Common Breastfeeding Challenges

A lot of moms think breast feeding is easy and comes naturally, when in reality sometimes that isn’t the case. Breastfeeding is something that your body learns to do and your baby needs to learn how to do it as well. Sometimes it takes awhile for everyone to learn but remember that you are not alone during this time. There are many resources available to you, you just have to look for them or know the right people to ask. 

Here is my list of top breastfeeding challenges and, of course, some tips to those struggles. 

 

Latch Pain – It is quite common to have sore nipples when you first start breastfeeding. Your body needs to adjust to the new situation. If your baby has latched and the pain is lasting longer than a minute into the feed then you should double check on the positioning of the latch. The best latch is an asymmetrical latch where the mouth covers more of the lower nipple. If you need to reposition the baby put your finger inside their mouth in order to break the latch. Tickle your baby’s chin or feet so their mouth is open wide and position your breast again. If the baby’s chin and nose touch your breast and their lips are spread out around your nipple (so you cannot see your nipple) then you have a good latch. If you have a good latch and are still in pain, your nipples may be dry. Try using a nipple cream like Lansinoh in between feedings. Also try to avoid washing with soap as that tends to dry out your skin. 

 

Cracked/Bleeding Nipples – There are many different reasons why your nipples could crack or bleed, again this is quite common. It could be caused by dry skin, pumping issues, latch problems or thrush (see below). During your first week of breastfeeding you may have bloody discharge which is caused by baby learning what they are doing and your body adjusting to it, this is not harmful for your baby. Ensure you have a good latch or try feeding more regularly and in shorter periods. If your baby isn’t as hungry they tend to suckle softer. As stated above, try using a nipple cream to soothe your nipples. Leaving some milk on your nipples to air dry will sooth them as well, plus the milk has natural antibiotics to help healing. 

 

Blocked Ducts – If your ducts are blocked it is because your milk isn’t coming out properly. You may even notice hard lumps, redness or tender spots on your breasts. If you start to get a fever or feel achy that could be a sign of infection and you should see your doctor. Try not to go too long in between feedings as milk needs to be expressed often. A tight nursing bra may also cause your ducts to become blocked and of course, stress can also be a factor. Applying a warm compress to your breasts and massaging them will promote milk movement. 

 

Engorgement – This makes it hard for baby to latch properly since your breast is hard and it is uncomfortable in their mouth. If you hand express a little before you try to feed then your breast will be softer and it will be easier for baby to latch properly. Engorgement is due to high milk supply so the more you feed (or express) the less likely your breast will become engorged. Try using cabbage leaves or watermelon rinds to sooth your breasts if they become painful due to engorgement. 

 

Mastitis – This is a bacterial infection in your breasts. It is painful and usually is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. This is also quite common during the first few weeks after birth (but can also happen when you wean) and is caused by dry/cracked skin, blocked ducts or engorgement. The best way to treat mastitis is with antibiotics, hot compresses and frequent expressing. It is actually recommended that you continue to breastfeed when you have mastitis since breast milk has antibiotics in it. 

 

Thrush – This is a yeast infection in your baby’s mouth that can spread to your breasts. It is very itchy, sore and sometimes is accompanied by a rash. The best way to treat thrush is with antifungal medication. It is important to remember to treat baby and you at the same time or you can prolong the healing by continuing to pass it along to each other. You can also use coconut oil, tea tree oil and garlic to treat thrush and watermelon rinds or cabbage leaves to soothe your breast. 

 

Inverted Nipples – There is a simple test that you can do to see if you have inverted nipples. Softly pinch your areola with your thumb and index finger, if your nipple goes in instead of going out then you have inverted nipples. It is important to remember that this doesn’t mean you cannot breastfeed. However, it will be more of a struggle for you. Try using a pump or hand expressing to get your milk flowing before you try to latch your baby. If your baby is still having latch problems after you have a good supply try using nipple shields.

As always, if you feel like something is wrong and are struggling, please seek the knowledgeable support of a certified lactation consultant or your doctor! The information above are merely suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice, in any capacity.

xoxo
Stephanie

World Breastfeeding Week: One Doulas Story

`Are you going to breastfeed?` asked the nurse during my intake at the hospital after my water broke at 41+1. Being a first time mom, who did all the reading but never asked questions, I thought this question was a no brainer and an overwhelming YES! Who would not want perfect temperature food available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, exclusively for the first six months and then with complimentary foods until a year (that is what the book said).

Amanda Kopcic Photography

No one told me it even COULD be hard but when it was hard (or so I thought) when my milk did not come in until day 5. I was a hormonal mess, my mom was helping as much as she knew how, I couldn’t figure out a hand pump and had a breakdown where I begged my partner to run to the store to buy bottles and premade formula. Which is something I should have prepared for but I thought breastfeeding would be easy.

Every mom does it. This is what my body is meant to do. This is what breasts are for! My thoughts about breastfeeding were naïve and I wish someone would have been there to tell me that it is normal for milk to not come in until then, that I WOULD be a hormonal mess and that breastfeeding helps your uterus shrink back to its normal size (which in some women, me included, could be just as painful as contractions). 

