Breastfeeding challenges?
When things get tough, it's good to know you're not alone.
Many mothers are still choosing not to breastfeed, or may give up during the early weeks of their baby’s life. There could be a number of reasons for this, ranging from pain and discomfort to concerns that the baby is not thriving as they believe it might on formula milk. It may often come down to a lack of support in those early days.
Breastfeeding expert Dr Mike Woolridge, Senior Lecturer in Infant Feeding School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds, says it is important to remember that, ‘Breastfeeding “works” 999 times out of a thousand. If it didn’t, we would not be here as mammals on this planet. This is a process that has worked in mammals for millennia.’
That is not to say that it is always plain sailing. But an understanding of the mechanics of the process shows that when problems do occur, they are almost always a consequence of poor positioning and technique.
And that means these problems can almost always be rectified.
Babies are actually born knowing what to do. They will have had several weeks of practise in the womb, sucking and swallowing amniotic fluid.
It is unhelpful for new mothers to believe that they too should have an innate knowledge of how to breastfeed. ‘Contrary to popular belief,’ says Woolridge, attaching the baby to the breast is not an ability with which the mother is innately endowed; rather it is a learned skill which she must acquire by observation and experience.’
For more support and information contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
