8 Common Breastfeeding Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences for you and your baby, but it can also be challenging. For many new mothers, breastfeeding doesn’t come as naturally as they might have imagined.
You may have questions, feel unsure about what’s normal, or even experience some discomfort during the process. And that’s perfectly okay! Many moms experience similar struggles along the way.
However, there are a few common mistakes that can make breastfeeding harder than it needs to be.
In this article, we’ll highlight these mistakes and offer helpful tips to avoid them, ensuring you have a smoother and more successful breastfeeding journey.
Mistake #1: Incorrect Latch
A correct latch is one of the most important components of successful breastfeeding. When your baby latches improperly, it can lead to a painful experience for you and poor milk transfer for your baby.
You may notice sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, and your baby may not get enough milk, which can cause weight gain issues.
Why It’s Important: A good latch not only prevents nipple pain but also ensures your baby is getting the milk they need to thrive. A shallow latch can limit milk intake, while a deep latch allows your baby to extract milk efficiently, ensuring they’re satisfied and gaining weight.
How to Fix It: To achieve a proper latch, make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open when approaching the breast. Aim for the nipple to be placed at the back of their mouth, not just on their lips. This allows them to latch on to both the nipple and the areola. You should also ensure your baby’s lips are flanged outward, creating a good seal.
If you’re experiencing pain, gently break the latch by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again.
Don’t be afraid to seek help from a lactation consultant if you’re struggling—many women benefit from one-on-one guidance in getting the latch right.
Mistake #2: Not Nursing Frequently Enough
It can be easy to overlook how often your baby needs to be fed, especially if you rely on an assumed schedule. However, breastfeeding should be on demand rather than on a strict timetable, especially in the first few weeks.
Why It’s Important: Babies, especially newborns, have small stomachs and need frequent feedings to ensure they get the nutrients they need for growth. Inadequate feeding frequency can affect your milk supply, as breastfeeding works on the principle of supply and demand—the more you nurse, the more milk your body will produce.
How to Fix It: Watch for your baby’s hunger cues, which might include sucking on their hands, rooting, or making lip-smacking noises. Try not to wait until your baby is crying or hungry. Newborns typically need to nurse at least 8-12 times per day, and as they grow, the frequency may decrease slightly. Focus on nursing when your baby is hungry to build a steady supply.
Don’t worry about strict scheduling in the early days. The more you nurse, the better it will be for both your milk supply and your baby’s health.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Baby’s Cues
Getting caught up in following a rigid feeding schedule or assuming that your baby is fine if they’re not crying is easy.
However, not responding to your baby’s hunger cues can lead to missed feedings, lower milk supply, and unnecessary stress for you and your baby.
Why It’s Important: Babies communicate their needs well, and learning to read their cues can make breastfeeding more efficient and comfortable. If you wait too long before feeding, your baby may become too frustrated to latch properly or may refuse to latch altogether. Plus, early cues make feeding easier and quicker.
How to Fix It: Look for signs that your baby is hungry, like rooting, lip-smacking, sucking on their hands, or moving their head from side to side.
It’s important to offer the breast as soon as you notice these early cues instead of waiting until your baby is crying. By nursing earlier, you’re helping avoid frustration for you and your baby.
Understanding your baby’s needs will make breastfeeding less stressful for both of you. Every baby is different, so learning their unique signs is crucial.
Mistake #4: Over-reliance on One Breast
Many mothers tend to offer just one breast per feeding session, especially when they’re feeling tired or rushed. However, sticking to one breast can affect your milk supply and your baby’s overall nutrition.
Why It’s Important: Each breast produces different amounts of milk at different times. When you feed from just one breast, your baby may not get the hindmilk, which is the richer, fattier milk that comes later in a feeding. The longer your baby stays on the breast, the more milk they’ll be able to get and the more milk your body will be stimulated to produce.
How to Fix It: Aim to offer both breasts during each feeding. Start with one breast, and offer the other breast if your baby finishes that side and is still hungry. This practice ensures that both breasts are emptied and helps to maintain a balanced milk supply.
Don’t be afraid to switch breasts if needed. Allowing your baby to finish one side before moving to the other can also help keep them content and reduce the risk of overfeeding.
