5 Common Questions And Answers About Breastfeeding

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Navneet

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When you experience something first hand, it is only then you have questions regarding the same. From birth to breastfeeding, we are bombarded with questions of how, what, why, when?

So we have come up with 5 common questions and answers about breastfeeding. And trust me, having experienced the highs and lows of breastfeeding myself, there is absolutely no end to the questions we have in mind.

Based on my personal experience, here is a list of some common questions we all have when we get on the journey of breastfeeding for the first time.

1. How do I know if I’m producing enough milk for my baby?

This is a very frequently asked question by mothers who are breastfeeding. Especially when your newborn stays latched on to your breast for longer duration, we tend to think that her milk demands are not being met. This is generally never the case.

To ensure you are producing enough milk for your baby look for these signs-

Enough wet diapers a day (anywhere between 6 and 8)
Your baby is passing stool naturally
Your baby is not cranky and crying for longer duration out of hunger
Your baby is putting on a healthy weight

2. Why does it hurt when I’m breastfeeding?

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Well, for every new mom who is breastfeeding, it hurts, at least in the beginning. But once you and your baby get used to it, it should not.

Where you take your time in learning how to latch your baby properly, your baby takes his own sweet time in learning how to latch and suckle.

Otherwise, other than the sucking motion, breastfeeding should not hurt.

A lot of times when the baby has not latched on properly, it hurts. Other reasons could include – cracked or sore nipples, a fast let down, infection, mastitis.

But mostly, it is an improper latch that makes breastfeeding hurt.

ALSO READ – Some Common Breastfeeding Problems

3. I have small breasts, do I still produce enough milk for my baby?

Yes, you do! Apparently size of the breasts has nothing to do with how much milk you can produce. Your body will produce as much milk as your baby wants.

Your body changes during pregnancy and it does its work during that time in making sure that your body starts making milk.

The more you breastfeed, the more your body will produce milk. It’s a simple supply and demand process which has nothing to do with the size of your breasts.

4. My baby stays latched on for hours at end. Does he not get a good flow of milk?

It should take nothing more than half an hour at the most for your baby to breastfeed completely. There are various stages to breastfeeding.

When a baby is actively sucking, he’s getting milk but there are times when your baby would do comfort nursing and that is not to drink milk but for the comfort he gets from you. There is no harm, if he is asking for your warmth and comfort.

Your body produces only as much milk as your baby demands. If you still think your baby is not getting enough milk, see questions no. 1.

ALSO READ – Home Remedies For Common Breastfeeding Problems

5. I’m sick. Can I still breastfeed my baby? What if he catches my illness?

Yes, you can still breastfeed your baby even if you’re sick. Breast milk cannot, in any way, pass on any illness from you to your baby.

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When you’re sick, your body produces antibodies (immunity in layman terms) and they get transferred from your body to the breast milk and directly to the baby. So do the math now. You’re actually giving more immunity to your baby while breastfeeding sick.

Don’t stop breastfeeding unless and until your doctor or pediatrician advises you to do so. There are certain medications which should be avoided when you’re breastfeeding your baby. So it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications if you’re sick.

Other than that, your baby is absolutely safe feeding from your breasts when illness comes calling in.

These are the top 5 frequently asked questions about breastfeeding. If you have any questions or doubts of your own, let us know in the comments section below and we’ll be there to help you out with them.