Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience for a mother and her child. Moreover, it has numerous health benefits, like protecting little ones from infections and diseases. However, breastfeeding can sometimes get overwhelming and tiring for the moms, especially if they have other kids to look after as well. In situations such as these, taking a brief break from breastfeeding is a good idea. So, with August being National Breastfeeding Month, here are some ways to take a break from breastfeeding.
Reasons to take a brief break from breastfeeding
You can absolutely take a break from breastfeeding your child. This will help you rejuvenate and develop a beautiful bond with your child without the added stress. Here are some of the reasons for taking a much-needed retreat from breastfeeding.
Sore or painful breasts and nipples
Sore or cracked nipples are common issues that arise with breastfeeding. They mostly happen when your baby can’t latch properly or is not positioned correctly. In either case, it can be painful for moms if they continue breastfeeding. So, taking a small break during this time will give your nipples a chance to heal, making breastfeeding a better experience overall.
It’s taking a toll on your health
Health comprises both physical and mental health. Breastfeeding a newborn every few hours throughout the day can get exhausting. Lack of proper sleep, nutrition, me time, and so on can sometimes affect one’s emotional and physical well-being. If you, too, feel exhausted all the time and feeding your child feels challenging, take a short break to heal from within.
When you don’t produce enough breast milk
Even after eating those lactose cookies, if you think you are not producing enough milk to meet your baby’s demand, take a break from breastfeeding. Stress is also one of the reasons for the low supply of milk. Hence, it is better to talk to your lactation consultant or doctor to help you figure out the root cause of the problem.
If you are on certain medications
If you are taking pills for any health-related issues, it’s always better to tell your doctor about it. Although you can breastfeed with most medications, certain drugs can harm your baby if you are taking them and breastfeeding your child at the same time.
Going back to work
If your maternity leave is about to end and you will soon go back to work, taking a break from breastfeeding is one of the best things you could do to ease back into the workflow. This will help you navigate your work shift and schedule your little one’s feeding times around it. Moreover, you can always express yourself at work if you are worried about your child’s nutritional needs.
Tips for a great break from breastfeeding
While it may not be easy to make the decision, you should always take a break from breastfeeding without feeling any guilt. It’s your journey, and you can decide when and how to take a retreat. Moreover, this little break will help you rejuvenate and heal, making it easier for you to be emotionally available for your child and bond with them. So, here are some tips for actually enjoying a break from breastfeeding.
Set realistic expectation
You know your potential better than anyone else. So, if you think you can not breastfeed every night, assign the night duty to your partner or another family member. You don’t have to navigate the parenting journey alone. Hiring a nanny for nighttime duty is also not a bad idea if your budget allows. Don’t hesitate to ask for help because, remember, it takes a village to raise a child. Nobody will know about your exhaustion till you say it out loud.
Communicate with your partner
If you are thinking of taking a break from breastfeeding, communicate with your partner. Let them know why you are making this decision, and discuss its pros and cons. Work together to come up with a plan that is beneficial for you and your baby. You can then talk to your family members or doctor to ensure you are making the right decision. However, assure them your break does not mean you will not look after your little one. Instead, emphasize how this will facilitate you developing a close bond with your child.
Make a breastfeeding schedule before taking a break
You can’t schedule a newborn’s feeding time because it can be erratic, but you can plan out who will feed, when, and how. So, before taking a break, do a trial run to give everyone an idea of how things will work during your retreat. It will also give the baby a chance to adjust to the new faces they will be seeing during feeding time. For instance, start by breastfeeding your child at the same time daily, then decrease the number of feedings with you and let others take over gradually. This will also not make your child or partner less anxious or uncomfortable with the new setting.
Continue pumping
Since you are taking a break from breastfeeding but are not stopping, it is essential to continue expressing milk whenever possible. This will ensure two things. First, your baby will get the nutrients from breast milk even when you are on a break. Secondly, breast milk production will not be an issue when you start breastfeeding again. So, research well about suitable and comfortable breast pumps to maximize breast milk production. A good pump will always come in handy!
You might feel a little guilty initially about taking a break from breastfeeding, which is natural for every mom. However, remember, this is for your and your baby’s overall well-being. So, follow these tips, take a retreat, and enjoy some me time. You will come back refreshed and ready to enjoy motherhood all over again after your breastfeeding break.
