If Breastfeeding Were a Rom-Com
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Imagine: The first few weeks of BREASTFEEDING are captured in a ROMANTIC COMEDY-esque film.
What would you call it?
...How to Lose Your Confidence in 10 Days?
...Sleepless in Seattle?
...Groundhog Day?
...Clueless?
Can you see it? Obstacles to overcome. Tears to shed. Choices to make. And of course, a last-minute epiphany and resolution.
If only the breastfeeding journey were as predictable. Even Nora Ephron couldn’t write her way out of this one. Truth is, you can’t completely plan for a fairy tale breastfeeding journey, but you CAN be prepared to face some of the obstacles that arise.
Breastfeeding Red Flags in the First Three Weeks (aka While Your Were NOT Sleeping)
A lot of new moms experience discomfort in the first few weeks of breastfeeding: engorgement, sore or sensitive nipples, all while trying to recover from birth and acclimate to life with a baby.
A few things to look out for:
Nipple pain
Cracked & bleeding nipples
Hot & tender breasts
Call your OB, midwife, doula or lactation consultant. These may be signs of an infection or a baby latching poorly, which can lead to a whole host of problems. In general, if something doesn’t feel right with breastfeeding, call someone for help.
Postpartum doulas can help you recognize these red flags and refer you to an appropriate provider. Zipmilk.org is also a great resource for local lactation experts. Lastly, Kelly Mom is a great resource for people wanting evidence-based information on breastfeeding.
What to Do When Breastfeeding Isn’t Easy (aka 10 Things I Hate About Breastfeeding)
Breastfeeding is touted as a “natural” or “instinctive” thing for the baby and lactating person. It is something that’s been done for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It takes practice and persistence. And, depending on your situation, you may have risk factors for lactation problems. Not to worry: Knowledge is power. Read more below about what to do when you get to those plot twists.
Obstacle: I’m stressed, my baby is crying and I can’t figure this out!
Resolution: First off, let that oxytocin hormone flow. Take some deep and cleansing breaths, drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw. Let a partner or loved one hold the baby while you reset. Relaxation helps the flow of oxytocin, which in turn triggers the milk ejection reflex in your breast. You can also ask your postpartum doula or lactation consult about comfortable breastfeeding positions.
Obstacle: My baby’s latch is painful.
Resolution: Your baby should have a deep, wide, asymmetrical latch. A shallow latch will be painful and will also not allow your baby to get as much milk as they can. To get a wide latch, tickle the baby’s upper lip with your nipple. This encourages the baby’s rooting reflex. Once they open their mouth wide, you can guide their head onto your breast, making sure most of their mouth is covering the areola. If their lips are still pursed or the latch is shallow or painful, gently break the suction by sticking your pinky finger between their lips and your breast and try again.
Obstacle: My breasts are engorged! It’s making my nipples appear almost flat and my baby is having a tough time latching.
Resolution: Use reverse pressure softening to reduce swelling and assist your baby in a better latch. This entails pushing with gentle but firm pressure with two fingers on the left and right sides of the nipple, holding for about 30 seconds, then doing that in another position. Engorgement can also occur in people who have had longer labors and therefore, longer exposure to IV fluids and/or IV pain meds that can cause breast edema.
Obstacle: I have flat nipples. My baby is having a tough time latching.
Resolution: Talk to your provider before or shortly after you give birth. For example, you could start using a nipple shield, but only after the recommendation of a medical professional. You can also try to Lansinoh latch assist nipple everter right before feeding your baby.
Obstacle: I have a really forceful letdown and my baby is practically choking on my milk when I first start nursing.
Resolution: Check out the “laid back” or “side-lying” positions for breastfeeding. You can also nurse until your letdown occurs and catch the forceful flow in a Haakaa milk collector, burp cloth or diaper, then bring your baby back to the breast after the forceful flow has passed.
Obstacle: I think my milk supply is lower than it should be.
Resolution: To establish solid breastfeeding supply, you will have to feed your baby 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. In the first six to eight weeks postpartum, your body is really figuring out how much “supply” to create for your baby’s feeding “demands.” After that, it sort of levels off. Remember, it won’t always be like this. Anytime the baby gets formula, you still need to stimulate the breast (ex: if they get a bottle, use the pump). If you are concerned about your milk supply you can: you are concerned about your milk supply, you can:
Reach out to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or Infant Feeding Specialist
Do a weighted feed (weighing baby before and right after breastfeeding)
Look for 6 to 8 wet diapers as a sign that baby is getting enough to eat
Obstacle: I have some risk factors for lactation problems (e.g. large nipple, small baby, inverted nipples, have had breast reduction surgery). What should I know about feeding?
Resolution: Before you have a baby, consult with an IBCLC who can work with you to establish a support system. This way, your IBCLC will be ready to provide you with strategies if problems present themselves in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. To note, there are some other potential risk factors for lactation challenges, including:
hypothyroidism
type 1 and type 2 diabetes
cystic fibrosis
a history of infertility
maternal age (first-time moms over 35)
Obstacle: Most of my social and family circle isn’t supportive of my breastfeeding goals.
Resolution: Set yourself up with a postpartum doula, ideally before giving birth. Research and join (virtual or in-person) breastfeeding support groups in your area. Find your circle!
Watch out world, you’re ready to be that leading lady, fast-talking and funny best friend, or supportive partner in your favorite film. Coming soon!
For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com
