The moment you hold your baby for the first time, you feel all the humanly possible emotions at once, making you super excited about your journey as a parent. You can be as prepared as can be to take on all that’s bound to come, but parenting will surprise you in more ways than one.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and what might come easy to some can be a bumpy ride for others. But with the support of loved ones, every bump can be straightened into a smooth path.
Breastfeeding is one such area where each mother’s experience is different and unique. Breast milk is nature’s perfect food as it is packed with highly concentrated proteins and nutrients that have not yet been replicated by science.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for your little one but also for the mom, as it can help boost a new mom’s health. One important thing to keep in mind is that choosing to breastfeed or formula-feed is a personal choice, and all mothers should be supported, no matter what they choose.
This is not limited to just supporting the choice between breastfeeding vs. formula-feeding. A mother needs and should receive all the love, care, and support possible from her loved ones. Whether you are a partner, grand-parent, sibling, friend, or even a total stranger liking those cute baby photos on social media, show your support to the mom who just created life and is now nourishing them with love.
Some of the basic ways you can support a breastfeeding mom are as follows:
- Researching about the breastfeeding process, techniques, or when and how to consult a lactation expert is always a good idea.
- Learn about the hunger cues of newborns. Understanding that every time a baby gets fussy or cries doesn’t mean that they are hungry will help prevent handing over a crying baby, that is not necessarily hungry, to mom.
- Show your appreciation through words of encouragement and ensure the mom that she is doing a great job.
- Create a safe and supportive environment for the mom to breastfeed. Breastfeeding requires a lot from a mom, physically and emotionally. Make sure that her surroundings are comfortable for her to practice and get used to it.
- Help with interruptions or disturbances caused due to phones or visitors.
- Make sure that the mom is always well hydrated, rested, and fed.
- Help the mom with late-night baby changes, rocking or calming the baby will help her get the rest she deserves.
- Help around the house with other chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and making sure the feeding pumps or bottles are always well sterilized and cleaned and ready for mom to use.
- Ask the mom if she needs privacy while breastfeeding or would like the company. Even though you cannot feed the baby, sitting next to a mother breastfeeding their baby can be full of warmth, love, and relaxation.
- Most importantly, listen to a breastfeeding mom. Let her share her experience or concerns with you.
Like every new thing you do in life, breastfeeding can take time and practice for both the mom and the baby. There is no reason to worry if it takes a while to get this process going. Make sure to show your support and love to a breastfeeding mom in abundance and, if required, consult the baby’s pediatrician or a lactation expert.
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