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Let’s face it ladies- breastfeeding can be SO hard…
But you CAN do it!
I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to quit (probably every day for two and a half months), and I’m so thankful for those that helped me overcome it. Because I’ll tell you what, it does get easier!
Here are my suggestions to help you get to the point where breastfeeding is no longer difficult- and hopefully you get there sooner than I did!
Tips to Help Overcome the Initial Challenge of Breastfeeding
Reach out to your support system.
This was the strongest factor in helping me with breastfeeding. Every time I had a question, needed help, or wanted to quit, my team of supporters was there with tips and encouragement. Try to find a couple different people so you can learn about different experiences, because everyone’s journey is a little bit different. It’s especially important that you have a few who are extremely pro-breastfeeding or have a close enough relationship with you that they will be honest and won’t just give you an out and allow you to quit the first time you face a hurdle.
Know what your motivating factor is.
Most people have one or two reasons that have driven them to be open to breastfeeding in the first place. Whether it’s for the baby’s immunosupport, the convenience, the cost savings, or even if it’s for the potential help with weight loss, they are all good reasons. When the going gets tough, hold on to that reason and envison long term of what that result looks like to you. Your number one reason may even change as you continue through the days, weeks and months of your journey! For me, my motivating factor was our upcoming trip to Italy when Claire was 14 weeks. I had read and heard that the convenience of breastfeeding helps with traveling with an infant or baby (more on that here). I knew that for our first big international trip, I would want all the help I could get, and I am so glad I stuck with it!
Get professional help.
Did you know that many insurance plans cover a lactation consultant? Some of these lactation consultants even do home visits! I finally had one come to my home eight weeks into it and I wish we had done it sooner! If there is even the slightest possibility that you may breastfeed, call your insurance plan before you even deliver to get a list of lactation consultants that are covered and you could call should you need it.
Bookmark a few informative websites for reference.
Find a couple websites that your doctor or a lactation consultant recommends. A book is good too, but a phone is easier to read while you are in the middle of breastfeeding. One of my friends always referenced Kellymom.com.
The Best Tip I Ever Received For When Breastfeeding Got Hard
The best tip that I ever received was, “Don’t quit on your worst day.” In that moment it may be so hard, hurt so badly, and take up all of your time, energy and sleep, but just stick with it until the next day. And you know what? The next day always came and I found myself able to keep going. This advice really stuck with me and kept me going.
It WILL get easier over time! That moment may seem so far away right now, but one day it will all of a sudden just magically click for you and baby. Feeds will become quicker and less frequent and if you can believe it, you won’t even feel the latch anymore! Believe it, baby!
Have any tips of your own that helped motivate you on your breastfeeding journey? Please share! Email me at info@travelisforthekids.com
You may also be interested in:
Reasons Why You Should Consider Breastfeeding … especially if you want to travel!
