Breastfeeding: How to Make the Feeding Experience A Positive One
It's that time of year again, National Breastfeeding Month is Here! Last year, we discussed the importance of advocacy and protection for parents who wish to participate in breastfeeding as well as bust harmful myths about formula feeding. Ultimately, the best thing for each family will look different, and that is okay! We want to empower you to make the best choice for you and ensure your ability to do so wherever and whenever necessary! In this issue, we want to give parents helpful tips to make sure whatever your choice is, you and your baby have the best experience possible.
1) Be Cognizant of Your Posture! It's natural when you are feeding to be hunched over, neck craned down, shoulders rounded forward, for long periods of time. This can cause a lot of pain and tightness in the body and will make the feeding process more and more uncomfortable. This is one of the top reasons new parents will see us at the clinic. If you can, try to take "posture breaks" while feeding. We also recommend stretching your chest afterward to prevent any tightness which will only make your posture worse, causing more and more discomfort. if you are unsure of what will work for you or if you are seeing persistent pain and discomfort, don't wait to reach out to a physical therapist that can give you an individualized plan and address any restrictions in the tissue manually.
2) Nourish Your Body! This is especially important if you are breastfeeding. When breastfeeding, your body is working hard and burning a lot of calories. It's important to keep your body nourished before, after, and even during! Keep snacks handy that you can have while breastfeeding or prepped for afterward to keep your energy up and make sure you are getting what you need as you make sure that the baby is getting what they need!
3) Don't Be So Hard On Yourself. This parenting thing is not easy. Give yourself grace and compassion. You are performing miracles whether with your body or with a bottle. There may be bumps along the road and it could be difficult, painful, or just frustrating. Many new moms will know that it's difficult to be not just the parent, but the food source! This is a major shift that many people don't talk about. That being said, it's okay to feel your feelings. Know that you are not alone and that there are people you can talk to. We are also always happy to chat with parents to answer questions or get you back to pain-free parenting.
Overall, no matter how you choose to feed your baby, we want to help make sure it's nothing but positive for you. Neck, shoulder, and back pain are some of the biggest obstacles to enjoying breast or bottle feeding. If you'd like to learn more about your options, give us a call at 401-602-7006.