Common Concerns About Breastfeeding

There are no disadvantages to breastfeeding. However, there are certain factors which some women may find bothersome. Because of this, some mothers choose to breastfeed for a shorter period of time. Remember, any amount of breastfeeding will benefit you and your baby.

• Breastfeeding may limit your freedom for the first 4-6 weeks while you are building a milk supply and learning to breastfeed. However, this gives you a chance to rest and get to know your baby.
• Leaking can be annoying in the early weeks when babies are feeding at irregular times, however, leaking is a good sign of milk production and milk release.
• Breast nipples may be tender in the beginning when the baby first attaches to the breast. This is normal. However, do not confuse tenderness with pain. Breastfeeding should not be painful if the baby is positioned correctly on the breast.
• The quantity of milk taken at each feeding cannot be measured. However, frequent, watery stools let you know that your baby is getting enough to eat.
• Because breast milk is easily digested, breastfed babies may feed more often and may not sleep through the night for several weeks or months. However, the same is true of many formula-fed babies. When your baby is 6-12 weeks old you can begin to lengthen the nighttime sleep period if necessary. You can delay nighttime feedings by diapering, walking and rocking.
• You will need to limit your alcohol intake. However, you do not need to avoid certain foods unless they make your baby fussy or you have a family history of allergies.
• Natural child spacing can be achieved with unrestricted, unsupplemented breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding schedules and routines that delay or decrease breastfeedings or include early fertility (ability to get pregnant). If pregnancy is not desired, birth control is recommended. Methods of birth control include birth control pills (progestin only), condom, diaphragm, IUD (intrauterine device), vaginal sponge, cervical cap, spermicidal cream, foam or jelly, Norplant (implant) and Depo-Provera (injection). Birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin (combination pills) are not recommended. Estrogen decreases breast milk production and may affect growth and development of babies. However, birth control pills that contain progestin only are safe and may be taken by nursing mothers.