Overcoming Struggles with Breastfeeding
Becoming a new mom brings a fair share of challenges. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is also a learned skill—for both mother and baby—that doesn’t always come easily. If you’re struggling with latching issues, concerns about milk supply, or simply feeling overwhelmed, know that these challenges are common. With the right guidance and support, like that provided by the lactation consultants at The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center, you can navigate these difficulties and find a path that works best for you and your baby.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is so beneficial. Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” because it’s packed with nutrients, antibodies, and essential elements that support your baby’s growth and immune system. According to Laura Baisch, a lactation consultant at The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center, “breast milk is such a dynamic substance. It adapts to your baby’s needs at every stage and it’s designed to be the perfect food with everything in it your baby needs to develop a strong body and mind. But despite its natural benefits, breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally to every mother or baby. It’s a skill that needs to be learned, and it can take time for both of you to get the hang of it.”
Common Challenges and Solutions
Many new moms face challenges like sore nipples, difficulty with latching, or concerns about milk supply. A majority of women will experience some breastfeeding discomfort and one or two problems along the way however most of the issues faced are common and can be addressed with the right support. Below are some of the most common breastfeeding challenges the BirthPlace lactation consultants encounter and their tips for overcoming them.
1. Latching Issues
One of the most frequent problems new moms encounter is difficulty with latching. A good latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing discomfort. If your baby is having trouble latching, Laura Baisch recommends trying different positions, such as the football hold or the cross-cradle hold, to see which one helps your baby latch better. Sometimes, a small adjustment can make a big difference.
CMC Lactation Insider Tips
- Use your hands along with feedings/pumpings. Hand expression is an effective way to stimulate milk production. It helps ensure that your breasts are fully drained, which signals your body to produce more milk. This can be particularly useful in the early days of breastfeeding when establishing a strong milk supply is crucial.
- Offer Both Breasts at Every Feeding: It’s important to encourage your baby to nurse from both breasts during each feeding. While it’s normal for a baby to occasionally nurse from only one breast, consistently favoring one side can lead to a decrease in overall milk supply. If your baby isn’t nursing on both sides regularly, consider pumping the other breast to relieve pressure and help maintain your milk supply until your baby begins feeding more evenly.
- Limit Bottles and Pacifiers in the Early Weeks: To avoid nipple confusion and to ensure that your baby fully establishes a breastfeeding routine, try to limit the use of bottles and pacifiers during the first few weeks. These can interfere with your baby’s latch and may reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions, which can negatively impact milk production.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider About Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec, and certain hormonal contraceptives, can significantly reduce milk supply. Always discuss any medications you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider to understand their potential impact on breastfeeding.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Your health and well-being directly affect your ability to produce milk. Ensure you are getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding substances like alcohol and nicotine, which can negatively impact milk production. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends to manage stress and allow you to focus on both your own health and your baby’s needs.
2. Low Milk Supply
Concern about producing enough milk is another common worry. According to our BirthPlace lactation experts, the best way to maintain or boost your milk supply is by breastfeeding or pumping at regular intervals. Avoid long gaps between feedings, as this can signal your body to produce less milk. Baisch also suggests staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and considering lactation-boosting foods like oats and leafy greens. However, she cautions against relying too heavily on supplements without consulting a healthcare provider.
CMC Lactation Insider Tips
- Ensure an Effective Latch: A proper latch is essential for effective breastfeeding. Your baby should take in not just the nipple but also a significant portion of the surrounding breast tissue. This ensures that your baby can effectively extract milk, which in turn signals your body to increase milk production. If you’re unsure about your baby’s latch, consult with a lactation consultant who can offer personalized guidance.
- Extend Nursing Sessions: Encourage your baby to nurse for at least 10 minutes on each breast during every feeding. Keeping your baby actively sucking throughout the session is important. You can gently stimulate your baby to stay awake by tickling their feet, talking to them, or switching breasts when they begin to doze off.
- Incorporate Pumping: Using a breast pump after and between feedings can provide extra stimulation to your breasts, which can help to increase milk supply. Pumping after your baby has finished feeding ensures that your breasts are thoroughly drained, encouraging your body to produce more milk. Additionally, pumping between feedings can help boost supply by mimicking additional feeding sessions. However, please speak to one of our lactation consultants at CMC if your baby is less than a month old as we want to ensure the latch is correct.
3. Sore Nipples and Engorgement
Sore nipples and engorgement can make breastfeeding painful. To alleviate sore nipples, ensure that your baby is latching correctly, as a poor latch is often the culprit. Applying lanolin cream or using hydrogel pads can also provide relief. For engorgement, Baisch advises nursing frequently and using warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses afterward to reduce swelling.
