Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, once you get the hang of it, most mothers report it being better than bottle feeding. However, sometimes, latching a baby on the breast isn’t the only thing that makes or breaks breastfeeding. The following are normal concerns for breastfeeding that should not deter you or stop you from breastfeeding:
- Is my baby drinking enough? As long as your baby has frequent wet nappies and looks alert and isn’t dehydrated (dark colored urine in nappy), then chances are they’re taking in enough. To know how heavy a wet nappy is, simply pour about 100ml into a dry nappy and have a feel. You’ll be surprised how light the nappy might feel as diapers these days are super absorbent.
- I have low milk supply – Some mothers have been misled into either scheduled feeding or block feeding, which may all contribute to reducing supply. The amount of milk ducts that a breast has vary from women to women. This means that some women may produce more milk with more ducts that other women with fewer ducts. This means that depending on how many ducts you might have, you may need to frequently nurse your baby. Your breasts will naturally reload your boobs as they become drained
- Bottle feeding is easier – that is not necessarily true. There are babies who will also go on a bottle strike and refuse to take all their formula. So the parents will end up having the same concerns – is my baby drinking enough
- Do I need to pump after every feed – pumping can help maintain supply. But if you’re busy and cannot add in the extra pumps, make sure to continuously nurse bubs to maintain supply.