Breastfeeding Journey - The Struggle Is Real!

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Every mother has her own beautiful journey of breastfeeding, we all remember that first latch soon after birth, that failed attempt from fresh new born baby and the tear of joy in every mother’s eye is incredible, this feeling can not be described in words ever!

As per the standard guidelines from UNICEF and advice from pediatricians, all mothers try their level best to continue exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months.

There are certain difficult situations where you have to opt for Formula milk, but that is all okay! I don’t think one should make any mom feel guilty for the same.

But, dear all new mothers: Yes! Breastfeeding and it’s innumerable benefits should be taken into consideration when you are fine with all physical and mental states, but then I must say one should continue breastfeeding journey even after they start weaning.

After starting weaning it is not that easy dear mothers, what we think is once baby will start weaning, breastfeeding will be easier and more comfortable ! No! No! No! HERE THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!

In fact, feeding demands gets numerous times, especially when they are teething, during growth spurts, when they develop separation anxiety and the list goes on. And we as a mother always have the hope during day that we might get good sleep tonight!! Though it has been months seems like decade we had a good night sleep, we may feel like if someone had come and offer a milk bottle by saying that here it is , will fix the problem and we would have taken it, but the thing that kept us sticking to exclusive breastfeed is our kid is thriving on our breast milk, and it is like Magic. Indeed!!

What are the benefits of continuing with breastfeeding even after weaning?

Up to 1 year of age animal milk is not advisable at all because, milk protein and fats are difficult to get digest for infant, hence American Academy of Pediatrics also does not recommend animal milk until at least 1 year of age.

Continuing with breastfeeding along with weaning will help the child to get all the antibodies present in breast milk, and that will help to improve the immunity of kid and  will help to fight against infection, and provide protection against diarrhea, and other Gastrointestinal infections, as there are no chances of any contamination and infection in breast milk.

It helps to get the bonds between mom and child stronger because breastfeeding will increase the flow of oxytocin and Oxytocin is “THE HORMONE OF LOVE”!!

What will help mothers to get this real struggle easy?

After being a mother suddenly all our priorities get changed and we are least bothered about our own health, and here is the most important part what we are lacking behind, yes if you have decided that you will not give up on breastfeeding then Yes ! make sure of your diet and lifestyle or else improper diet and random lifestyle will affect your milk supply and at the end of all consequences you will definitely g, give up and start with either Formula or animal milk.

Improve your hydration, taking adequate amount of liquid will help to maintain consistent milk flow. Regular exercise will help to reduce stress level, and healthy mind will always ys help you to stay positive on your journey.

Last but not the least one!! Help husband – Yes true, you have to involve your husband in this beautiful journey to make it worth!! He can support you mentally, assure you positively about his support  definitely works!!

Laugh out loud, sing songs, dance, and let yourself glow, dear moms!

Let the Oxytocin flow!

Happy Breastfeeding!

 Explore stories on breastfeeding journey.

Dr Mariya Vhora is an Ayurveda doctor and diploma in Emergency Medical Services with 7 years of clinical experience. After being promoted to precious Motherhood, now she is a SAHM, who shares her beautiful journey of motherhood with a positive parenting approach through her informative blogs.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mom Store