Even though I have not breastfed before (for a very apparent reason), it doesn’t take long to realize there are many parties are against breastfeeding mothers.
Mother-in-law. Friends. Neighbors. Aunties and uncles. Cousins.
Even confinement ladies. And worst of all… the milk formula company.
Not only that, there are people that can make you really sad for not supporting your noble act: your husband and pediatricians (yes, my friend’s pediatrician asked her not to breastfeed. Shame on him).
They want you to ditch breastfeeding and go for milk formula. The reasons can be:
• not enough milk
• baby will be hungry if not fed with formula
• no time
• convenience
• not enough sleep
For new moms, having the intention to breastfeed is a good start. But if you are bombarded with all kinds of reasons and excuses from external parties, it can sometimes weaken your desire to give the best to your baby.
There are many obstacles. I know it is not easy. And it takes sheer willpower and strong determination to get the job done.
But here’s my advice to you: Don’t give up. Press on and continue with breastfeeding.
Many people do not support breastfeeding because they lack knowledge in this area.
First thing you need to know is breast milk (I’ll call it BEST milk) is the best for your baby. Period. Nothing else comes close. No matter what others tell you, this fact is not going to change.
(If you need some convincing, a quick Internet search will reveal endless benefits of breastfeeding, not only to the baby but also to you. Here’s one article you might find useful. It’s about the reasons, advantages, and how to get started on breastfeeding the right way.)
And you can breastfeed your baby as long as you want, not limited to only the first 6 months. Some, I heard, have been nursing up to 2 years.
To make your breastfeeding life easier, here are a few things you can do:
1) Educate yourself.
Get yourself educated by reading as much as possible about breastfeeding. Do research online. Read books. Don’t leave this out. At least you know when people are talking B.S. and you are not easily swayed by them.
2) Find a “mentor.”
Get to know closely another mother who has succeeded in breastfeeding so that you can get your doubts answered when they arise. More importantly, she helps you to restore your confidence and give the support you need when your faith is shaken.
3) Supportive husband.
For those husbands out there, throw 110% support behind your wife. I know sometimes it hurts to see your wife seems to be lacking of sleep or having trouble feeding the baby, she needs you to give her a little support to get it through. Your wife needs encouragement to proceed despite all challenges.
4) Don’t buy formula.
This was exactly what we did after K was born. To make sure you have nothing to depend on but breast milk, you must bite your lip and refuse the temptation to stock up one tin or two of milk powder at home.
I hope after reading this, you will have more confidence to breastfeed. Don’t give in to what others say to you. Stick to your gun as no one cares more for your baby than you.
Note: I’ll be launching my new book “The Uncensored Guide to Parenting” soon.
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