- Milk production
Perhaps your milk production has to get going for a while and you will have little to no production in the first few days. Especially after a cesarean section, it can take a while for milk production to start. There may also be other causes of low production: irregular or inadequate feeding, poor latching technique, maternal health problems, stress and fatigue, and use of formula. Contact your obstetrician or lactation consultant to help you if you think that your milk production is (too) low.
- Expressing milk and working
If you go back to work after your maternity leave and are still breastfeeding, this may present quite a challenge. You can no longer feed your child yourself all day. To maintain your milk production, you can develop a convenient schedule and use a pumping device. You have the right to express in time during your work, and your employer is also obliged to provide you with an appropriate space available where you can express your milk. Discuss with your employer the available options.
When breastfeeding your newborn baby doesn’t work
What if you chose not to breastfeed, if you tried and it turns out that breastfeeding does not work for you, or if you tried everything in your power but it didn’t work out? That’s okay, too. The most important thing is that both you and your baby are healthy and happy. Whatever the reason for stopping breastfeeding, it is sometimes not easy to accept it. Don’t be hard on yourself, not being able to breastfeed does not reflect your skills as a parent or on the bond with your baby. If the emotional acceptance is difficult, it may help to talk about it. You can do so with your partner. But also with a friend, a family member, or a professional.
Very important to remember!
It is important to remember that every mother and every baby is unique. What works for your sister, neighbor or friend does not mean that it works for you, and vice versa. Be proud of yourself, you’re doing your best and that’s what counts. Relax, enjoy this special time together, but also try to accept it if it doesn’t go the way you thought it would or if you have to change plans while breastfeeding because it doesn’t go according to your expectations.