Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process for the mother and the baby, but it can be challenging, especially for new moms. Despite the numerous benefits, many new mothers face difficulties and make mistakes that lead to frustration, pain, and even the discontinuation of breastfeeding. Understanding these common pitfalls helps new moms navigate the breastfeeding journey more smoothly and successfully. This blog examines some nursing mistakes made by new mothers and offers advice on how to prevent them.
1. Improper Latch
This is the most prevalent mistake among new moms. A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing nipple pain and damage. An improper latch leads to sore nipples, insufficient milk transfer, and a fussy baby. This is further discussed in the succeeding section.
2. Feeding on a Schedule Instead of on Demand
Some new moms put their newborns on a strict feeding schedule, but newborns need to eat frequently and on demand. Feeding schedules lead to insufficient milk intake and affect the baby’s growth and milk supply. Here’s how to avoid:
- Feed on Demand: Newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Look for hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness.
- Trust Your Baby’s Needs: Every baby is different. Some might need to feed more often than others. Trust your baby’s cues and feed them whenever they show signs of hunger.
3. Not Getting Comfortable
Breastfeeding takes a significant amount of time, especially in the early days. New moms overlook the importance of being comfortable while breastfeeding, leading to back, neck, and shoulder pain. Here’s how to avoid:
- Use Pillows: Support your back, arms, and the baby with pillows. A breastfeeding pillow is helpful.
- Find the Right Position: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that’s comfortable for you and your baby. Popular positions include the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position.
4. Ignoring Pain
Breastfeeding should not be painful. Pain is a sign that something is wrong, such as an improper latch, engorgement, or infection. Ignoring pain leads to severe issues and makes breastfeeding an unpleasant experience for new moms. Here’s how to avoid:
- Address Pain Immediately: If you experience pain, seek help from a lactation consultant. They assess your technique and provide solutions.
- Take Care of Your Nipples: Use nipple cream or lanolin to soothe sore nipples, and let them air dry after feedings. If pain persists, use a nipple shield temporarily.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Breastfeeding makes the new mom thirsty because it requires extra fluids. Dehydration affects milk supply and overall energy levels. Here’s how to avoid:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a glass of water every time you breastfeed and throughout the day. Keep a water bottle nearby as a reminder.
- Monitor Your Intake: Ensure you’re consuming enough fluids. Other beverages and water-rich foods contribute to your hydration.
6. Not Eating Enough Nutrients
Breastfeeding moms need extra calories and nutrients to produce milk and maintain their health. Skipping meals or not eating a balanced diet impacts milk supply and energy levels. Here’s how to avoid:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Include foods from all food groups. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Snack Smartly: Keep healthy snacks handy for when you get hungry between meals. Nuts, yogurt, fruit, and whole-grain crackers are good options.
7. Supplementing Too Soon
This is one of the most prevalent shortcomings, especially among new moms. Introducing formula too early can reduce breastfeeding frequency and milk supply. Establish breastfeeding before introducing any supplements, unless medically necessary. Here’s how to avoid:
- Be Patient: Establish a good breastfeeding routine before considering supplementation. It usually takes a few weeks for the mom and baby to get the hang of it.
- Consult a Professional: If your baby needs supplementation, discuss this with a lactation consultant or pediatrician first. They guide how to supplement without negatively affecting breastfeeding. Omega Pediatrics is recommended to provide new moms with the best feeding advice for their newborns.
8. Not Burping the Baby
Some new moms forget to burp their babies after feedings. Burping helps release any air swallowed during feeding, which causes discomfort and fussiness.
- Burp Regularly: Burp your baby during and after feedings by holding them upright and gently patting their back until they burp.
- Know the Signs: If your baby seems uncomfortable, squirmy, or has a hard belly, they might need to burp.
9. Not Asking for Help
Breastfeeding can be challenging, and many new moms feel overwhelmed. Not seeking help when needed leads to feelings of isolation and frustration. Here’s how to avoid:
- Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or healthcare providers. Joining a breastfeeding support group can provide encouragement and advice.
- Use Resources: Utilize available resources such as lactation consultants, breastfeeding hotlines, and online forums.
