Breastfeeding Can Make Or Break a New Mother: Tips for Success
As an expectant mother, no one tells you that breastfeeding can make or break you as a new mother. We think of breastfeeding as the most natural thing in the world; however, for many new mothers, breastfeeding does not come easy. Not being able to nurse can feel deflating and defeating, but if you are experiencing challenges, know that you are not alone and you are NOT defeated. Many mamas have been right where you are, and it is okay to do what is right for YOU and what you need for YOUR health. It may not always match what you were expecting or what others are telling you to do.
As a new mother, I struggled with breastfeeding and getting a good latch. I felt like I was failing at my first and most vital role as a mother – providing nourishment for my daughter - but what I would love to be able to go back and tell myself in those critical months is that it is all going to be okay and to tap into what my wisdom is saying. It was saying slow down, rest, be at ease, when you are good, your baby is good, too, and there is a reason why we need a village of support - it is a lot to be a new mother and a new family.
Below are breastfeeding tips to help support success:
A breast crawl is a powerful and supportive introduction to breastfeeding intended to take place immediately after birth assuming mom and baby are healthy. A breast crawl occurs when baby is placed on mom’s stomach right after birth. This undisturbed process allows baby to discover her food source, tap into primal instincts, helps support breastfeeding right from the start, and increases bonding between mom and baby.
Skin to skin releases oxytocin to increase bonding and help clamp down the uterus and expelling of the placenta after birth. Skin to skin also helps in the regulation of baby’s temperature, makes baby feel safe, and is best with mom and baby warm (i.e. wrapped in warm blankets). Apgar scores can be taken while baby is on mom.
Your job as a new mom is to get to know your baby. One way is to watch for hunger cues to help you learn when your baby is hungry.
Establish a health latch. Tips to help: 1.) Follow where the breast falls naturally - when you try to pull the breast to baby, then baby is working harder to keep the breast in that position; 2.) Baby’s chin and cheeks should be on the breast and the nipple should be aiming up the nose when baby latches; 3.) Baby’s hands should be free and helping; 4.) Do not hold the back of baby’s head or neck (let gravity do that work) because baby will struggle to get the correct position - below breast, side-lying, or over shoulder feeding can help support baby’s ability to move his head; 5.) When baby is latched, his ear, shoulder and hip should all be aligned.
NOTES: A successful latch is one that does NOT feel pinchy and does NOT cause discoloration or red-marks on your breast. Breastfeeding should not hurt, so if it is, get help from a professional. There should be an audible swallowing sound if milk transfer is going well.
Laid-back positions allow mom to rest while safely breastfeeding. Ensure that baby is in a secure position any time you are breastfeeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: moms should roll onto their side to get up from a laid-back position by bringing their upper leg over to the side to help support the body. Rolling over instead of jack-knifing up and out of bed will help support the pelvic floor and is a preventive for prolapse.
Let gravity work for you. This will vary depending on your situation, but in general, if baby does not have a strong suck, then try to get baby below your breast, so gravity will help with pulling milk out. For over-supply, try placing baby above the breast, so baby will have to suck harder to get the milk out.
Breastmilk makes for a great breast cream to help heal cracked tissue. It is free and always on hand for a nursing mother. Express a little milk after nursing and put it around the nipple and areola.
Use warm compresses (castor oil packs) around breasts after nursing (do not get castor oil on the nipples). Warm compresses can help move lymph to keep breast tissue healthy.
Get plenty of rest. Rest restores mom’s body to support a healthy milk supply.
Clogged ducts and mastitis occur in about 50% of moms who have two or more children that they nurse. These are signs to have mom slow down and rest. Massage, warmth, and manual expression of milk can help assist with clogged ducts or mastitis. It is best to consult with an IBCLC or lactation consultant for support.
If pumping, make sure the pump attachments/flanges are a good fit (nipple should be centered and move freely in and out, there should be a minimal amount of the areola/breast tissue pulling into the flange). Clean attachments/flanges after each use.
As a disclaimer, I am not a lactation specialist or IBCLC practitioner, so please consider this blog my advice from personal experience, resources I have come across as an INNATE Postpartum Care practitioner, and not medical or expert advice.
Lastly, craniosacral therapy (CST) can provide support for those struggling with nursing. CST work can help unwind bunched fascia to allow greater mobility and a stronger latch. For more information on the potential benefits of CST, click here or email me.
About the Author
Danielle Hughes is the Founder of Mothering Life and a mother of two. She is an INNATE Postpartum Care practitioner and provides information and resources to expectant and new mothers, so motherhood can be the celebration that it is meant to be.