For something that?s supposed to be ?natural,? breastfeeding doesn?t necessarily come naturally. Even women with good supply will tell you that it can be hard, and it can hurt. And for moms who experienced trauma during birth, or physical or mental illness, or whose babies were born with complications, nursing can be more than difficult: It can be impossible.
So in the spirit of being supportive to new moms?who are already plagued with guilt and self-doubt?here are 10 things not to say to a woman struggling to breastfeed. (And if any of these things have been said to you, we’re so sorry.)
1. “Women have been breastfeeding since the dawn of time.”
This is the perfect place to start, because it?s something I heard when I struggled to keep my perpetually hungry baby fed. Just because modern formula didn?t exist in the Middle Ages, doesn?t mean mothers didn?t struggle to feed their babies. Women also lived in communities where childrearing was very much a communal responsibility, and this extended to breastfeeding. And families who were able to afford the service hired wet nurses to nurse their children. So, let?s stop talking like this is a modern issue. It?s always been hard. 2. “Breastmilk is best for your baby.”
We know. We KNOW. Breastmilk is the optimal food for our babies, nutritionally speaking. This isn?t a secret. But for some women, giving formula is the only way she can keep her baby healthy and full. And in these cases, a fed baby is u...