Guest Blog Written By Yummy Mummy: Katie Wickham
Breastfeeding is an amazing way to nourish your child; it is important for both of you for so many reasons. This amazing gift you can give your child should be easy, the baby should come out and take to breastfeeding perfectly and stay that way for however long you choose to breastfeed, Right? If only that were the case for everyone! Breastfeeding is often a huge learning curve for both Mom and Baby. The frustrations that are common in the early weeks can be exacerbated by the normal hormone fluctuations you experience, lack of sleep, self-doubt, naysayers and plain old exhaustion.
I wish I knew some of what I am going to share with you before starting on my breastfeeding journey 5 years ago with my preterm twins.
- Prepare mentally for breastfeeding. It sounds silly, but a positive attitude can make all the difference in the world. Firstly, if you have had a previous experience with breastfeeding, analyze what was good and bad about your experience. Let go of any remaining emotions or guilt that may still be present. It may help to discuss your previous experience with a Lactation Consultant and see if there was anything that could have been done differently that you may want to change this time around. Similarly, if this is your first experience, think about any concerns you have and discuss them prenatally with a Lactation Consultant. Many Moms have it in their head that they may not be able to breastfeed because of something like a flat nipple, or someone else in their family who couldn’t, but there are many things that can be done to remedy these concerns. Setting yourself a reasonable breastfeeding goal may also be helpful. I am going to try really hard with support to get to 3 months, or whatever makes sense for you. This goal can be constantly moved further as things get easier with time. If you enjoy reading books the book “The Motherly Art of Nursing” by La Leche League is a fantastic book to read prior to deliver or after for support. Lastly, know who your supporters are and turn to them postpartum, whether they are friends, family or a Lactation Consultant.
- Try to minimize interventions in labour. This includes things like, IV fluids, early epidural use, induction, and caesarean section. Obviously some of these cannot be avoided sometimes, and if they do happen it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to breastfeed. The fewer interventions, the easier the breastfeeding should be.
- Spend lots of time skin to skin and start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. Your baby will be alert and ready to feed the first two hours after birth; thanks to a healthy release of hormones during labour. Take advantage of this time and snuggle close. Your partner can do skin to skin if you are unable to due to a caesarean section. Initiating breastfeeding during these first 2 hours has been shown to increase breastfeeding success rates. After these initial 2 hours your baby will get sleepy and so will you. So hold off all those excited visitors during this time and enjoy the moment.
- Get help early. If your baby and you are having trouble with latching, ask for help early! Ask your nurse in the hospital for help, or ask to see the hospital Lactation Consultant. Make sure you get a good latch each time to prevent damage; it can make future nursing sessions more painful even with a good latch. Hand express a small amount of colostrum after each feed and rub it on your nipple and areola, allow it to air dry to help protect and heal nipples. If you have damage on your nipples, you have been having a difficult time in the hospital breastfeeding, you are supplementing or you are using a nipple shield or tube at the breast; early access of community support from a lactation consultant is crucial to a successful breastfeeding journey.
- Start hand expressing as soon as possible after birth if any of the following is happening: your baby is very sleepy (and not feeding well), having trouble latching, or separated from you due to health concerns; this will help with your milk supply. Ask your nurse or hospital Lactation Consultant how to hand express. If the difficulties continue or you are going to be separated for a while, start pumping with a hospital grade pump. If you need to pump, ensure you speak with a lactation consultant for tips on how to establish your supply and properly remove milk from your breasts using a pump. Spend as much time as possible skin to skin if your baby is having trouble latching or separated from you, this will help with your milk supply and help wake up a sleepy baby.
- Ask about what is normal. If you are concerned about something, ask friends, family, or a lactation consultant what is normal. There are many things that cause Moms worry but are totally normal. Things like cluster feeding, fussy evenings, growth spurts, and changes in your breasts; to mention a few. Hearing from other Moms, or an expert like a lactation consultant, can help you rest at ease or provide you with tips for how to get through these norms.
- Hang in there! Get that support if you are feeling frustrated, and use those supporters you have surrounded yourself with to be your cheerleaders. When everything is right (latch, supply, etc.) breastfeeding will just continue to get better! Your baby becomes more efficient at feeding and you both get the hang of things… and each other.
I am always happy to answer questions or provide support!
www.babiesfirstlactation.com
Katie Wickham BScN RN, IBCLC
awesome blog! good advice!