6 things to keep in mind when visiting a breastfeeding mother

A post on Facebook recently went viral highlighting a list of things to remember when one is visiting a breastfeeding mother.

People tend to feel uncomfortable when they see a woman who is breastfeeding her baby even though it is a natural step in motherhood.

A public page on Facebook named Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland gave out tips on what to do whenever one is near a woman who is breastfeeding her child.

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The six tips posted are quite easy to follow.

First, one must not abruptly stop talking to the mother when she starts breastfeeding her baby. Continue the conversation and keep it casual. Acting normal is the key.

Second, it is respectful to the mother not to leave the room unless she asks you to. Stone exclaimed that breastfeeding mothers already tend to feel isolated and people should never let them think that they have to leave the room all because it makes others uncomfortable.

Cassandra Stone from Scary Mommy wrote, ‘This was probably the biggest issue I encountered while breastfeeding my daughter for 13 months — feeling like I ‘had’ to leave the room to ensure other people were comfortable.’

The third tip, according to the Facebook post, is to tell the mother that she is doing well and that you are proud of her. There are cases when a mother is struggling to breastfeed her child. In this case, the mother needs to have a support system and should receive words of encouragement from others.

The next tip is to bring food and drinks for the mom. It is also better to make the food and pour the drinks for her. Since breastfeeding makes a woman hungry and thirsty, bringing her food and beverages is a kind gesture. Undoubtedly, the mother will appreciate the effort.

The fifth tip stated, ‘If the baby cries, give the baby to mum. Do not attempt to walk around shushing, patting saying it worked for your baby. This baby wants mum.’ Most probably, the baby is hungry and wants to be fed. Giving the infant to the mother is the best solution.

The final tip, as Stone said, is the best one of all: ‘Remember – visiting a breastfed baby may result in exposure to breasts, oxytocin, melatonin and all round feel good hormones.’

Breastfeeding is a natural thing every mother should do. A baby needs food much like everybody else. People should learn not to be uncomfortable around breastfeeding moms.

Would you want to eat alone or while hiding away? Babies should be free to consume their everyday meal whenever and wherever as needed.