Most people know that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for feeding a new baby. Unfortunately, however, breastfeeding can be difficult to initiate and maintain. The process doesn’t always seem to be as intuitive and natural as one might expect! There are a few reasons breastfeeding has become so difficult these days. Hectic schedules, stress, and in particular the over-medicalization of the post-partum mother-baby bonding period are the main culprits for failed breastfeeding.
But with the following knowledge and a little support, you can increase your chances of a happy, smooth transition to breastfeeding.
Causes of inadequate milk supply and failed or difficult breastfeeding experiences include improper latching of the baby (and thus insufficient suckling stimulation to the breast), maternal stress, mastitis or other infections, or decreased prolactin production by the anterior pituitary. The following are the most important variables you can control to promote adequate milk supply:
- Learn breastfeeding concepts and techniques before giving birth
- Starting out right to cement good latching habits is the most important aspect of successful breastfeeding.
- Read these invaluable tips for starting out right (pdf) from breastfeeding expert Dr Jack Newman.
- The very first moments after birth are crucial, so pay close attention to Dr Newman’s instructions
- Read other articles and handouts at breastfeedlingonline.com.
- Do not use pacifiers or bottles in the first month of life.
- Make breastfeeding a relaxing routine for mother and baby
- Do whatever you can to relax during breastfeeding. Make it pleasurable and rewarding.
- Calm yourself and focus on your love for your baby. Calmness promotes milk production.
- Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to breastfeed regularly so it gets the attention it deserves.
- Get help from family and friends for everything from doing laundry, to making meals, to massaging your feet, to providing emotional support in the first few weeks post-partum so your life can be as relaxing as possible (despite the lack of sleep!)
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
- Eat a good balanced diet; don’t let yourself be hungry for long periods
- Don’t skip meals. Low blood sugar is stressful!…And it just might interfere with milk production.
- On the same note, avoid spikes and surges in blood sugar by resisting the urge to eat a lot of sugary or processed foods. Reward yourself in moderation and with other, healthier things.
- Follow good, balanced eating patterns.
- Use fenugreek herb if your milk supply is still inadequate after the first five days of breastfeeding
- Remember that it is normal for milk not to “come in” for 2-5 days after giving birth, which can be distressing for new parents.Resist the urge to supplement with a bottle; low milk supply for 2-5 days (and ~ 7% weight loss for bay) is natural and normal.
- Even if you do everything right, milk production may still be low for some women and fenugreek may be necessary.
- Fenugreek stimulates milk production naturally (and often powerfully!), and is safe if used correctly.
- Read about fenugreek here.
- You may want to start low with the fenugreek, taking one capsule every meal time instead of two or three, to avoid overproducing. In the slim chance your milk overproduces because of fenugreek and your breasts become engorged with too much milk, you may be more prone to mastitis, which can lead to another cycle of under-production.
It’s always good to have assistance and support in your efforts to breastfeed. Talk with your doctor about your plans and desires. Get the name and number of a local lactation consultant before you give birth so you can call them in case you want more support or training. You can find a lactation consultant in your area at ilca.org or you can get mom-to-mom support from a local group at La Leche League International. You can also attend training and information meetings with these organizations before you give birth.
Armed with the right information, you can maximize your chances of having a smooth transition to a successful breastfeeding experience for you and your precious little baby.
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