Breastfeeding Challenges
Many mothers choose not to breastfeed directly. But what are the reasons? Check out the following points.
1. Inflexibility and worry that the baby is not getting enough milk
Direct breastfeeding causes the mother to be unable to leave the baby for too long. When the baby is hungry, the mother must be ready to breastfeed. As a result, it becomes difficult for the mother to set a regular schedule to complete other activities. Direct-feeding babies are fed on demand rather than on a schedule.
On the other hand, some mothers worry that their child may not be getting enough milk because they do not know how much their baby has consumed. Therefore, to overcome this worry, mothers choose to pump breast milk through a bottle to know the exact amount.
2. Risk of Nipple Pain
Many mothers find it difficult to breastfeed the baby directly. This can be due to sore, cracked, or even infected nipples caused by breastfeeding. While this can also happen when pumping, the pain may be more significant when the baby's attachment is poor and the sucking is more intense.
3. Lack of Rest
Many mothers experience mental shock shortly after giving birth, especially when it is their first time. In the first weeks of the baby's birth, the baby must suckle frequently, so the mother is required to stay awake to ensure that her child gets breast milk on demand. This can sometimes feel physically and mentally difficult.
4. No Free Time
A mother with a baby may be a stay-at-home mom, but many also have other professions, leaving them with little free time. Therefore, these working mothers inevitably choose to pump breast milk, as they have other responsibilities to fulfill.
Mothers who breastfeed directly have a higher risk of sore nipples
Challenges of Pumping
Pumping breast milk seems to give mothers more freedom, especially regarding time. However, some choose not to make it their first choice. Here are some reasons why.
1. Added Responsibilities and hassles
Obviously, mothers who bottle feed will have more tasks than those who breastfeed directly. This is because they have to wash not only the bottle, but also the pump, which not only needs to be washed but also sanitized. These activities not only add to the responsibility, but also take up a lot of time.
2. Not necessarily producing as much milk as direct breastfeeding
In contrast to the fear of the baby not getting enough milk, mothers who choose not to pump feel differently. They may be afraid that if they pump their breastmilk, it will not produce as much milk as when their child is breastfeeding directly. This is because the pump is not as effective as the baby's mouth to suck.
3. Additional Costs
Obviously, more equipment is needed if you choose to pump breast milk, such as breast pumps, bottles, storage bags, pump flanges (pieces of plastic or silicone that are attached directly over the nipple to help the milk from spilling), special bras, and special storage areas.
4. Inconvenience
Carrying around a bag with all the equipment to pump breastmilk may be difficult for some moms, not to mention that the pump makes quite a noise. As a result, some moms find pumping breastmilk inconvenient, especially when it comes to privacy outside the home.
Pumping breastmilk is more hassle, more cost, and more inconvenience
So, what do you think Ladies? It all comes back to your own choice. The important thing is not to forget, breastfeed exclusively until your little one is 6 months old, and continue until the age of 2 years.
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