Like many mothers out there, breastfeeding didn’t come easily to me. I fretted about everything: Is she getting enough milk? Why is she nursing so often? Why does it hurt so much when everything I’ve read told me it shouldn’t hurt? Am I eating the right things? Are my boobs destined to look like missiles from now on? In a fit of defeat, I contacted a lactation consultant, and that decision made all the difference in the world.
Read on for answers to all the questions and concerns you may have when it comes to nourishing your baby.
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Can I prevent mastitis? What are the early signs?
Mastitis is somewhat preventable. It has to do with how much milk you are producing and emptying. Feed baby as often as he or she needs — and forget about feeding the freezer. The important thing to remember is there is nothing wrong with your milk. Keep feeding or pumping through the pain!
The early signs are red, tender spots on the breast followed by fever and chills. See your health care provider as early as you can, and keep feeding that baby!
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What does a good latch look like?
In early infancy, a good latch may look like a mouth full of areola (the dark tissue around the nipple), baby’s nose touching the breast, and a widely opened mouth. The nipple should be on the top of the palate, so baby is not flicking the nipple up to the top of his or her mouth. If this is happening, you may hear a clicking sound while baby is feeding.
Can diet and exercise affect my supply?
Taking care of yourself is wildly important while breastfeeding; however, putting undue strain on your body can negatively affect your supply. If you were working out regularly before baby was born, continue as soon as you feel able and have clearance from your physician. If you were fairly sedentary prior to delivery, slowly ease your way into a new diet or exercise regimen. And be sure to consult your provider.
Remember to continue taking your prenatal vitamin throughout your breastfeeding experience. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and expect to feel ravenous during those early weeks.
Is it supposed to hurt? Feel uncomfortable?
It’s different for every woman. Some women do not experience any pain at all. Hopefully, this is you.
Others have soreness due to increased stimulation of their nipples. However, it’s important to remember that stimulation should NOT lead to cracked or bleeding nipples. Inspect them after each feeding. At the first sign of breakdown or blisters, get on the horn with a lactation consultant. A little help could alter your entire experience!
I had a boob reduction/augmentation. Can I breastfeed?
The short answer is YES! A boob job is not a death sentence for breastfeeding. But, the longer answer is it’s not always guaranteed.
Your body produces milk based on hormones, which are stimulated based on the sensation your brain receives from nerves. Many times during a reduction or augmentation, nerves are damaged. They can regrow, but it takes a very long time. If you’ve had any kind of surgery and wish to breastfeed, don’t be afraid to give it a shot!
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My baby is nursing frequently. Is this normal?
Most likely! Human milk is made up of awesome stuff that babies digest easily. This means they digest and absorb nutrients quickly. Pair this speedy digestion with tiny tummies not able to handle significant volume, and you may find yourself nursing frequently.
Let me leave you with this: If you’re feeding around the clock (think every hour on the hour), please don’t wait to have a discussion with a lactation consultant. You want to make sure baby is using that time to get what is needed from you in an efficient manner.
My baby coughs or chokes during letdown. Can I do anything to help? Should I be worried?
Some women mirror Niagara Falls when they let down, while others resemble a babbling brook. For those resembling the former, try reclining through the first part of letdown to slow the flow, so that baby is sucking “uphill.”
Another option may be to remove baby from the breast when you feel the tingle of the letdown, and catch the renegade milk in a washcloth for a few seconds before bringing baby back to the breast.
Sometimes babies just need to grow a bit older and wiser to manage an active letdown. Don’t worry, it WILL get better.
However, if you consistently notice coughing, choking, watery eyes, oral spillage of milk, wide eyes, sounds of stress, color changes (think blotchy skin), or gurgled/wet vocal quality following a feed, please discuss this with your pediatrician. These symptoms may indicate your baby is aspirating, or getting milk in his or her trachea and/or lungs during feeding.
I’m worried baby isn’t getting enough. How the heck do I know?
When babies are hungry, they are tense and seem agitated. After they feed, their fists relax and go limp. They should look “milk drunk” after feeding.
Many times, you can hear a baby swallow while nursing. When the sucks become smaller and not as wide, you will no longer hear swallowing. Now the decision is yours: To be or not to be a pacifier? It’s up to you, mama.
