Though the decision to breastfeed may be an easy decision for many mothers to make, you will never hear a mother say that breastfeeding is easy. Breastfeeding comes with remarkable benefits for a mother and child, including dramatically reducing the rates of diarrhea and respiratory infections. It even reduces the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), cutting the rates by more than half, according to Bradley University.
Despite the clear advantages of naturally nursing their child, even mothers who come into pregnancy with the decision to breastfeed struggle with some part of the process or another, and some choose to breastfeed for a short time or not at all. Latching, chapping, nursing in public, and general discomfort can all provide difficulties for nursing parents.
There are enough things to worry about as a parent, like making sure your baby’s first words are “mama” and making sure they don’t stick their fingers in electrical outlets. There is no reason you shouldn’t have a comfy, healthy, and confident breastfeeding experience.
Nursing in Comfort
Breastfeeding is a natural part of life; when a mother gives birth to a child, her body is incredibly sensitive to the child’s feeding needs. No matter where you and your baby are, be it a bus, the mall, or a park, when they are hungry, you need to feed them. No one wants to see a child go hungry, but some people get angry or offended when they see a mother nursing their child in public.
Unfortunately, this can lead to a mother feeling anxious about feeding her child when going out of the house, even though she has every right to feed her child without fear of being judged or even yelled at. However, more and more mothers are choosing to take a stand to advocate for judgment-free feeding.
Of course, it is stressful and taxing to have to defend an act as essential and innocent as nursing a baby. For the days you don’t feel like dealing with unfriendly stares or remarks, you can take steps to feel more comfortable. There are many wardrobe options specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers, such as nursing ponchos, covers, and outfits designed for easy access.
Good for You, Good for Baby
Breastfeeding can be difficult at first, not only because it can take some practice for a mother and her baby to get the hang of it, but also because it can be physically challenging. Luckily, there are a variety of products to help with that, like lactation boosters and nipple balm. However, not all problems have a perfect solution, even when such products exist.
Body pains can be an issue with breastfeeding, as it can be difficult to find a comfortable position. Many moms can have backaches and wrist pain after feeding their baby. Knowing the right positions can help. The Nursing Mother’s Counsel suggests four ideal positions for nursing, including the cradle, cross-cradle, clutch, and lying down positions.
Furthermore, judgment and harassment can be especially difficult for nursing mothers who suffer from mental illness problems already — particularly for those who have taken medication for it. The drugs in the medication can be transferred to the baby through the milk and cause sedation and low energy. For this reason, many mothers choose to stop taking strong medication, such as Xanax, when they are pregnant and through breastfeeding.
If you live with anxiety and have chosen not to take your medication while you breastfeed your child, you can find other ways to cope with it. Instead of a strong medication like Xanax, you can take an alternative form of benzodiazepines, as they can break down faster and reduce the risk of side effects. Additionally, you can try natural ways to combat it. Therapy can be a positive solution, as it has no side effects for the baby and can help create a safer environment for you and your baby.
Outfits to Help You Rock Nursing
Some women choose to cover up, and some don’t. Although you certainly don’t have to cover up because of what others think, it’s a great option if you are not comfortable with the potential negative attention — or even if you are not comfortable with it for your own reasons. Regardless of your choice, there are many comfortable wardrobe options for breastfeeding mothers.
When re-vamping your maternity clothes, The Fashionable Housewife suggests getting comfortable and accessible clothes and exploring new trends.You can try investing in some nursing ponchos to help you feel more comfortable when breastfeeding in public. These fashionable items are lightweight and stretchy, and some can even double as car seat covers. Milkmaid Goods have beautiful prints to choose from so covering up with a nursing cover doesn’t have to detract from your outfit.
You can also try a Bravado Yoga Nursing Bra. Even if you’re not practicing downward dog, this bra can help you stay in comfort as you go about your day. It even comes with odor-fighting technology that resists smells all day long and removable pads that can help you stay dry through any leakage. It’s one of my very favorite nursing bras!
However you choose to dress, be sure to wear clothes that make you feel confident. Having a baby and feeding it with your own body is more than just a small miracle on its own, and you don’t need the judgment of others to make your job as a mother harder than it already is. All it takes to be a comfy, healthy, confident parent. Is to make all of your decisions based on what is best for your baby and for yourself.
