How To Thrive While Breastfeeding

It’s very rare that a new mom and her baby just pick up breastfeeding without any hiccups or drama! Let’s just start this conversation off completely transparent, shall we? Because one of the most heartbreaking things I witness all the time, is a new mom struggling to breastfeed and feeling like she’s “failing” her baby.

The main reason this happens is they will have such high expectations for themselves and not realize that it’s not as instinctual as it may seem.

Society also hasn’t done a great job with accommodating new mothers either. We’re not just talking about being in public here. The world is stressful and stress is the number one culprit of “low-supply”. Then you have a limited amount of time for maternity leave, limited protections for pumping in the work place, and so much more.

I’d go on, but my page is for DE-stressing.

So, let’s get you ready for your breastfeeding journey so you can thrive instead of stress!

What To Know About Breastfeeding

1. It can be emotional!

This is for a number of reasons like:

• Hormones
• Postpartum cramps
• Painful engorgement
• Improper Latch
• Cracked/Sore Nipples
• Conflicting feelings about Breastfeeding
• Exhuastion
• Reasons for struggling (like a tongue or lip tie, inverted nipples)

There are so many unexpected feelings when you’re breastfeeding. This is not to say you’ll experience all or even one of these emotional triggers, but it’s best to know it can happen so that you don’t feel caught off guard! Remember, you’ve just had a baby. Be patient with yourself!

If you have a postpartum doula, share your feelings with her for emotional support and possibly some guidance.

Doula Tip: Have written reminders everywhere! Something that says something along the lines of “What I’m experiencing is temporary, slow down and breathe.” It doesn’t have to be exactly that! Just something that will remind you to not beat yourself up, if you are experiencing any of the above.

2. The Amount Of Breast Milk Your Baby Needs

Breast milk is not like formula! They’ll actually need less breast milk compared to the amount of formula they’d be consuming, if they’re formula fed. This is because it is packed with nutrients.

The amount of breast milk a baby needs for each feed can vary depending on several factors, including the age and size of the baby, their individual appetite, and how frequently they are feeding.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Newborns (0-1 month old): Newborns typically consume small amounts of colostrum in the first few days after birth, gradually increasing to around 1 to 3 ounces (30-90 milliliters) per feeding by the end of the first week. However, it’s important to note that newborns feed frequently, often every 2-3 hours, and may even feed more frequently during growth spurts.
• 1-6 months old: As babies grow, their stomach capacity increases, and they may consume larger volumes of breast milk per feeding. A typical range during this age is around 3 to 5 ounces (90-150 milliliters) per feeding, although some babies may take more or less.
• 6+ months old: By the time babies reach 6 months and begin to introduce solid foods, their breast milk intake may start to decrease slightly. However, breast milk or formula remains an important source of nutrition until at least 12 months of age. Babies may still consume around 4 to 6 ounces (120-180 milliliters) per feeding, but individual needs can vary widely.

It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feeding patterns rather than strictly following predetermined amounts. Babies may signal when they are hungry by rooting, sucking on their hands, or showing signs of agitation.

Likewise, they may show signs of fullness by turning away from the breast, slowing down or stopping sucking, and appearing content.

Consulting with a pediatrician or lactation consultant can also provide personalized guidance based on your baby’s specific needs and growth. Remember, this is not medical advice! Only general information to help you as you and your baby navigate your breastfeeding journey.

3. How To Know Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Knowing whether a baby is getting enough breast milk is an important concern for many parents. Here are several signs and indicators that can help you determine if your baby is getting enough breast milk:

• Weight Gain: One of the most reliable indicators of adequate milk intake is steady weight gain. Babies typically regain their birth weight by about 2 weeks of age and continue to gain weight thereafter. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s weight at regular check-ups to ensure healthy growth.
• Diaper Output: A well-fed baby should have an adequate number of wet and soiled diapers each day. In the first few days after birth, before your milk fully comes in, your baby may have fewer wet diapers, but this should increase as your milk supply increases. After about 4-6 days, babies should have at least 6-8 wet diapers per day and regular bowel movements.
• Breastfeeding Patterns: Babies who are getting enough milk typically have regular and satisfying feeding sessions. They may nurse frequently, especially in the early weeks, but they should also have periods of contentment between feeds. Look for signs that your baby is swallowing during feeds, such as rhythmic sucking and swallowing sounds.
• Behavior and Alertness: A well-fed baby is generally alert and responsive when awake. They may have periods of alertness after feeds and show interest in their surroundings. However, it’s normal for newborns to sleep a lot, especially in the first few weeks of life.
• Breast Changes: Pay attention to changes in your breasts and nipples. Engorgement in the early days is common as your milk supply increases, but it should gradually subside as your baby establishes a good latch and feeds effectively. Look for signs of fullness in your breasts, such as softening after a feed.
• Contentment and Growth: A baby who is getting enough milk is generally content and satisfied after feeds. They may have periods of wakefulness and playfulness in addition to sleep. Regular weight gain and growth milestones are also positive indicators.

If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding or milk intake, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or other healthcare provider for guidance and support. They can assess your baby’s feeding patterns, latch, and overall health to ensure that breastfeeding is going well!

What Causes Supply Drops?

One of the biggest emotional triggers is a sudden dip in supply!

