So you’ve just had your bundle of joy, and made the decision to breastfeed them. Congratulations!  Breast milk is an excellent decision to make for your baby, especially since many lactation consultants agree that it’s both nutritious and medicinal. 

Whether this is your first time breastfeeding or not, there are probably some questions whirring in your mind. Breastfeeding a newborn can be an anxious and confusing time. But it’s important to stay relaxed as well. The thing to remember here is that both the mother and baby are learning their rhythm. Take a deep breath and check out these answers to some of the most common breastfeeding questions. 

1. Why Am I Only Producing a Little Bit of Yellow Milk in the Beginning? 

In the first few days after a baby is born, the mother will start to produce colostrum. This is not ‘dirty milk’, but more like liquid gold that’s amazing for the baby. The colostrum might only be a few drops and will usually be bright yellow as opposed to the white milk that comes in later on. Even if you’re just producing drops, give them to your baby for that infection-fighting benefit! learn more for loulouka stage 1 organic baby milk formula, which is beneficial for babies from 0 months to 6 months,

2. Is My Milk Enough?

The majority of breastfeeding mothers usually make enough milk to nourish their babies for a long time. They might introduce solids from six months onwards. But we see women breastfeeding for up to 2 years in many cultures. 

However, some moms might have low or uneven milk supply. If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instinct and visit a lactation consultant. For best results, it’s usually suggested to start breastfeeding right after birth. You can learn more about how to increase milk supply by visiting lovemajka.com/.

3. Should I Be Worried If There’s Pain While Breastfeeding? 

Breastfeeding is not meant to be painful, even when the baby starts teething. There might be some discomfort in the beginning but that goes away as both mother and baby get the hang of it. The gums and tongue should be on the milk duct, not the teeth. If you’re experiencing pain, look up the symptoms of mastitis vs clogged duct. These, or incorrect latching, might be the root cause. In either case, a visit to the Ob/Gyn or lactation consultant is necessary.

4. How Long Can I Store Pumped Breast Milk?

If you refrigerate your breast milk at home or work, it can usually last for 5 days. In a regular freezer, it will be good for three to six months. You can keep it in a deep freezer for six months to a year. After thawing, the milk will remain fine for up to 24 hours.

5. How Long Can/Should I Breastfeed?

Experts recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the baby’s first six months of life. After that, you can introduce some solids in addition to breastfeeding. These solids might include pureed fruits and vegetables. Baby puffs are a great choice too as they are made to be easy to chew, you can find these easily online on sites like Serenity Kids.  The recommendation is to continue breastfeeding for at least 12 months or even longer, whatever the mother and baby desire. 

In case the breast milk doesn’t seem to be enough, one can give formula with the pediatrician’s recommendation. Before this switch, make sure that the pediatrician is on the same page about what is best for the infant. 

6. Why Isn’t My Baby Latching Properly?

It’s common to experience latching problems. But you can help your baby to feed properly. Visit a lactation consultant to know the right latching techniques. The expert will also be able to identify any issues in breastfeeding that the baby might have. 

At all events, both baby and mommy should be comfortable, relaxed, and calm. Ask your consultant about nipple shields if you find it necessary. 

The Takeaway

While breastfeeding might not be a smooth journey, it helps to know that you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are many experts and fellow mothers that can help to guide or support you along the way. There’s no need to worry much about the problems that will inevitably crop up. So, relax and stay informed about this concept. When you’re updated about the common problems and their answers, it will be easier to forge on ahead and fulfill your goals.