Booby Traps

The top 5 pitfalls of breastfeeding and how to avoid them

Pitfall 2: Forfeiting Midnight Feedings
"Honey," your husband says sweetly one morning, putting his hand on your exhausted shoulder, "why don't you pump some extra milk today and I'll get up with the baby tonight so you can sleep?" Music to your ears, undoubtedly--but not necessarily a terrific plan in the feeding scheme. "It's a lovely thought," admits Harvey's business partner, Wendy Haldeman, R.N., C.L.C., co-owner of the Pump Station. "But if a mother consistently sleeps when her baby needs to be fed, her milk supply may drop."

If your kind and thoughtful spouse extends this generous offer, thank him profusely and suggest a compromise: He can retrieve the little noisemaker, change her, bring her to you and then return her to her crib or bassinet once the feeding is over. And when you're craving a delicious slice of slumber, keep your eye on the prize (untold health benefits for your baby and you) and remind yourself that it won't be long before the midnight buffet closes permanently.