It’s important to identify the cause so that appropriate steps can be taken to address the issue. The most common reasons for a sudden drop could be:

• Infrequent or Ineffective Breastfeeding: If a baby is not breastfeeding frequently enough or is not latching properly, it can signal to the body to produce less milk. Ensuring a proper latch and feeding on demand (or at least every 2-3 hours during the newborn stage) can help maintain milk supply. This can be caused by improper technique or most commonly, a tongue/lip tie!
• Supplementing with Formula: Supplementing breastfeeding with formula can lead to a decrease in milk supply because the baby may breastfeed less frequently or for shorter durations. If supplementing is necessary, it’s important to work with a lactation consultant to establish a feeding plan that supports breastfeeding while meeting the baby’s nutritional needs.
• Pacifiers and Bottles: Introducing pacifiers or bottles too early can interfere with breastfeeding and may lead to decreased milk supply. It’s generally recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing these items.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can affect milk supply. Finding ways to manage stress, getting enough rest, and seeking support can help support breastfeeding success.
• Poor Nutrition or Dehydration: A mother’s diet and hydration can impact milk supply. It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and take care of their own health.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect milk supply. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help identify and address any underlying medical concerns.
• Medications: Some medications can affect milk supply. It’s important to discuss any medications (prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements) with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for breastfeeding. Hormonal birth control has been known to be a culprit!
• Weaning or Reduced Feeding Frequency: As babies grow and their feeding patterns change, such as during the introduction of solid foods or when they naturally reduce their breastfeeding frequency, milk supply may decrease accordingly.
• Breast Health Issues: Issues such as blocked milk ducts, mastitis, or nipple pain can interfere with breastfeeding and may lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply. These issues should be addressed promptly with the help of a healthcare provider.

Do not hesitate to reach out to lactation consult when you experience a drop in supply. They are saints when coming up with solutions and plans. But if one can’t figure it out, don’t stop searching! If one can’t help you (which is rare), another might. So don’t give up or beat yourself up.

How To Get A Proper Latch!

A proper latch is crucial for successful and comfortable breastfeeding for both you and your baby. A good latch ensures your baby can effectively remove milk from the breast while preventing nipple pain, soreness, and other breastfeeding issues.

Key Elements:

1. Positioning: Get in a comfortable and relaxed position for breastfeeding, such as sitting upright with good back support or lying on your side. The baby should be facing the breast, with their body aligned and close to your body.
2. Baby’s Mouth: The baby’s mouth should be wide open, with lips flanged outward like fish lips. A wide mouth helps the baby take in a good amount of breast tissue, including the areola (the darker area around the nipple), not just the nipple itself.
3. Nipple Alignment: When the baby latches, the nipple should be centered in the baby’s mouth, pointing towards the roof of their mouth (towards the soft palate). The baby’s tongue should be extended over the lower gum and under the breast, creating a seal and compressing the milk sinuses to extract milk efficiently.
4. Chin and Nose: The baby’s chin should be touching the breast, and their nose should be slightly away from the breast to allow for easy breathing. The baby’s chin leading the latch helps ensure they have a deep latch and can effectively extract milk.
5. Suckling and Swallowing: A good latch will involve rhythmic suckling and swallowing motions. You should be able to see and hear the baby swallowing milk during the feed, which indicates they are effectively removing milk from the breast.
6. Comfort: A proper latch should not cause pain or discomfort for the mother. While some initial tenderness in the first few seconds of latching is normal, persistent pain, nipple damage, or soreness are signs of an incorrect latch that needs adjustment.

To achieve a proper latch, try the following:

• Ensure a comfortable and supported breastfeeding position.
• Bring the baby to the breast, rather than leaning forward to bring the breast to the baby.
• Encourage the baby to open wide by gently touching their lower lip with the nipple, waiting for a wide mouth before bringing them onto the breast.
• Use pillows or cushions to support the baby’s body and ensure proper alignment.
• Seek assistance from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group if struggling with latch issues. They can provide personalized guidance and support to improve latch technique and address any concerns.

For more information on how to achieve a deep latch, check out one of my favorite lactation consultant’s blog!

Helpful Tools

If you choose to also pump or exclusively pump, I have found that a wireless and handsfree pump to be the best option. It’s more comfortable and allows you to not feel stuck in one spot, multiple times a day. Which can be annoying and not great for your back either!

While you’re feeding one one breast, you may notice you leak quite a bit from the other! You can of course use pads to prevent mess but if you’re not wanting to waste milk you can try a Haakaa or LadyBug to collect the extra milk to store for later.

For sore or cracked nipples, I have found that Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter to be the best way to soothe and heal your ladies. You can of course use a simple Lanolin Nipple Cream as well! Just make sure that whatever you use is safe for your baby. DO NOT use Neosporin!

Another way to soothe and protect your nipples in between feedings or pumping would be to use Silverettes.

Lastly, a good Nursing Bra!

You can also stay bra less, or even top less. But comfort is so important! Your breasts are working hard and deserve a little extra TLC.

Then when it comes to all the other stuff like lactation cookies and over hyped smoothies, just focus on lots of hydration and protein! Of course you want a well-balanced diet. But protein, protein, PROTEIN!

Make Confident Choices!

If you decide to not breastfeed, I want you to know that’s okay too!

I just hope that you make a confident decision and not one out of defeat.

There are so many resources out there for you. Women are constantly being pressured, instead of supported. If formula is the best choice for you and your baby, or exclusive pumping is your preferred method of breastfeeding, that is for you to decide. Either way, you’re a good mom for making sure your baby is nourished. That is the most important thing!

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