I often hear from women who have wanted to breastfeed and they haven't been able to do it. I also hear from pregnant women who tell me that they want to breastfeed but don't know if they can. There is a general belief that makes us think that breastfeeding is not easy, and that many of us can't, because our milk won't come in, because we won't have enough milk to breastfeed our baby, or because our baby won't latch on to our breast and will prefer the bottle.
We are mammals, and we are here, among other things, because we can breastfeed our babies. Indeed, there is a percentage of women who cannot breastfeed and another percentage of babies who cannot breastfeed, but that percentage is very small and surely you who are reading this can do it. And today I would like to leave you here with what I believe are the keys to successful breastfeeding.
Trust yourself
Following the introduction, the most important thing is that you trust yourself and your baby, both of you come prepared, both you for breast-feed like a baby feeding on your breast.
There may be some aspects of handling, the shape of your breasts, or the state and function of the baby that have or are making it a little difficult to start breastfeeding, but it is essential that you trust that everything will get better, this alone will make the situation a little easier for you.
Give yourself quality time for successful breastfeeding
You need time, and quality time, to be together, to get to know each other and pamper each other. Spend long periods of skin-to-skin contact, share baths. Allow yourself to feel important and principal. Forget about how the house is, whether there are three washing machines to put on, stop visitors if they make you uncomfortable or if they don't leave you a space and time in which you can be yourselves and attend to your needs, only accept visitors who come to accompany and support, and help with the rest of the house and/or older siblings if there are any. Feel free to say NO and look out for yourself and your baby.
Prepare in advance for breastfeeding time
It is a good idea to be informed (but not over-informed) during pregnancy, so that when the time comes we are prepared, especially if any difficulty or doubt arises, we know how to act, who to ask and what advice to follow or not, because whether or not we receive advice from hospital staff or from family and friends, which although they give it with all their good intentions, is not always correct or desired.
Seek support from your partner and/or family
It is vitally important that your partner and your closest circle understand you and support you. Share with them your desire and the quality information you are acquiring so that when the time comes, they will also know how to act and help. Having them on your side will be an important support and shield.
Get yourself a support network
Find or create a group of women and/or families who are raising children nearby. Sharing experiences empowers us and makes us feel less alone. It will give you security and tools, not only for breastfeeding but for parenting in general. You will also be of help to many.
Leave the blame aside
If you have difficulties, don't blame yourself. You're not the only one, even if it seems like everyone else can. In most cases, your baby will be having the difficulty (even if you hear that you're the one who doesn't have milk), and you're probably giving it your all. Don't blame yourself if you have to resort to formula milk to feed your baby. You've done your research, you've tried, you've asked for help, and you've put your heart and soul into it, but there are times when you have to resort to artificial feeding because at that moment it's the best for your baby and it will also be a successful breastfeeding experience!
Later on I will talk about more technical aspects of breastfeeding, such as latching, different positions for the mother and positions for the baby, pumping milk… but first I wanted to tell you what is most important to me in order to enjoy successful breastfeeding.
