Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate moments that can be created between a mother and her baby , but it is also one of the most delicate and sometimes even the most painful moments . Not being able to breastfeed your baby sufficiently for some women can be a real defeat and generate feelings of guilt, without a real reason.
Talking about breastfeeding is never easy because everyone carries behind and inside traces of what they have chosen and what they have not been able to choose. And, as often happens when we talk about children, we carry in and behind useless feelings of guilt that, although denied, are there to remind us that we could do better and more.
So even though in this article I should talk to you about breastfeeding, I will actually tell you about my breastfeeding experience. Without universal pretensions and knowing full well that, like all mothers, I could have done better certainly, you can always do better, but I did the best I could at that moment.
I breastfed both my children, the first for 13 months, the second for 7 months. Matteo exclusively, Niccolò with mixed breastfeeding from the fourth month, with the addition of thickened milk at each feeding. They decided when to quit and I adapted myself. Matteo turned his face one day in June 2005 and Niccolò did it much earlier, at 7 months, also as a consequence of serious reflux problems that he has had since birth. He wanted solid baby food.
In these 20 months of breastfeeding, I have learned to detest people. Yes, when you breastfeed, everyone knows everything . And they always know better than you.
BREASTFEEDING: PHRASES TO NEVER SAY TO A MOTHER
1. STILL?
In all its meanings. From “Do you still breastfeed him? It’s big!” to “Do you still attack him? He just ate! ”
2. I GUESS YOUR MILK ISN’T ENOUGH
Now why shouldn’t milk be enough? No, tell me, why? If the baby grows and wets 7-8 diapers, milk is sufficient. And opinions remain opinions.
3. IT’S HOT, GIVE IT SOME WATER
Milk is made up of more than 80% water. There is no need for integration.
4. YOU MUST EAT
The sequel to “eating for two” during pregnancy. In reality, the calorie increase is necessary but it must be limited to 400-500 calories (and 17 grams of protein) to be distributed in 5 meals and taken while maintaining a balanced intake between the different nutrients.
Rather, it is very important to take a correct amount of water (1.5 – 2 liters), low-mineral and low-sodium, to maintain a correct hydro-saline balance.
5. DON’T ALWAYS ATTACK HIM: YOU SPOIL HIM
It seems absurd but there are still those who think this. Babies have no vices, they have needs. So the discussion, as far as I’m concerned, is soon closed.
Not that I listened to all these requests a lot when I was breastfeeding, I have always been very focused on my goals and priorities , but it is not easy, especially for the first child. Insecurity, novelty, fear, everything contributes to ensuring that he always lends too much ear to any external intervention.
So what to do to be reassured, listened to and possibly supported?
Contact a professional breastfeeding consultant . These figures will take care of you, your child and your couple, helping you recognize and prevent difficulties and complications.
