Join us for our latest episode of So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs.

In this episode, we talk to four different moms, including our host Allie Hales, about their experiences with infant feeding.  Although they had different experiences, what comes through loud and clear is the pressure that many moms feel about breastfeeding and the fact that while breastfeeding is what is recommended, it doesn’t always come easily.

 

 

It’s important to remember that there are many different ways to feed your baby.  While the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, breastfeeding does not always work out.  In fact, only one in 4 women are able to reach this goal, and that’s OK. There are other, perfectly acceptable options, and the right choice is the one that works best for you and your baby.

Here are some things we recommend:

    1. Before you deliver, educate yourself about options for feeding your baby.  If you want to breastfeed, sit down with your partner and family to think about what you need to make it successful for you, and also consider what other feeding options are acceptable to you.  It’s easier to think about and plan for these things when you are not sleep deprived and managing a hungry newborn.
    2. If you are having problems with feeding, get support. Talk to your pediatrician, consult with your family and friends.  If you are breastfeeding, meeting with a lactation consultant can help understand and improve on some of the technical issues of breastfeeding.
    3. Remember that you’re not alone.   In a recent study, 92% of new mothers reported having problems with breastfeeding.  Most women reported that breastfeeding was more difficult than they had anticipated.  That means that, for new moms, breastfeeding difficulties are actually the norm, not the exception.
    4. Assess the impact of breastfeeding on your mental well-being.  If you enjoy breastfeeding and it is going well, that is wonderful.  However, if you’re not doing well, that’s not good for you or your baby.  Get support if you need it.  Your baby doesn’t need every last drop of milk; your baby needs a happy and healthy mom.

Thank you for listening. If you found today’s discussion helpful, please share this episode with someone who might need it. 

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