No matter how prepared you are for breastfeeding, there’s bound to be something that surprises you. Breastfeeding feelings are often emotional as well as physical. Many women experience a relaxed, calm state, helping them bond with their babies.
Below is 10 things breastfeeding moms experience.
Milk Coming In: At birth, your breasts will make a thick yellowish substance called colostrum. Colostrum is packed with nutrients and other important substances that help your baby start building up his or her immune system. There will not be a lot of this liquid at first, but the amount will gradually increase over the first couple of days.
Leaking: Your breasts may feel full and leak. Over time, the leaking may slow down as your body gets used to breastfeeding. If your breasts leak, you may find it helpful to put disposable or cloth pads in your bra.
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Engorgement: Over the first few weeks after birth, your breasts may become larger, firm, warm, and uncomfortable as your body adjusts to making milk. This is called engorgement.
Sore Nipples: During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, your nipples may be sore or sensitive as they adjust to your baby’s sucking. If you have cracked or damaged nipple skin, or pain that is not improving over the first 1–2 weeks.
Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is depression that some women feel after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.
Teething/Biting: Once in a while babies might bite the nipple or breast, especially when they are teething.
Refusing to Breastfeed: Sometimes babies will stop wanting to be breastfed. Refusing to be breastfeed is usually temporary. Some reasons your baby may refuse breastfeeding include teething, illness, stress, a change in environment.
Distracted Breastfeeding: Your baby is starting to notice all the things going on around him or her. This can mean that your baby might get distracted while breastfeeding.
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Weaning: Although breastfeeding is recommended until your baby is at least 12 months old, weaning may happen before then.
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