Guidance for smoother breastfeeding journeys!
Breastfeeding offers significant benefits for both babies and mothers. This is why leading health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding for six months and continuing after introducing complementary feeding. Breast milk antibodies strengthen infants’ immune systems and help protect against illnesses and diseases including ear infections, stomach viruses, asthma, obesity, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome. As for mothers, breastfeeding may support postpartum weight loss and has been associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Despite its profound pros, for many families, breastfeeding can feel anything but easy. Between exhaustion, latch issues, pain and worries about milk supply, the first few weeks in particular can bring challenges. “While breastfeeding is biologically natural, the process itself is not always intuitive,” says Chastain Park resident Shea Fleming, a pediatrician at Peachtree Park Pediatrics. “It typically requires a learning curve.”
To help prepare for and possibly overcome any obstacles to breastfeeding, Fleming provides the following advice.
The Learning Curve
First and foremost, gain an understanding of what lies ahead by taking a breastfeeding class led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant while pregnant. “Identifying what types of hurdles you may encounter is helpful,” Fleming says, as is having an idea of the basics of good latching positions and how partners can provide support. She also recommends talking to other mothers who breastfed, or tried to, to hear different stories and perspectives. “Everybody’s journey is different,” she says.
Common Challenges
Know that some pain and latch difficulties are normal in the early days—and help is available. Have tools such as lanolin cream, cold therapy gel packs and nursing pillows at the ready. Seek out your IBCLC and/or pediatrician right away for everything from engorgement, where the breasts are overly full, to cracked nipples, which can happen because of an improper latch. A fever may mean infection and needs immediate attention from a healthcare provider.
Milk Supply Matters
Many parents worry whether their baby is getting enough milk. Pediatricians monitor infant weight gain closely, which Fleming says remains the “gold standard” for assessing whether feeding is effective. “The general principle is supply and demand; the more the infant feeds, the more the body supplies,” she says. “As the baby gets older, they may eat more efficiently and may be satisfied in less time, and the mother’s breasts may be softer and feel less full, so it’s ever evolving.”
For sleepy or premature babies who struggle to nurse efficiently, pumping may help maintain supply while conserving baby’s energy. Additionally, supplementing with or switching to formula may be necessary depending on the situation, and that’s OK.
Practice Self-Care
Stress, poor sleep and inadequate nutrition and water intake can all affect milk production. Fleming encourages parents to rest whenever possible and lean on support systems. “Be as nice to yourself in the postpartum period as you are to other people,” Fleming says. “Give yourself some grace, get rest, eat enough calories and let others help you. Things will get better and make more sense.”
PEACHTREE PARK PEDIATRICS
404.351.1131
peachtreeparkpeds.com
@peachtreeparkpediatrics