Mistake #5: Using Bottles Too Early
Introducing bottles too soon can sometimes cause nipple confusion for your baby, which can make breastfeeding more difficult. This is especially true if your baby has not yet learned to latch properly or if you are struggling with establishing your milk supply.
Why It’s Important: Babies who are introduced to bottles before breastfeeding is well-established may struggle with the different sucking motions required for bottles. As a result, they may have trouble latching onto the breast and may prefer the bottle due to its ease of milk flow.
How to Fix It: It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established (usually around 4 to 6 weeks) before introducing bottles or pacifiers. If you need to introduce a bottle, consider using one that mimics the shape and flow of the breast. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding or need to leave your baby with a caregiver, try pumping and storing breast milk for later use.
Remember, every baby is different. Some babies may take to bottles early without an issue, while others may take a little more time to adjust.
Mistake #6: Not Asking for Help
Breastfeeding can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re learning something new. Feeling isolated or unsure of yourself can make it harder to succeed.
Why It’s Important: Asking for help makes breastfeeding easier. Lactation consultants and support groups can provide valuable advice, troubleshoot issues, and help you with any challenges that come your way.
How to Fix It: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Lactation consultants can offer one-on-one guidance and help with positioning, latch, and milk supply issues. There are also online support groups and forums to connect with other breastfeeding mothers for advice and encouragement.
Remember, breastfeeding is a journey; there’s no shame in asking for help. The more support you have, the better equipped you’ll be to overcome any hurdles.
Mistake #7: Not Taking Care of Yourself
As a new mother, putting your needs last is easy. However, your well-being directly impacts your ability to breastfeed effectively. Your milk supply may suffer if you’re tired, stressed, or dehydrated.
Why It’s Important: Your body needs energy, hydration, and self-care in order to produce milk effectively. A lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and high stress can interfere with milk production and make breastfeeding more difficult.
How to Fix It: Take care of yourself by staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and getting as much rest as possible. To lighten your load, consider asking for help around the house or from friends and family. Don’t be afraid to take breaks, and prioritize your health as much as possible.
Practice self-care, whether that means relaxing with a good book, taking a walk, or simply resting. A well-rested, nourished mother will have a better breastfeeding experience.
Mistake #8: Not Handling Engorgement Properly
Breast engorgement, which occurs when your breasts become too full of milk, can be painful and frustrating. If left unmanaged, it can lead to blocked ducts or mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue).
Why It’s Important: Engorgement can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly and lead to discomfort or even pain while feeding. If not addressed, engorgement can interfere with milk flow and cause problems with supply.
How to Fix It: If you’re experiencing engorgement, try gentle massage or warm compresses before breastfeeding to help soften the breast. You can also hand express or pump a little bit of milk to relieve pressure before offering the breast to your baby. Avoid over-pumping, as this can stimulate an overproduction of milk.
Engorgement is often temporary, especially in the early days as your milk supply adjusts. If the pain becomes unbearable or you experience signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever), consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience, but it’s not always easy. By avoiding these common mistakes and learning to recognize the signs your body and baby are giving you, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your breastfeeding journey.
Don’t be afraid to seek help when needed; remember to take care of yourself too. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your ability to breastfeed successfully.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if my baby is latched correctly? Look for signs that your baby’s mouth is wide open, covering most of the areola, not just the nipple. Their lips should be flanged outward. A deep latch will allow your baby to nurse effectively without pain.
Q2: When can I introduce a bottle to my baby? It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, around 4-6 weeks. This helps prevent nipple confusion and ensures your baby is comfortable with the breast.
Q3: How can I increase my milk supply? Frequent nursing, pumping, staying hydrated, and ensuring good nutrition can help increase your milk supply. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact and allowing your baby to nurse as much as they need can stimulate milk production.
Q4: What should I do if I feel overwhelmed while breastfeeding? It’s important to ask for help. Lactation consultants, support groups, and friends and family can offer valuable guidance and encouragement during challenging times.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to overcoming common breastfeeding hurdles, ensuring that both you and your baby thrive in this wonderful journey!
