From the Archive: Having Trouble Nursing? (March 2019)
Having Trouble Nursing Your Baby? 9 Tips for Moms who breastfeed. When most people talk about breastfeeding, you often hear the usual spiel about it being the “most natural thing” or “the way nature intended.” As true as that may be, what you don’t always hear is: just because it's “the way nature intended,” doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the easiest way to do it or that complications won’t arise. Let’s be honest—at some point in the breastfeeding journey, we all have a very real “WTF” moment... As a mother and a Community Birth Doula, I can tell you, whoever you are, that it’s worth it, but it can be work.
Having Trouble Nursing Your Baby? 9 Tips for Moms who breastfeed.
By Athena Gabriella G of Hija Del Sol Birth Services
When most people talk about breastfeeding, you often hear the usual spiel about it being the “most natural thing” or “the way nature intended.” As true as that may be, what you don’t always hear is: just because it's “the way nature intended,” doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the easiest way to do it or that complications won’t arise. Let’s be honest—at some point in the breastfeeding journey, we all have a very real “WTF” moment... As a mother and a Community Birth Doula, I can tell you, whoever you are, that it’s worth it, but it can be work.
Breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby (or babies) need for sound development as they grow. Not only that, but breastmilk is easier to digest than alternatives, affordable, encourages earnest bonding, and is linked with significantly lower levels of infant illness and chronic conditions (like SIDS, diabetes, and/or allergies). The coolest part (especially for a Biology dweeb such as myself) about breastmilk is that this nectar is a living substance that modifies itself according to your baby’s needs. What’s it made of? Water, fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies (that protect baby from disease).
With my work as a Community Birth Doula the last three years, I’ve dedicated much of my platform, studies, and work to all things related to maternal health. Although I can’t speak for perinatal professionals everywhere, much of my work has led me to suspect lack of education at the root of some of the health disparities we see. I’ve had clients I’ve supported through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum (for lactation support as well). I’ve come across many different hiccups but one thing is for sure: a fed baby is best.
Below are 9 tips to consider if you are about to begin a breastfeeding (or chest-feeding) journey, have been dealing with your fair share of nursing trials and tribulations, feel like you may be experiencing anxiety at the thought of nursing your babe(s), or simply want to educate yourself on the matter.
Get a healthy balance of book advice and advice from experienced nursing moms
As you may know, it's helpful to find time during your pregnancy to educate yourself to further your understanding of what your experience breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) may be like. Asking for book suggestions from your healthcare provider or a perinatal professional could be a great way to find evidence based research to ensure a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Similarly, being open to suggestions from experienced nursing moms can shed some light on an issue in a way a book, blog or online article couldn’t. Most advice stems from a genuine place of wanting to help so try not to let suggestions offend you—try to blend the book knowledge you find with real world experience.
Find you and baby’s most comfortable breastfeeding positions
The more comfortable you are while breastfeeding, the better it is for you and baby. Whether you are feeding one baby or tandem nursing, a release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) encourages bonding and can help relax you (if done comfortably and properly). While every nursing mom and babe(s) will find the positions that lend best to their comfort, some of the go-to nursing positions are referred to as: the cross-cradle hold, cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying hold.
The cross-cradle hold looks like the baby across your lap, one hand behind the babe’s head while the neck rests between thumb and index finger and the palm of your hand is rest between shoulders or upper back. Be sure to use pillows to raise baby to nipple level or support your elbows and arms.
Side-lying hold is a great position for relaxed feeding as you and the babe face each other on your sides. The baby is at nipple (chest) level and you cradle baby with back pressed against your forearm.
The Football hold can be good for nursing one or two babes at the same time. By supporting the baby’s head in your palm and back along the inside of your arm, you can maneuver the baby to be facing your nipple. The baby’s lower body and feet are tucked under your arm and your arm may be stacked on a pillow or two for support. If you have multiple babies, place one baby on each side and follow those guidelines.
Learn your baby’s cues, strengths and weaknesses
Every babe is a bit different which is why learning the meaning behind the cries, moans, sighs, and nonverbal cues are crucial to avoiding unnecessary stress. I’m not saying “don’t stress,” I’m saying stress only what matters to you. While some cries mean different things, try to remember that it is simply a means of communication. Balled up fists have been generally attributed to a sign that most babies are still hungry and unsatisfied. Once they release their fist and reveal an open palm after a feeding, this is generally a nonverbal cue that lets the parent(s) know that baby is satisfied and relaxed.
Don’t let physical conditions or afflictions stop your breastfeeding journey
Struggling with soreness, tenderness, raw skin, painful, and/or bleeding nipples or areolas are not supposed to be a normal part of feeding your child. Though these do happen, figuring out how serious the issue is and then how to stop it from being a major factor in ending the nursing journey is important. Keep nipples moisturized with products safe for human consumption (coconut oil or a safe nipple balm) or by rubbing your breast-milk onto and around the nipple as much as possible. Clogged ducts can be extremely painful if left to harden and lead to even more painful engorgement. Massage the breasts firmly to begin to break up the “rock hard” lumps you may feel as soon as you feel them emerge; emptying the breasts constantly by hand expressing or latching the baby on to eat can help appease this issue.
Another painful occurrence: mastitis—which is the inflammation of the mammary glands generally caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, body aches, fever, chills, and more. Speak with a healthcare provider and seek support from a lactation consultant, doula, midwife, or perinatal professional.
Making “you” time yours—learning to disconnect to create a healthier relationship
The connotation of the terms “new mom” and “experienced mom” tend to insinuate a fictitious spectrum that dictates some range of incompetence to proficiency. There’s no earning a “proficiency” in motherhood. Setting time aside for you is okay and even encouraged. Self-care is just as much of a part of a healthy breastfeeding (or chest-feeding) relationship as anything else. Nursing all day can feel overwhelming. Make it a priority to do one thing daily just for you.
The more you milk ’em, the more milk you’ll get
Don’t assume that waiting longer will mean your body will make more milk. The more you stimulate the breasts, the more milk your body is signaled to produce. Breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis—the more often milk is removed, the more is made.
Pumping moms are still nursing moms
If complications arise, remember that feeding your baby is what matters. Carry a pump when possible or build an emergency supply. A pumping bra can completely change the experience.
Mastering the latch
The way your baby latches can make all the difference. Concerns about weight gain are sometimes not fully assessed through latch evaluation. Issues like tongue tie or lip tie (ankyloglossia) can affect feeding. Seek support from a specialist if needed.
Eat well, eat enough (and then a little more), and stay hydrated
Nursing requires extra nourishment. Breastfeeding can burn 300–500 calories a day. Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to support milk supply and your own health. Consider support from a dietician or nutritionist when possible.
Sometimes the simplest truth remains the same: a fed baby is best.