Support for Mothers When it Comes to Breastfeeding

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As nutrition majors we all know the benefits of breastfeeding. What is sometimes overlooked is the difficulties and roadblocks that mothers can go through when trying to breastfeed. It is extremely important that the first few weeks after giving birth the mother has a good support system and is able to care for herself when nursing her baby.

This article discusses how to overcome some of the roadblocks that can make breastfeeding stressful. After having a baby mothers are exhausted and it is hard to feed a baby at all hours of the day. This is where a good support system comes into place. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both the mother and baby. During the hospital stay the mother should use the resources available for her regarding breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can help with latching difficulties and different positions to hold the baby that are both comfortable for the mother and baby.

Some family members may be disappointed that the mother is breastfeeding because they want to feed the baby themselves. This can be stressful for the mother because her support system does not support her decision to breastfeed. There are other ways that family members can help with the baby other than feeding, they are: keeping the mother company, getting up in the middle of the night with her, changing diapers, grocery shopping, making a meal for the mother, and help with cleaning. Words of encouragement are also really important. Since, the mother is breastfeeding she is the only one that can give the baby nutrition, and that can be stressful. Telling the mother she is doing, "a great job" and telling her, "to keep it up" can go a long way. Keeping the mother as least stressed as possible is best when she is breastfeeding.

Loyola University Health System. (2015, June 9). Early support vital for success in breastfeeding. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 26, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150609141556.htm

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