Breastfeeding can help a mother connect with her newborn in the best ways. But breastfeeding also comes with a lot of uncertainty and queries. Every new mom is trying to do their research to make sure that they are prepared for motherhood. A major chunk of their research is regarding breastfeeding and all the questions related to it. To help you, we’ve put together some of the most common questions asked when it comes to breastfeeding.
Is Uneven Milk Supply Common?
Milk supply doesn’t work as a tap. You will have excessive flow days and dry periods. So, the short answer is yes, uneven milk supply is extremely common, and almost every mother has to deal with this. So, don’t worry about this. If you and your baby are doing okay and are healthy, you shouldn’t worry about this too much.
If you’re experiencing excessive production of milk, then it’s best to use a pump with the support of a hands free breast pump bra to avoid wastage. However, if you’re dealing with extremely low supply and wish to increase your milk supply, then seek out professional help.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Latch On?
It’s common for your baby to not latch on to your breasts. There are several reasons for this, so you don’t need to worry about your baby or yourself because of this. Instead, focus on how to overcome the issue and try to help your baby to latch on to your breast. A common way to go about this is by opting for the skin to skin contact to help your baby feel more comfortable when it comes to accepting your breast.
How Long Should My Baby Nurse On Every Feed?
There are no specific timings when it comes to feeding your baby. If your baby wants to nurse for long, then it’s best not to limit them. Let them have as much of your milk as they want to so that they can stay full for longer. This is also beneficial for them as they receive a better supply of milk.
Always make sure that you don’t limit your baby’s feeding time. Let them suckle for as long as they can and stop only when they have had enough. You don’t want to devoid them of breast milk by keeping a time limit on their feeding!
How Will I Know If My Baby Is Feeding Enough?
Mothers are always worried about whether their child has eaten enough or not. While you’re nursing your baby, you’re sure to find cues as to when the baby has had enough. Once they stop suckling on your breast is one of the greatest factors to determine whether your baby has had enough or not. But if you’re not satisfied with this, then don’t worry, there are other ways through which you can verify this as well.
You can easily just keep a check on their diapers to see whether they’re bowel movements are okay or not. Ideally, in the first six weeks, they should have 2 bowel movements and around 6 to 8 wet diapers daily. This is how you can know that your baby has had enough or not.
Why Does My Baby Feed All The Time?
You should be aware of the time when your baby is going through a growth spurt. Your baby will start feeding more during these timings and it will make you feel like you’re not producing enough milk to satisfy your baby’s demands. But that’s not it! Your baby is just going through a growth phase and needs additional nutrition.
Keep an eye out for this period as there are several of them. Your baby will experience these stages when they are around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks old. So, don’t worry if you find them wanting to feed all the time.
When Do I Stop Waking My Baby To Feed?
Generally, you wake your baby up to feed so that they can gain weight and grow properly. But, if you see that they’re doing well and have a sufficient feeding routine going on, then you don’t have to force them up to have milk. However, if you believe that your baby isn’t putting on any weight and doesn’t wake up for milk, then it is best to get in touch with a professional who can help you out with this.
When Should I Start Pumping?
Thinking of heading back to work sometime soon? Then the first thing that you should be doing is pumping your breast milk. If you think that your breasts have increased too much, then use a plus size pumping bra to aid you in the process.
Make use of a hands free breast pump bra and get your baby’s milk ready 2 weeks before you decide to head back. Create a routine where you pump for about 10 minutes right after you feed your baby to ensure you have enough stock for when you leave.
How Do I Store My Breast milk?
Don’t worry about the storing of breast milk as you have plenty of options that you can choose from. These include jars, bottles, bags, and more. So, make sure you go for one that suits your pump style and make use of it. You can store your breast milk for about 6 days in the fridge, whereas, if you place it in the freezer, then you can store this for around 5 months.
Is Pain Normal During Breastfeeding?
While excessive pain is not a normal breastfeeding situation, you’re prone to be in a situation of discomfort. This mainly happens during the start after delivery as you try to get your baby to latch on to your breast. Many times, this results in poor latching and can cause a bit of damage to your nipples. Make sure that you are using the right method when it comes to feeding your baby to avoid this. Seek medical assistance if it gets too out of hand.
Breastfeeding is no joke and requires a lot of patience and love. Try not to get overwhelmed by it and focus on creating a bond with your baby as you go about your adventures or breastfeeding.
