8 Silly Breastfeeding Mistakes That Could Be Dangerous

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and effective ways to feed a baby. It can be a very easy and enjoyable process when done correctly. However, there are many common mistakes that new mothers make when breastfeeding, which can cause frustration or even harm the baby’s health.

According to UNICEF, Breastmilk provides all the nutrition that a newborn needs.

New moms want their babies to eat as much as possible in order to grow strong and healthy. As a result, they may unknowingly make mistakes, such as failing to burp their babies or giving them formula instead of breast milk. While these actions may seem harmless, they can have major consequences for your little one.

To help you avoid these silly mistakes that could harm your baby, read on for eight important things you should know about breastfeeding.

8 Silly Breastfeeding Mistakes That Could Be Dangerous

1. Ignoring the Baby’s Latch

Breastfeeding can be a challenging task for first-time mothers, and one of the most common mistakes they make is not paying attention to their baby’s latch.

A proper latch is essential for successful breastfeeding, but it can be difficult to achieve if you are not familiar with how to do it correctly. If the baby does not latch on properly, it can lead to sore nipples, cracked or bleeding nipples, and even mastitis.

Ignoring the baby’s latch can also lead to low milk supply, which can cause weight loss or dehydration in infants. Moreover, an improper latch can cause engorgement and milk stasis in the mother’s breasts, which can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis.

Dr. Sears and La Leche League International agree that latch matters because “breast milk extraction is determined by the baby.”

Breastfeeding expert Kimberly Getz explains to Romper that latch is critical because if a baby does not remove milk efficiently, the body receives the signal to produce less milk. She adds, “Latch is important for a baby’s weight gain and for preventing dehydration.

It is also important for mothers, because milk that is not adequately removed from the breasts can lead to engorgement and milk stasis. Milk stasis can result in plugged ducts and mastitis.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these issues can ultimately contribute to a low milk supply.

\A correct latch should resemble a Pac-Man or horseshoe shape around the nipple and areola. The baby’s lips should be flanged outward, and the tongue should be placed deep into the breast. A shallow latch can cause the baby to cry or fuss while feeding because they are not getting enough milk.

Related:9 Benefits of Continuing Breastfeeding for an Extended Period

2. Not Breastfeeding on Demand

Breastfeeding on a strict schedule may seem like a good idea, but it can actually have some negative effects. Babies have their own feeding schedules and should be breastfed whenever they show hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands or fingers, or crying.

Breastfeeding your baby when they are already fussy or when it’s late at night can make them feel even more uncomfortable and may lead to colic. The baby may also not latch properly due to frustration and crying, which can cause nipple pain and damage to the mother.

To prevent these breastfeeding problems, try to establish a regular feeding routine by breastfeeding your baby at least every 2-3 hours. When you first start breastfeeding, it’s normal for babies to wake up several times during the night for feedings. But as they get used to breastfeeding on demand, they will sleep longer stretches between feedings and wake up less often during the night.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend feeding on demand rather than following a strict schedule. The World Health Organization advises feeding newborns “as often as they want, day and night,” because frequent nursing helps establish milk supply and ensures babies get enough to eat.

Breastfeeding advocates warn against waiting too long between feeds, as this can cause babies to become overly hungry and cranky, making it harder for them to latch effectively.

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains, “The sooner you feed your baby in response to hunger cues (such as rooting, sucking on fingers, hands, or fists, and stirring), the more likely you will have calm feeds with more milk transferred and fewer problems.” Feeding on demand also supports healthy weight gain, reduces fussiness, and helps a mother’s body naturally regulate her milk supply.

3. Overlooking the Baby’s Position

Breastfeeding position is also an important factor in successful breastfeeding. While there are many different positions that work for mothers and babies, one common mistake that new moms make is not paying attention to how their babies are positioned during feedings.

Improper positioning can cause neck, back, or shoulder pain, as well as issues such as blocked ducts and mastitis. Additionally, it makes it more difficult for the baby to latch on properly, which can cause sore nipples and discomfort for both mother and child.

Ensure that you’re in a comfortable position before you start breastfeeding. One way to do this is by using pillows to support yourself as you sit or lie down while feeding your baby. This will help keep your back straight, so you won’t strain yourself while holding the baby close to your breast.

Related: Why Is My Breast Milk Watery? Reasons and What To Do

4. Neglecting to Burp the Baby After Feeds

Burping is an essential step in the breastfeeding process, yet many mothers neglect this important step.

Failure to burp the baby after breastfeeding can cause gas, which can make the baby fussy or even lead to reflux in severe cases.

Burp your baby by gently rubbing or patting their back while holding them upright against your shoulder for a few minutes until they pass any air bubbles that might be trapped in their stomachs.

5. Using Formula as a Quick Fix

Formula feeding is often seen as a quick fix for mothers who face problems while breastfeeding, such as cracked nipples or low milk supply.

Formula feeds contain cow’s milk protein, which can cause allergies in some babies. This may lead to rashes, hives, or even breathing problems for babies who are allergic to milk protein.

Instead of turning to formula feeds as soon as you experience any issues with breastfeeding, try to use lactation aids such as cabbage leaves or oatmeal to soothe your nipples if they’re cracked or bleeding.

Related: How to Survive Breastfeeding at Night

6. Not Taking Care of Nipple Pain

Nipple pain is a common issue that breastfeeding mothers face. This can be caused by poor latching, incorrect positioning, or cracked or bleeding nipples.

If left untreated, nipple pain can lead to cracked skin and infection, such as thrush (a fungal infection), or even mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast tissue.

If you experience nipple pain when breastfeeding, ensure that you have a good latch and are positioned correctly. You should also use nipple creams or ointments like lanolin on your nipples after each feed to soothe the pain and prevent further irritation.

The UK National Health Service states that sore or cracked nipples are “usually the result of a poor latch or poor positioning”. They add that “Sore nipples shouldn’t be ignored. Pain that continues through feeds can affect how well you breastfeed and increase your risk of complications such as infection. Support at the first sign of sore nipples is vital.

A health professional can help with latch and positioning to make feeds comfortable and protect your milk supply.” They also say that “It’s important to continue breastfeeding (or expressing milk) if you have sore nipples. “, and mention that seeking support can help one heal.

Related:5 Ways to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding

7. Failing to Stay Hydrated and Nourished

A mother’s nutrition and hydration are also crucial for successful breastfeeding.

A poor diet can lead to low milk supply, while dehydration can cause engorgement and plugged ducts in the breasts. In addition, malnourished mothers may not be able to produce enough milk to satisfy their babies’ needs.

It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids. This will help them stay hydrated and produce enough milk for their babies.

Related: Can Babies Drink Cold Breast Milk?

8. Giving up Too Soon

It’s not uncommon for breastfeeding mothers to give up too soon if they encounter problems like low milk supply or cracked nipples.

Giving up breastfeeding early can have serious consequences for the baby’s health, as breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients and antibodies they need for proper growth and development.

If you’re having problems breastfeeding your baby, it’s important not to give up too soon. Instead, seek professional help from a lactation consultant or pediatrician who will help you address the issues and continue breastfeeding your child successfully.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a natural and normal way of feeding your baby, but it can be tricky if you don’t know what to do. Don’t let these silly mistakes make breastfeeding difficult for you and your baby! By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy this beautiful experience with ease.

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