Handling Stress Over Breastfeeding
Handling Stress Over BreastfeedingFor some moms and babies, breastfeeding goes smoothly right from the beginning. But for others, it is alearning process and one that can be very stressful. Breastfeeding can be emotionally and physicallychallenging especially in the first days with your new baby.It’s natural for new moms to be stressed, but stress can make it difficult to breastfeed your baby. Stress canreduce your milk supply, cause stomach problems, affect your sleep, or cause you to stop breastfeeding early.If breastfeeding is making you feel stressed, these strategies can help.Get help with breastfeeding. You are not alone. Reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant forhelp. Lactation consultants can help you recognize a problem and fix it. For example, if your baby won’t latchcorrectly, a lactation consultant can work with you to address the issue and give you strategies that can makebreastfeeding easier.“I usually tell Mom, ‘Hold your latch, and then hold your baby.’ Nipple... Baby's open mouth, black hole.Line the two of them up, hold your latch, hold your baby. Don't let go of either one of them until theyhave literally latched on. When the baby sounds like you can hear gulping, or a little bit of transfer, youcan get more comfortable with your hold. Otherwise, sometimes babies start bobbing around rightaway. It's important that you maintain your latch, because the baby's first learning this technique, aswell as you are.”Lactation consultants can be found through your hospital or you can ask your doctor for a referral. Try to getenough sleep. Not getting enough rest can raise your stress levels and make it tough to breastfeed. If possible,nap when your baby naps. Reach out to family and friends or anyone in your support network for emotionalsupport. You may feel like “something is wrong” with you and talking to a loved one can help.Join a postpartum support group. This can help get you out of the house and bond with other new moms whomay be experiencing some of the same challenges you are. A support group is a great place to learn newtechniques and strategies that can help.Talk to your doctor about your stress especially if you are feeling anxious or depressed, it could be a sign ofpostpartum depression or anxiety disorder. Reach out to get the help and support you need.Even though breastfeeding can be tough in the beginning, try to relax. Try to find a quiet, comfortable place tobreastfeed. Use this time to bond with your baby, listen to soothing music or read a book.This will make breastfeeding more enjoyable for you and your baby and give you a break from the hectic life ofa new mom. Remember you are not alone, and breastfeeding does not have to be stressful. Ask for help andlean on your loved ones for support.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG56252A EN HandlingStressOverBreastfeeding.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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