Although many women enjoy breastfeeding for many reasons, being in denial of the potential pains and problems is only going to hamper your chances of giving it a really good go. Many women give up within the first few days, are too scared to try at all, or find that lack of support is a trigger to their own well-being problems in the months after the birth.
The NHS and many other bodies are keen to champion breastfeeding as the best option for your child's first six months, but often women are left with mixed information about how to overcome the possible problems, or with no help and support at all.
DON'T be afraid to ask for help from your midwife team and health visitors in those early weeks, and try to see the challenges as a new project rather than a painful duty - you and your baby's health and happiness are far more important than any government targets!
On ThinkBaby you will find lots of articles related to breastfeeding, and threads to other new mothers' comments and questions on the topic. A good place to start, whether you are pregnant and considering breastfeeding, or are already feeding your baby is our article called Breastfeeding Central.
Possible concerns or problems when you try to breastfeed
The early days Make yourself aware of what's likely to happen in the first few days after the birth and you will feel better prepared for this totally new experience. Don't worry, no one is judging you. (And if they are, they can go whistle!)
Nipple trouble Although breastfeeding experts claim that you won't get sore nipples if you get your baby to latch on correctly, it's not always easy to get it right when you're just trying to follow a diagram in a hospital leaflet! Even with my second baby, having fed my son for a year first time around, I still got sore nipples for the first few weeks. So don't think you have failed, but do try to overcome the issues before admitting defeat.
Mastitis With the changing flow and demand of your new milk production, it's easy to get sore boobs. Sometimes this develops into mastitis or blocked milk ducts, so it's important to read the signs right.
Making milk
Is your baby getting enough milk? This is a common concern for new mothers, if they are breastfeeding. When bottle feeding, you can measure this so much more easily. But the process of breastfeeding is a natural one and you are unlikely to have a problem. Read here for tips on what to look for.
Producing enough milk Some women feel they are not producing enough milk for their child. Here are some tips, which may be especially useful if you are moving over to half-breast and half-bottle feeding.
Fast-flowing milk Sometimes the milk comes out too fast for a new baby! Here are some useful pointers.
Too much milk Believe it or not, some women do find that in certain periods they make too much milk. This can be down to a change in the demand from your child but it can be managed without becoming a problem.
Other possible breastfeeding concerns
Milk intolerance in breatsfed babies.
Burping your baby
Your diet when breastfeeding
Foods to avoid when breastfeeding
And finally, don't forget many other women are in the same boat as you. It's not an easy thing to do, but if you give it a try and it works for you, there can be some really great pluses. Do read our honest mother's opinion: Breastfeeding - the Real Deal!
