During pregnancy, women's bodies change drastically to support bringing a new life into the world. It doesn't stop after birth either. Breastfeeding is the next step and it can be challenging for all mothers, especially first-time ones. However, some find it even more difficult than others.
In a recent Reddit thread, one mother opened up about her trouble with breastfeeding and the intense pain it was giving her. After making the switch to formula milk, she found there was still another nagging pain, but this time, from her husband instead. He was upset and disappointed in her for doing this, citing that it would affect the baby’s health and development.
Although it was her decision to do this, the mother here wondered if it was the right thing to do or if she was justified in her reasoning. Read on for the full story.
Image credits: Lucy Wolski (not the actual photo)
The World Health Organization recommends that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives. In a related study, approximately only 41% of newborns meet this requirement around the world, although this is not often through choice.
Like all mammals, we’ve naturally evolved to produce milk that provides all the essential nutrients to support our young before they can ingest solids. Everything that babies consume comes from their mother, which means that they need to be capable of sustaining both themselves and their little ones.
According to medical research, an extra 500 calories per day is needed to help support milk production. Not to mention, a healthy diet is fundamental for this too. All the usual fruit and vegetables are needed in combination with healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also essential when breastfeeding.
A new mother explains her problems of pain during breastfeeding
She decides to use formula milk as an alternative, but her husband disagrees with it
He thinks that lack of breastfeeding is affecting the baby's development
Image credits: Throwaway60991
The nutrients being passed from mother to baby is one side of a healthy diet, another is the energy that it gives to mothers breastfeeding. Although babies first get their sustenance passively from their mother during pregnancy, the act of breastfeeding itself can be really tiring for mothers, especially when they’re already feeling run-down from the constant attention that newborns need.
This can be a reason for mothers to turn to alternatives, such as formula milk. However, the phrase “breast is best” is used to remind new mothers of the benefits of natural breastfeeding. It’s repeated time and time again but for good reason.
Dr. Jay Hoecker gave his professional advice to The Mayo Clinic. He explained that: “Commercial infant formulas don't contain the immunity-boosting elements of breast milk that only your body can provide to your baby. For most babies, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula.”
He doesn’t discredit the use of formula milk completely, however. He said, “When prepared as directed, however, infant formula supports healthy babies who have typical dietary needs.”
Whilst the mother in the story perhaps doesn’t disagree with the science behind breastfeeding, she did struggle with the pain and alludes that she had health conditions that affected her even before pregnancy. Although almost all mothers experience pain in the first weeks of breastfeeding, it shouldn’t be constant.
For those in the same situation, Dr. Jay Hoecker said, “If you're struggling, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help. If your baby's doctor is concerned that your baby isn't receiving adequate nutrition or hydration, he or she might suggest pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or formula.”
People have weighed in on the situation regarding breastfeeding but also the husband's attitude
