You may mean well, but these seven statements hurt a new mum struggling to breastfeed. SASHA GONZALES finds out what you should say instead.
Breastfeeding is an experience that most new mums cherish. Besides the satisfaction and sense of empowerment they get from nourishing their babies, nursing is one of the first ways they bond with them.
According to Helen Espina Cruz, a senior lactation consultant at Raffles Hospital, skin-on-skin contact releases hormones, such as oxytocin, in the mum’s body. These hormones promote positive emotions that make a mother feel closer and more connected to her infant.
“The mum also gets to hold her baby and look into his eyes or caress him while he feeds,” adds Elaine Chow, president of the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group Singapore. “In the middle of a busy day, breastfeeding gives mums a chance to just sit still and relax with their babies.”
But it’s not always a breeze for first-timers, as they deal with a host of issues: Fatigue caused by a lack of sleep, anxiety about their babies’ feeding habits, and stress about milk supply.
There could also be the physical pain as a result of sore nipples, which might be due to improper pumping or latching problems; and plugged milk ducts because the milk was not drained completely.
There’s also the fear of developing mastitis, a breast inflammation that tends to occur if the nipples are hurt or if the breasts stay engorged for too long.
Some mums also feel sad or guilty about not being able to breastfeed directly during the day because they have to work.
Keeping in mind the challenges that many new mums face, it’s important to be supportive of their decision. Here, the experts share what you should never say to a new mum who is struggling with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is natural
Women may be physiologically built to provide for their babies, but breastfeeding is a learnt skill, Elaine says.
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