10. Ignoring Baby’s Growth Spurts
Babies go through growth spurts where they need more milk and might want to be fed more frequently. Especially for new moms, they might mistake this for a supply issue and supplement unnecessarily. Here’s how to avoid:
- Recognize Growth Spurts: Common times for growth spurts are around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. During these times, your baby may be fed more often.
- Increase Feedings: Allow your baby to nurse as often as they need. Your body will adjust and produce more milk to meet its increased demands.
11. Returning to Work Unprepared
Many new moms have to return to work and continue breastfeeding. No careful planning makes this transition difficult. Here’s how to avoid:
- Plan Ahead: Start pumping and storing breast milk for a few weeks before returning to work. Learn about your rights to breastfeed or pump at work.
- Create a Schedule: Work out a feeding and pumping schedule that aligns with your work routine. Communicate with your employer about your needs.
12. Expecting Immediate Results
Breastfeeding is a skill that a mom and baby need to learn. Expecting it to be perfect right away leads to disappointment and frustration. Here’s how to avoid:
- Be Patient: Give yourself and your baby time to learn. It’s normal for it to take several weeks to get comfortable with breastfeeding.
- Celebrate Progress: Focus on small victories and improvements. Each successful feeding is a step in the right direction.
The Problem of Latching Among New Moms
Breastfeeding is a natural process but requires learning and practice, especially for new mothers. One of the most crucial aspects of successful breastfeeding is ensuring a proper latch. While it can be challenging to master, the benefits for the mother and the baby are immense. It’s perfectly fine to ask for help along the way.
Why a Proper Latch Matters
- Effective Milk Transfer: A good latch ensures the baby effectively extracts milk from the breast. This is vital for the baby’s nutrition and maintaining the mother’s milk supply.
- Preventing Nipple Pain and Damage: An improper latch causes pain and leads to cracked or bleeding nipples, which can deter a mother from continuing to breastfeed.
- Baby’s Comfort: A baby with a poor latch gets fussy and frustrated because they aren’t getting enough milk.
Signs of an Improper Latch
- Pain During Feeding: Breastfeeding should not be painful. Pain is the first sign that the latch isn’t correct.
- Nipple Damage: Cracks, blisters, or bleeding on the nipples.
- Frequent Feedings and Fussiness: If the baby seems to be feeding constantly but is still fussy, it may not getting enough milk due to an improper latch.
- Poor Weight Gain: If the baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, it could be because they aren’t efficiently extracting milk.
How to Avoid an Improper Latch
Seek Guidance
- Lactation Consultants: Many hospitals have lactation consultants who assist new mothers in the first few hours and days after birth. They provide hands-on help and practical advice.
- Nurses and Midwives: During your hospital stay, nurses and midwives offer support. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from them.
- Follow-Up Appointments: After leaving the hospital, schedule follow-up appointments with a lactation consultant, especially if you’re experiencing difficulties.
Look for Signs of a Good Latch
- Positioning: Ensure your baby’s body is facing you, with their tummy against yours. Their head should be aligned with their body, and they don’t need to turn their head to latch on.
- Mouth Position: The baby’s mouth should cover more of the areola than the nipple, and their lips should flange outward like a fish.
- Swallowing Sounds: Listen for swallowing sounds, indicating that the baby is effectively drawing milk. There should be a rhythm to the suck-swallow-breathe pattern.
- Comfort: You should feel a gentle tugging sensation rather than pain. If you feel pain, the latch might need adjustment.
Make Breastfeeding a Positive Experience for You and Your Baby
Breastfeeding is a rewarding but sometimes challenging journey. By being aware of common mistakes and knowing how to avoid them, new moms can increase their chances of breastfeeding success. It’s fine to seek help and support when needed. Every mom-and-baby pair is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience, perseverance, and a supportive network make a difference in the breastfeeding experience. We at Omega Pediatrics always ensure a positive breastfeeding journey for the new moms of our young patients. If you’re experiencing problems with breastfeeding your little one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. It’s our pride to help you with our expert advice. Come book an appointment with us.