In addition, you will probably feel hard or “full” before a feeding. If this is the case, then you will feel empty after a feeding. Rest assured that baby has had a successful feeding. You can help baby along by doing gentle breast compressions while he or she is at the breast. This increases access to milk, and subsequently fills your baby’s belly!
Finally, baby should make 8 – 10 wet diapers and a couple poopy diapers per day. You may see less poo, but you should never see fewer wet diapers. Wet diapers are a telltale indicator he or she is getting enough from you!
Your doctor or pediatrician is a GREAT resource! The office has a scale, and it’s always accurate. If you’re concerned about how much milk baby is receiving, please call and pop in for a weight check. If baby is gaining nicely, you can give yourself a pat on the back! If not, call that friendly lactation consultant to troubleshoot what may be happening.
A lactation consultant can perform a “weigh feed weigh” in which you weigh before a feed, feed your baby, then weigh afterwards. That should tell you almost exactly how much your baby drank.
I feel like this is supposed to be natural and easy, but I can’t do it. I feel like a failure.
Breastfeeding is something both you and baby will learn and get the hang of as you go. It’s not always hard, and it’s not always easy, but you CAN do it. Reach out for help. If you don’t receive the help you need, ask again or find someone else who may be able to guide you. There’s nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion.
Are there any must-haves for a first-time breastfeeding mom?
I recommend finding pillows you like, a spot you favor, and feeding the same way every time when getting started. Lanolin might be helpful post-feeding, but it is greasy and can stain clothing.
What is a tongue/lip tie, and how does it impact breastfeeding?
A tongue tie is when an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth. A lip tie is when the upper lip is tethered to the upper gum by a thick band of tissue. Both restrict the movement of the tongue or lip.
Of the two, a tongue tie is the most impactful when breastfeeding. Babies who are tongue-tied may have problems latching to the breast, and may overcompensate with increased suction. This leads to nipple damage and pain.
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When baby can no longer maintain a latch through suction, you may notice a click and slight loss of suction, or the baby may completely detach from the breast. This may cause pain, and also affect baby’s ability to adequately drain the breast, leading to supply issues.
In very young infants, both tongue and lip ties are easily correctable, so schedule a consult with an ENT or pediatric dentist. Be sure to check with your lactation consultant first — a tongue tie may not be the issue hindering your success in breastfeeding!
I’m an older mom. Will my age impact my supply?
Remember, milk production is based on hormones, whether you’re 19 or 45. Know that the biggest predictor of supply is stimulation and milk removal. If you want more milk, more stimulation and more frequent milk removal is in order! A friendly tip: Stimulate (nurse or pump) more often, not for longer periods of time.
Will it get easier with time?
Absolutely! The learning that occurs between mom and newborn usually lasts two to four weeks. After this learning curve, you both know exactly what to do. I promise, the harder work is at the beginning.
I’ve heard of nipple confusion. Should I avoid pacifiers and bottles? If so, for how long?
Nipple confusion has gotten a bad rap, in my opinion. Babies are smart; they’re not confused. That hard, silicone nipple offers instant gratification far easier than the breast. But, I promise your baby will prefer the breast and closeness to you over a synthetic nipple, if given the choice.
The goal is for baby to go back and forth easily between bottle and boob. So, introduce the bottle for one feeding per day, while breastfeeding the rest of the time.
Pacifiers are a great tool; however, they have been linked to shorter duration of breastfeeding. It may be mom or caregiver are not reading baby’s cues of hunger. If baby is crying, try to determine why, rather than plugging that hole! But remember, it’s okay to do that from time to time — especially if you know he or she recently fed well.
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My nips are on fire! What can I use to heal them that is safe for baby?
First, be sure you have a proper latch. If you don’t, it won’t matter what kind of balm, oil, salve, or witch’s brew you use. My best advice would be to dab a little breastmilk (for its antibiotic properties) on your nipples, let them dry, and rub on some lanolin. Then, let those puppies air dry as much as possible! If you notice cracking or bleeding, see your healthcare provider to ensure there’s no infection.
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