There’s so many things they never tell you. One of them is that breastfeeding is a learned skill, just like riding a bicycle. It’s totally normal to have moments of frustration alongside moments of total elation. We’re here to normalize it all. And whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, each sweet little addition to the family brings an entirely new way of feeding. Mom to mom, let’s dive into some of the most common challenges you might experience when breastfeeding or pumping and how to overcome them to become the power pumping mama you’re destined to be!
“My baby just cannot seem to latch. They get so frustrated at the breast and it just ends up frustrating us both. I’m ready to give up.”
This can be one of the most deflating things to feel as a new mom. You’re tired. You’ve got the goods, exactly what baby needs. You know they want it, but they just can’t figure out how to get it. Again, you’re not alone. Take a deep breath.
First, make sure you are following all of the cues for feeding prior to when baby gets fussy. You can view a video on these cues below. If you don’t bring baby to the breast at the right time, baby will be too fussy and frustrated to even attempt to latch and these cues are so easy to miss!
Your baby might feel more comfortable in a different nursing position, of which there are so many. The most common position that you are likely using is cradle or cross-cradle, but sometimes a position such as football hold can help you get a better and deeper latch. Whichever position you choose, it’s important you remember “nose to nipple,” ensuring you are aiming your nipple at babies nose for a proper latch. Baby should take in all of the nipple and a very large portion of areola with their lips flared out around your breast like a fish, creating a nice seal. If you hear clicking, gently break the latch with your finger and try again.
If you experience pain, notice cracks or blisters, are still experiencing clicking or broken latch, or are still struggling with baby at the breast, it is always recommended to reach out to a lactation professional for assessment. An IBCLC can assess for a tongue or lip tie and also provide further referral for any other concerns.
“I see all these pictures in these Facebook groups of moms with these freezer stashes and full eggs of milk and I feel defeated. I feel like I’m not making enough. My baby always seems hungry. Should I supplement?”
First, you are doing awesome. Seriously. Have you taken a moment to really think about the fact that you made life? You’ve brought someone into this world who will impact generations. Congrats mama! As far as the milk making goes, our bodies tell us how much milk to make for our babies. Your milk is customized just for them based on their DNA, their sickness, and all the other things that make them who they are. Don’t compare your milk to anyone else's. In reality, getting a couple ounces in one pump session is normal. I mean it. Pumping full bottles each session is considered over-supply. When I was pumping, it took me two to three days to make a full bottle and I felt like a total failure. Now I know, there was nothing wrong with me and my baby was 100% perfectly healthy at every single checkup and we went 14 months strong!
But, if you want to know the secret sauce to milk making, it’s supply and demand. Your brain and your boobs are besties. When your breasts are emptied either by baby or by your pump, they tell your brain to get to making more milk through the hormone, prolactin. If your breasts are full, prolactin isn’t in action and milk making is paused. Over time, this can cause your brain to feel like milk making is no longer a priority which can cause your supply to go down. You’ve got to keep the breasts completely and totally emptied, continuously, to maintain or increase supply. No supplements, teas, herbs, or magic cookies will do it for you. Just good old supply and demand.
“I’m in so much pain, it hurts to breastfeed and pump. I don’t have a fever, but one breast just stings and burns. Help!”
One of the challenges that comes with breastfeeding and pumping is the risk of things like cracked & sore nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts, & engorgement. Fun, right? Well, the good news is there are so many remedies to relieve these issues now and so many resources that you can access from the comfort of your own home. But before we even consider treating we need to find out what is causing the discomfort. Working with a lactation professional is essential here, and often they are now covered by your insurance provider so be sure to reach out and ask. The most common cause of nipple pain and traumas are due to a poor latch or poor positioning at the breast, which can usually be solved quickly and easily with the assistance of a lactation professional in the home, in office, or even virtually through providers like The Lactation Network, Latch Link, or Nest Collaborative.
It's important to know that many of the common concerns that arise during pumping and breastfeeding do not prevent you from continuing to pump and breastfeed. You can often continue to do so and are encouraged to continue to pump and feed at the breast when you have clogged ducts, mastitis, and abscesses. When you have a concern, reach out to a medical professional or a lactation professional near you who can assist you in the best options for working through your current concern. Most often, as much rest as you are able to muster, wearing loose fitting clothing (no sports bras!), taking NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin, and continuing to feed will help you work through the interruption quickly.
