Being pregnant can be a frightful business. It’s probably not what you expected to hear, but that statement is backed up by the nod-of-approval of more than a dozen mothers out there. Of course, the arrival of an angel-faced baby is totally worth the nine months of pain endured, but that’s also when the perils of post-pregnancy make its dreaded appearance. And of all the various problems that tag along with it, breastfeeding is undoubtedly the most challenging.
How hard can it be?
Very hard, apparently. Breastfeeding is not really as simple as it sounds. A woman’s breast does not act like a straw that can be sipped by the baby whenever it’s hungry. It involves a lot of pressing and kneading to initially get the milk out to feed your baby.
One of the main problems that you might face in the beginning is breast engorgement. This involves your breasts turning rock hard as your milk supply ratchets up. Fortunately, the pain will subside after a few days and be completely gone within a few weeks of breastfeeding.
Leaking breasts are also a common problem faced by almost all women. This usually happens when you hear or even think about your baby. The solution to controlling your spraying and dripping breasts is often relied upon nursing pads and dark colored or printed tops.
Another problem to look out for, is an inflammation of the breast tissue called Mastitis. It can result from insufficient drainage, clogged milk duct, or from bacteria entering your breast. The germs may usually come from your skin or your baby’s mouth, leaving one breast sore and you with flu-like symptoms. Consulting your doctor is the best way to go here. The doctor will most probably give you antibiotics to treat the inflammation and you can continue to breastfeed your baby.
Also, how would you know if your baby is actually getting fed with all the sucking that he’s doing? One really good indicator is the amount of dirty diapers that you get to change each day. Very exciting, yes? Well, don’t look so disheartened because six or more wet ones and about three to four poop diapers every day, means that your baby is getting his regular quota of milk supply without fail.
Breastfeeding may seem like a solo job, but the whole process can be eased out from the beginning with a little help from a second person. Getting the baby latched onto your breast is a challenge in itself and practice is the only way to achieve this.
Do all women have to go through this?
Well, let’s hope you’re one among those very few women who don’t really have to try this hard to feed their baby. Breastfeeding may not be a cakewalk. But, with a little practice and very sore breasts, you can get through it without losing your mind. It’s all part of the process and in the end, all that matters is watching your little baby sleep peacefully, with his stomach bulging out and full. And then one day, when your kid’s all grown up, you can laugh about it all and even use it for efficient emotional blackmail when you want them to get things done.
