Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of nurturing and bonding with your baby, but certain habits can inadvertently affect your baby’s health and well-being. While many new mothers strive to provide the best for their little ones, it’s essential to be aware of practices that can be detrimental. This article highlights seven common breastfeeding habits that can seriously hurt your baby, explains why they are harmful, and provides guidance on how to correct them to ensure a healthier breastfeeding experience.

1. Ignoring Proper Latch Techniques

Why It’s Harmful:

A poor latch can lead to inadequate milk transfer, resulting in insufficient nutrition for your baby. Additionally, it can cause nipple pain and damage for the mother, potentially leading to infections.

How to Correct:

Ensure that your baby latches on correctly by having their mouth cover a significant portion of the areola, not just the nipple. Aim for the baby’s chin to touch the breast, and check that their lips are flanged outward. Consult a lactation consultant for assistance with proper latch techniques if needed.

2. Feeding on a Strict Schedule

Why It’s Harmful:

Feeding your baby on a strict schedule rather than on demand can interfere with their natural hunger cues and limit their access to needed nutrition. This approach can also impact milk supply, as milk production is regulated by frequent feeding.

How to Correct:

Feed your baby on demand, responding to their hunger cues rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. Allow your baby to feed as often as they need to ensure they receive adequate nourishment and support healthy milk production.

3. Forgetting to Alternate Breasts

Why It’s Harmful:

Failing to alternate breasts during feeding can lead to imbalanced milk production and may result in one breast becoming engorged or sore. Additionally, it can lead to issues with milk flow and potential discomfort for the baby.

How to Correct:

Alternate which breast you start with during each feeding session to ensure even milk production and reduce the risk of engorgement. Encourage your baby to empty both breasts during each feeding to maintain balance and comfort.

4. Using Bottles or Pacifiers Too Early

Why It’s Harmful:

Introducing bottles or pacifiers before breastfeeding is well established can interfere with your baby’s ability to latch correctly and may lead to nipple confusion. This can impact breastfeeding success and overall feeding experience.

How to Correct:

Wait until breastfeeding is well-established, usually around 4-6 weeks, before introducing bottles or pacifiers. If you need to use them earlier, consult with a lactation consultant for guidance on minimizing potential issues.

5. Not Seeking Help for Persistent Pain

Why It’s Harmful:

Ignoring persistent pain while breastfeeding can lead to further complications, such as cracked nipples or infections. Pain can also affect your ability to continue breastfeeding comfortably and may signal underlying issues that need attention.

How to Correct:

Seek help from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you experience ongoing pain during breastfeeding. Identifying and addressing the cause of the pain is crucial for a positive breastfeeding experience and overall comfort.

6. Skipping Feedings or Inadequate Night Feedings

Why It’s Harmful:

Skipping feedings or not breastfeeding frequently enough, especially at night, can impact milk supply and your baby’s growth. Infrequent feedings can lead to engorgement, clogged ducts, and decreased milk production.

How to Correct:

Avoid skipping feedings and ensure that you breastfeed regularly, including during nighttime hours. This helps maintain milk supply, provides necessary nourishment for your baby, and supports overall breastfeeding success.

7. Neglecting to Practice Good Hygiene

Why It’s Harmful:

Poor hygiene practices can lead to infections for both the mother and baby. Dirty breast pump parts, unclean hands, or improper storage of breastmilk can introduce harmful bacteria and impact your baby’s health.

How to Correct:

Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before breastfeeding or handling breast pump equipment. Clean breast pump parts thoroughly after each use, and store expressed milk properly to prevent contamination.

When to Consult a Doctor

While many breastfeeding issues can be managed at home, there are times when professional guidance is essential.

1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort

• When to Act:
  If you experience ongoing pain or discomfort despite attempting various remedies, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. Persistent issues may require professional assessment and treatment.

2. Concerns About Milk Supply

• When to Act:
  If you have concerns about your milk supply or your baby’s growth, seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can help evaluate your milk production and provide recommendations to address any concerns.

3. Signs of Infection

• When to Act:
  If you notice symptoms of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, consult your doctor. Prompt treatment is important to address infections and prevent complications.

4. Difficulty With Baby’s Latch or Feeding

• When to Act:
  If you encounter persistent issues with your baby’s latch or feeding, a lactation consultant can provide specialized assistance to improve breastfeeding techniques and resolve problems.

Keep in Mind

Breastfeeding can be a learning process for both mother and baby, and understanding common mistakes can help you avoid practices that may harm your baby. By being aware of these harmful habits and implementing the suggested corrections, you can support a healthier and more successful breastfeeding journey. Remember, seeking support from healthcare professionals can provide valuable guidance and ensure that both you and your baby are thriving. Your dedication to improving breastfeeding practices is an important step toward achieving a positive feeding experience for you and your baby.