There are so many myths surrounding feeding our babies, and if you do choose to breastfeed, there will be countless offers of advice from everyone you meet…
My husband, instead of suggesting I wasn’t making enough milk and offering formula, offered instead to cut up my meals, make my tea, and bathe the baby to bond without bottles.
My friends and family didn’t mind if I breastfed in front of them, never once suggesting I’d be more comfortable elsewhere. They understand I often miss evening events as my children need me at bedtime, and they arrive at morning events with coffee in tow to soothe my weary brain.
Perhaps most importantly, I knew where to turn when things went wrong. There are so many myths surrounding feeding our babies, and if you do choose to breastfeed, there will be countless offers of advice from everyone you meet, from doctors, to family members, to usually well-meaning, but so often misinformed strangers at the grocery store!
If you want to breastfeed, please be selective with the advice you take. Like the old adage, too many cooks in the kitchen, there are so many conflicting, and damaging ideas about feeding our babies, it can be really difficult to wade through the sea of advice.
There is well qualified help available, and if in doubt, please contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline, available 24/7, on 1800 686 286, or contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Haylee Hackenberg is a writer, a pre-service teacher and a Mama to two. Striving for gentle, and sharing adventures of their little life on Instagram and Facebook.
