When You’re Breastfeeding Handling CriticismAre you a mom, breastfeeding handling criticism from others? You’re not alone.For some reason, some people can be less than supportive when it comes to you nursing your child. Maybe it’s because they don’t understand your desire to breastfeed; or (if it’s a woman) because they weren’t able to breastfeed and feel some guilt over it; or maybe it’s for a host of other reasons you (and possibly they) don’t really know. Before we get into this, please know that this is their problem, not yours. For whatever reason(s) you are breastfeeding handling criticism, try to keep in mind that this is your decision, and that you have the option to continue – or not – regardless of how they feel about it. But I have a feeling that you’re probably reading this because this person is probably someone close to you, whose opinions and support you value, so you need some tips and suggestions on how to deal with breastfeeding handling criticism. If possible, sit down and have a face-to-face chat to find out what exactly is bothering them about why you are nursing your baby. Talk with them – what are their arguments against breastfeeding? Is it because they don’t understand the benefits of breastfeeding?Print out this list of breastfeeding benefits and go through it together to help them understand all of the healthy upsides for both you and your child.Is it because they think your baby’s not getting enough from your breast milk alone?Even though you can’t measure exactly how much your baby is getting during a nursing session, if she’s gaining the appropriate amount of weight and seems content after nursing, explain that there is no reason for concern.But sometimes this argument has a way of planting the seeds of doubt in your mind; so if it helps, schedule a check-up with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is thriving off of your milk, and ask about which signs to look for that you might have a low milk supply or any other issues that might prevent your baby from getting enough nutrition. (Sometimes this is the only way to put concerned grandparents’ minds at ease – if that’s the case, it might even help to bring them along on the appointment so they can hear it firsthand.) Is it because they think breastfeeding is too much of a time suck? (Pardon the pun!)This is a common employer breastfeeding concern. On one hand, they have a valid concern – that you won’t be able to perform your work duties as well when you have to set aside a bit of time each workday to pump (or nurse, if you’re lucky enough to actually get to your baby when it’s time for her to feed).But on the other hand, there are plenty of ways to help your boss understand how you will be able to perform just fine in this situation (check out my tips for talking to your boss about this topic), and in most workplace situations you have a legal right to continue breastfeeding after you return to work. When your husband doesn’t want you to breastfeed...This can be one of the most difficult situations of breastfeeding handling criticism. He’s the person you’re around the most, and the person you need the most support from as you journey through parenthood.My first suggestion? Tell him exactly that. Sometimes all it takes is for him to understand how much you need his love and support during this process. But sometimes, it’s for a bit more...well, selfish reasons. Maybe he doesn’t want to share you, physically or emotionally, especially if he thought things might just “go back to normal” after the pregnancy. Most likely, he’s feeling a bit left out and just needs a little help feeling more included. Just as you need his support, he needs yours as well – here’s a great site with some additional ways you two can get back in sync: www.New-Dad-Guide.com- Friendly advice from a REAL Dad. The New Dad Guide will answer your questions about fatherhood from A to Z and from Head to Toe of the newest member of your family. I know this can make for some tough situations, and perhaps even some uncomfortable discussions. But if you need more help, or if you’re still feeling discouraged, sometimes it helps to talk with other breastfeeding moms to keep up your morale, and if things get really difficult, it never hurts to speak with a counselor or other medical professional – even your pediatrician or family doctor might be a reassuring source to help you get through breastfeeding handling criticism.Stay strong – with some patience and understanding, I hope you and you baby will be able to enjoy a long and successful breastfeeding run! What advice would you give other mothers who are breastfeeding handling criticism?Do you have a personal story that other mothers can learn from? Please share it and let this same situation!
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