5 Common Breastfeeding Mistakes that New Moms Make

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

11 Aug 2007 04:43 PM

The CDC announced recently that while more women are breastfeeding than even a few years ago, they're still not doing it for long enough. I have said before that I believe the number one reason women quit breastfeeding is for lack of support and information. Sure, while you're pregnant you undoubtedly had lots of brochures passed your way and maybe you've even had a conversation with the pediatrician. But your baby is born and all does not go as planned and before you know it, you're supplementing and slowly you lose milk.

So here are my top 5 common mistakes that new moms make when starting out, posted hopefully that other new moms can avoid them.

Supplementing

It is never. . .as in NEVER. . .recommended that you supplement at the beginning of breastfeeding. If your infant is healthy and full term, you can breastfeed him and should do so without supplementing.

Doing It Alone

I'm not sure if new moms don't realize that it can be very demanding to nurse a newborn, if the right support is not available or if they don't know what the right support is. But numerous studies show that mothers who seek the advice of La Leche League, a lactation consultant or other support people are more than twice as likely to continue breastfeeding for a full year.

Pumping for a Stash

I know many new moms that have the idea that they have to pump to store up a stash and they try to do so right away. I do not recommend pumping before at least six weeks post partum. I do realize that some people have to go back to work at the six week mark (or even earlier) in which case I recommend waiting to pump as long as possible as it is a detriment to producing supply.

Looking at the Pump to Determine Supply

The reason I don't like to see moms pump early is two fold. First, I often see moms say that they don't have enough milk because they only got a few ounces out of the pump. Any breastfeeding mom will tell you, you cannot look at a pump to determine your milk supply. Secondly, pumping can actually hinder your supply rather than increase it. Save pumping until your supply is established.

Assuming the Baby Isn't Getting Enough

Many women see that the baby is fussy or that the baby won't sleep well and assume it is a supply problem. It is very, very rare that women are not physically able to make enough milk. Most of the time it is an issue with how breastfeeding itself is being managed. With that said, the best indicator of whether or not the baby is getting enough milk, is wet diapers. If the baby has enough wet diapers (8 or more in one day) then the baby is getting enough milk.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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goofyG (21) 30 Mar 2008 05:57 PM

Never say never supplement. My child was born with very low blood sugar; because she was born via c-section and I was flat on my back and numb from my chest down, she had to have a supplement. It didn't kill either of us. She had to be supplemented a few more times in the hospital, but by the time we got home, everything was fine. Now, eight months later, she is still nursing, and she enjoys solid food, too. You never saw a more "fat and happy" baby! *grin*

Valorie Delp (49340) 30 Mar 2008 06:07 PM

I'm so glad it worked out for you. I would hope people reading my blogs would know that there are exceptions to general rules. Certainly that is one. Perhaps I should've been more clear, but really supplementing can often kill a breastfeeding relationship and is generally unnecessary. Studies show that even a little formula can affects the immune system of your baby.

BTW, perhaps it wasn't an option for you, but many moms bf just like that--flat on their backs numb from the waste down. In my experience, it's frequently the health care team that doesn't know how to encourage breastfeeding enough and they are far too quick to suggest supplementing as opposed to breastfeeding. It is after all, much easier for them to pop a bottle in the baby's mouth than it is to help mom bf.