CMC Lactation Insider Tips
- Break Suction Gently: Before removing your baby from the breast, it’s important to gently break the suction by inserting a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth. This prevents any discomfort or potential nipple damage that can occur if the latch is broken abruptly.
- Offer Short, Frequent Feedings: Rather than waiting for your baby to get very hungry, offer shorter and more frequent breastfeeding sessions. This approach can help minimize discomfort for both you and your baby and encourages consistent milk production.
- Start with the Least Sore Breast: If you’re experiencing soreness, begin each breastfeeding session on the side that is less painful. Your baby’s initial sucking is usually the strongest, so starting on the less sore breast can help you manage discomfort better.
- Express Milk Before Nursing: Before you begin breastfeeding, express a small amount of breast milk to soften the breast tissue. This can make it easier for your baby to latch on properly and can also help reduce the initial pressure and forcefulness of the letdown, making feeding more comfortable for your baby.
- Relieve Fullness with Pumping or Hand Expression: If your baby isn’t breastfeeding effectively or you still feel engorged after a feeding, use a breast pump or hand expression to remove excess milk. This will help relieve pain and pressure, preventing issues like clogged ducts or mastitis while maintaining your milk supply. Please consult with one of our lactation consultants to assess milk transfer and latch.
4. Returning to Work
Transitioning back to work can be a significant challenge for breastfeeding moms. Pumping at work is essential to maintain your milk supply. The lactation consultants at The BirthPlace at CMC recommend starting to pump and store milk about four weeks before returning to work. This gives you time to build up a supply and get comfortable with your pump. At work, try to pump at the same times your baby would normally feed to keep your supply steady.
CMC Lactation Insider Tips
- Communicate with Your Employer: Discuss your need for regular pumping breaks and a private space to pump. The law protects your right to breastfeed, so ensure your workplace is accommodating.
- Stay Organized: Have a checklist for your pump parts, storage bags, and a cooler to keep your milk fresh during the workday. Keeping everything organized reduces stress and ensures nothing is forgotten.
5. Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding in public can be daunting due to societal pressures and personal discomfort. Baisch encourages moms to practice at home with a cover or in front of a mirror to build confidence. Remember, breastfeeding is your right, and with time, it will become more comfortable.
CMC Lactation Insider Tips
- Wear Nursing-Friendly Clothing: Choose tops or dresses that allow for easy access, such as those with discreet openings or layers, to make breastfeeding in public more convenient.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the laws in your area that protect your right to breastfeed in public. This knowledge can boost your confidence and reassure you while nursing outside the home.
- Find a Comfortable Spot: Look for quiet, comfortable places to breastfeed, such as a bench in a park or a designated nursing room, to make the experience more relaxed for both you and your baby.
- Stay Calm and Focused: If you feel anxious, take a deep breath and focus on your baby. Remember that feeding your child is the priority, and most people will be supportive or not even notice.
Mental Health Considerations
Breastfeeding can be stressful, and it’s crucial to take care of your mental health during this time. Laura emphasizes that new moms should be aware of the signs of postpartum depression (PPD), which can include feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center incorporates mental health screenings into their postnatal care to help identify mothers who may be struggling. Early intervention can make a big difference, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Getting Support
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Laura Baisch and her team at The BirthPlace offer lactation consultations to help you overcome any challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s a quick question or ongoing support, they’re there for you seven days a week, even after you’ve gone home from the hospital. They also offer free breastfeeding classes, where you can learn more about what to expect and connect with other new moms.
Remember, breastfeeding is a journey, and every mom’s experience is unique. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you both learn and grow together. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek out the support you need to make breastfeeding a positive experience for you and your baby.
For more information and resources, you can visit the Conway Medical Center website or contact our lactation consultants directly at The BirthPlace.
CMC Lactation Consultants Are Here For You
Breast milk is the optimal choice for infant nutrition due to its unique composition and health benefits, we understand that at times breastfeeding can be challenging, that is why we want you to know that our lactation consultants and counselors are here for you. At the BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center, we provide free Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes to help support you on your journey. We have full-time lactation support 7 days a week and we provide free outpatient lactation consultations after discharge, should you have any challenges or concerns.
Contact Us
Laura Baisch, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
843-234-5037
laura.baisch@cmc-sc.com
Kathryn Gill, RN, RNC-OB, IBCLC, CBC, CLC
Lactation Consultant
843-234-5037
kathryn.gill@cmc-sc.com
Interested in learning more about breastfeeding?
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