What to Do When Some People in Your Life Don’t Support Your Breastfeeding Decision

Even though breastfeeding is the most natural source of your baby’s food, it’s still not universally acknowledged. Some people still feel uncomfortable about it, others have difficulty talking about it, and some are actually adverse to breastfeeding. But what if these people are people who are close to you? Like your husband or your co-workers? What do you do? We’ve listed down some things that might help you.

Baby and Breakfast: Breastfeeding What to Do When Some People in Your Life Don't Support Your Breastfeeding Decision

 

Find out why they're unsupportive

One of the first things you can do when you find out that someone is unsupportive of your breastfeeding decision is to find out why. Don’t immediately jump on the defensive wagon, but rather, try to understand where the person is coming from. Does your husband feel like he’ll be left out? Is your mother-in-law worried that your baby won’t have get the proper nutrition he or she needs? Maybe your friends don’t know much about it. Whether it’s your husband, a relative, a friend, or a co-worker, find out why they think the way they do, and try to tackle each of their reasons logically.

 

List down the benefits

Once you know their reasons, then it’s time to tell them your own. You don’t have to literally write a list, and whip it out every time you talk to someone. If they’re willing to talk about it, you can explain the benefits breastfeeding provides your baby with. It’s the best nutrition for your baby, it’s always available, ready, the perfect temperature, free. It also gives you and your baby precious bonding time, and the list goes on. Try to make them see all the advantages and joys of breastfeeding, and how you want only the best for your child. Besides, you wouldn’t be doing anything that would harm your child, right?

 

Do further research

While some people may be unsupportive of you breastfeeding, always try to hear them out–their hearts are in the right place after all. But, it’s also never a bad thing to be prepared. If you feel like you need more than the benefits, doing further research on the statistics of breastfeeding and breastfeeding rights can help. For your peace of mind, know that our local government has passed laws that will make it easier for you to breastfeed. So if there are some people who bother you about it, gently but firmly remind them about your rights as a breastfeeding mom.

 

Talk to a professional

To help you counter any feelings of doubt and insecurity, try talking to a lactation specialist. A lactation specialist is not only a professional who has studied about breastfeeding, but also someone who can help shed light on other aspects about breastfeeding. You can talk about what happens when you breastfeed, and how to increase milk supply (if needed). An expert can also reinforce your own research, and make you more confident in your decision. Not only will you be able to get the lowdown on breastfeeding, but you’ll be able to get the validation you need as well.

 

Find people you look up to

Besides talking to an expert, another thing you can do to inspire and motivate yourself is to look for people you look up to. They can be friends, celebrities, or even a person you admire on social media. You don’t have to necessarily have a chat with them. Look up their story, read about their experience and what they had to say about it, and find inspiration from that.

 

Look for a support group

If there are people around you who don’t support you, what do you do? Why you find people who will support you of course! There are many avenues to find breastfeeding support groups. Today, everyone’s going back to what’s healthy and organic, and there has been an increase in the number of people who believe in and breastfeed. Try to find someone in your group or circle you can talk to about it. You can ask your other breastfeeding mom friends, and you can look online for forums, communities, and other groups. Surround yourself with a tribe of supportive people who will help you combat the negativity you face and give you the motivation you need.

 

Yes, it’s always tough when people in your life don’t support your decisions, but that doesn’t mean that you’re making the wrong choice. Always try to find motivation to keep doing what you’re doing. Because at the end of the day, breastfeeding is a commitment and a choice that you decide to make.

 

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