them temporarily stop getting periods, which reduces their lifetime exposure to the hormone oestrogen.
High oestrogen levels have previously been linked to developing breast cancer.
Breastfeeding may also help to remove cells with damaged DNA that may otherwise lead to tumor onset.
The researchers, from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund, analysed 18 studies that examined breastfeeding.
Of these, 13 investigated the effects of the length of time spent lactating.
The report also found that carrying excess weight after menopause increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, yet it is protective while women are still able to conceive.
For both pre- and postmenopausal women, alcohol increases their risk of breast cancer and exercise reduces it, the report adds.
Babies who are breastfed are also less likely to gain weight in later life, the study found.
Study author Alice Bender said: ‘It isn’t always possible for moms to breastfeed but for those who can, know that breastfeeding can offer cancer protection for both the mother and the child.’
However, with the right knowledge and support most women should make enough milk for their baby. The secret is to feed your baby responsively.
This means feeding them whenever they want to be fed, throughout the day and night. Babies often feed at least every 2 – 3 hours, often more.
Sometimes they have short feeds, and sometimes longer – just like as adults we don’t eat and drink in a set pattern.
Your body matches your milk supply to how much milk you or your baby remove. When you feed your baby, your body replaces that milk.
If you feed frequently, you make more milk but if you try to feed less often or give a bottle your body thinks less milk is needed, so makes less.
Your baby is the best judge of whether they are hungry, not the clock. Ignore anyone who suggests your baby feeds too much or should feed in a routine.
You can check whether your baby is getting enough milk by thinking about what goes in and what comes out.
Is your baby feeding at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours? Can you hear them swallowing?
If they’re over a week old do they have at least six wet and two dirty nappies a day? (babies older than six weeks might have dirty nappies less frequently).
Do they look alert and hydrated? For more signs check out the Baby Friendly website.
Some health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders mean you might not make enough milk.
Sometimes women do not have enough glandular tissue in their breasts (known as hypoplasia) so might make less milk.
If you have this you probably noticed your breasts did not change much in pregnancy, may be long and thin, and widely spaced.
However, not making a full milk supply does not need to mean the end of breastfeeding – you can still breastfeed alongside formula if necessary.
Talk to your health professional about the best ways of making as much milk as possible.
Ultra-marathon runner Sophie Power, 36, hit headlines recently when she stopped in the middle of a 106-mile race to breastfeed her baby
3. ‘I need to take a medication’
It’s natural to worry about taking a medication when breastfeeding but the good news is that in many cases the medication, or an alternative, will be fine.
For many medications only a small amount (or sometimes none at all) will pass into your milk which and is not harmful for your baby.
There are exceptions including lithium, some arthritis medications and chemotherapy. But talk to your health professional about your options.
If you have been prescribed a medication and are unsure it is safe, or have been told that you can’t breastfeed and take it, you can contact the Breastfeeding Network’s drugs in breast milk service.
Led by a pharmacist with many years experience in supporting breastfeeding, they can give you up to date information about different medications.
4. ‘My baby will be less settled’
Lots of people might tell you that formula will make your baby more settled but this isn’t true. Babies having lots of needs is normal.
When they were still inside you they had a constant supply of food, warmth and comfort – being born can be quite a shock!
Babies are vulnerable and are programmed to want to be held and stay close to you.
Crying is their only way to communicate. They have tiny tummies so need to feed frequently and shorter sleep cycles so wake often.
If they do wake at night, they often need help getting back to sleep. Lots of adults wake at night but can tuck themselves back in or get themselves a drink.
These things are just your baby’s way of feeling secure and having their needs met rather than something to be fixed. However often we’re not prepared for this.
Our first baby may be the first baby we have spent much time around, or even held. Adverts tell us that babies are smiley, happy creatures.
No one tells us how much input new babies need. So we often worry that something is wrong, or needs fixing.
Some people might tell you that formula will solve all of this for you. It won’t. There is no reason why a bottle of formula would change what is normal baby behaviour.
Your baby just wants you however they are fed. This can be really tough though, so make sure everyone around you helps by looking after you.
After all, you just grew a whole new human, and are now keeping it alive with your boobs – you deserve it!
5. ‘I won’t be able to feed in public’
It can be nerve wracking the first few times you feed a baby in public, sat in an unfamiliar chair, all the while silently thinking ‘I’ve got my breast out in public’.
But the number one thing to remember is that you are protected to breastfeed your baby by law wherever and whenever you want.
No one can ask you to stop, to move elsewhere, or to leave.
If you are worried you can practice in front of a mirror: strategically drape a muslin cloth, or face away from others – but only do that if it helps you feel more comfortable, not for anyone else.
Taking a friend or partner the first few times can help you feel supported too.
But once you’ve got that baby latched on and look up, you’ll most likely find that no one has noticed.
Although we might hear stories where women have been harassed or asked to feed in a toilet, many thousands of women breastfeed their babies every day without issue.
You might even find, like I did, that people come up and talk to you, or even stroke your baby’s head, without even realising they are feeding!
Professor Brown says mothers should not worry that their partner won’t bond with the baby if they breastfeed, because there are other, better ways for them to spend time together instead of feeding
6. ‘My partner won’t bond with the baby’
This one is so common to hear but absolutely does not need to be true. There are so many ways to bond with a baby; giving them a bath, cuddling them in a sling, or taking them out for a walk in between feeds.
Your partner could sit with, so you’re all cuddled up together.
And when they’re a little older (it’s best to wait for around 6 weeks to get your supply sorted) if you’re both happy, you can express a feed for them to give.
Some couples choose the feed before bed so you can get a head start on some sleep.
It’s also important to remember that although we might have an idyllic image of giving a baby a bottle, it doesn’t always work out that way.
Some babies refuse a bottle. And then there’s the sterilising and preparing and buying of formula. There can be more relaxing ways to bond!
7. ‘My diet isn’t healthy enough’
Eating healthily is important, but that’s mainly to make sure you feel as strong as possible.
The human body is clever, and will prioritise making sure your baby gets enough milk, but if your diet is not great, then it’s you who might end up feeling a bit rubbish.
But you don’t have to worry about your milk – what you eat doesn’t really have any impact on its nutrients.
Focus on good foods that nourish and help repair your body after birth – but there’s no need to be really strict. Cake definitely has its place.
Hopefully you are now feeling more confident about breastfeeding your baby.
If you have any further questions, you can contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline, open 9.30am – 9.30pm 365 days a year (0300 100 0212).
Calls are answered by trained experts, who have breastfed their own babies.
For extra support and friendly faces, ask your health professional for details of your local breastfeeding peer support group.
Breastfeeding mums and trained supporters can help answer your queries or just sympathise about your shared exhaustion, often over cake.
This article originally appeared on Healthista and has been reproduced with permission.
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