During all this chaos of just becoming a mom, learning all about this new tiny human, the dreaded lack of sleep and the parade of family members and friends visiting with their well wishes and to meet our new addition... I didn’t think that this itching was odd, or this small rash under my still existing baby belly was a concern.

Within a few weeks the itching got out of control, I was in tears in the bath tub between feedings, it was the only thing that was taking the edge of pain away and not making me scratch my skin off. I tried everything I had in the house to cover my skin to help, I even covered myself in Pentene cream and calamine lotion. I was beginning to worry and went to a walk in clinic after googling some rashes in pre and postnatal and coming to the conclusion of PUPPs (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy). Walking away in tears to been given hope with some topical steroids, but that didn’t help either, I could have used the entire tube within the next few days. 

Two weeks went by and still no relief after doing a large online order of items that women said helped them deal with PUPPs and still no luck, still crying and working through this new mom and baby routine. A trip to the emergency room had a doctor tell me I couldn’t take Benadryl because I was breastfeeding and offered more topical steroids. With no answers and getting to the point of losing my sanity I looked for alternative options with a Naturopath. I finally came across someone to feel for my sanity, see my pain, wanting me to heal, show me compassion. She validated my raw emotions and allowed me to break down, and we got to talking about how your body heals from birth. Her conclusion was that my body was not filtering the drugs of the epidural through my liver efficiently, and planned on doing a very intense liver cleanse to rid my body of these foreign chemicals. 

That same week was my 6 week check up with my family doctor, the rash had got out of hand and ONTO my hands. It spread across my belly, onto my lower back, buttocks, thighs, chest, upper arms and creeping onto my lower arms and hands. I would NEVER wish this pain on my worst enemy. I was lucky enough to have a baby who was sleeping long stretches at night, an amazing latch and my supply was abundant. That was easy. This rash was overtaking my life!

My family doctor had no choice at this point to put me on oral steroids to get rid of the hives on my body, which may or may not transfer through my milk, but on first attempt I could tell her tummy was not agreeing with the drugs… And began my journey to keep up my supply, pumping and dumping for three weeks and formula feeding.

IT WAS GRUELLING! Pumping every three hours, making bottles, sterilizing pump and bottle parts, those times in the middle of the night where my daughter was not waking but I did so my supply wouldn’t decrease. I was so determined in the first few days, trying to be a supermom, proving my mom wrong who told me just to give up. No. This was supposed to be easy.

Three weeks went by and off the medication I went, within a day this rash came back with a vengeance. All I wanted to do is comfort my daughter when she cried, I hated having to make a bottle while holding a screaming child, and I wanted this `easy breastfeeding experience ` I read about. However, the hives spread to my face and back to the doctor and on the steroids I went.

LoraLayne Photography

 SIX WEEKS. The most trying six weeks of my life with the entire time being terrified of postpartum depression because it was right there, waiting for me to give up hope, waiting for that moment in the middle of night where I was falling asleep pumping, waiting until my partner left for work and I was alone, just me, a hungry child and a shadow trying to overtake me.

These six weeks shaped me as a mom. I am proud to breastfeed and would do it whenever, wherever my daughter needed. I was adamant about breastfeeding as long as my daughter wanted, which would still be happening if I did not dry up at the beginning of my second trimester with our next child. It was a sad time to me even after 2 years because I worked so hard and was determined to breastfeed. And we did. Since she had her first birthday I was bombarded by family and friends with the question about weaning, I knew I wasn’t ready and she for sure was not. 

Through our breastfeeding journey I encountered the struggle of formula feeding, exclusively pumping, low supply and eating everything suggested just to get those few extra ounces. There were many times I wanted to just give up but then I remembered those long nights, how hard I worked and how dedicated I was during those six weeks to be able to breastfeed. I made those sacrifices for my daughter but in turn have given myself an amazing gift of understanding. I have so much respect for every mom, whatever their choice of feeding may be, these tiny humans do not come with manuals and we need our village, we need support. If you are ever in need of support postpartum, whether it just be an ear to listen or help with breastfeeding you know who that here at Sweet Stella`s we can be just that for you.

Amanda Kopcic Photography

Thank you to my family and naturopathic doctors who validated that what I was going through was not normal. Thank you to my partner who stood by my side throughout our breastfeeding journey, even when he did not know how to help but his presence was all that was needed. Thank you to my mom who was there those first few days to help calm my hormones, hold my space (literally) and to support our journey however long that may have been. Thank you to the friends who listened to me complain, who were also up during those wee hours to keep me company and those who made me lactation cookies. Thank you to the many friends who have captured our journey for me to always enjoy and to share with my daughter. Thanks to you, the reader, for taking your time to share my story with, it is healing my soul sharing this journey.

xoxo

Janice

How to Feel Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public

Being a new mom is stressful enough, fresh air can do the body good, even for babies. No one wants to stay cooped up in their house if they are breastfeeding every two hours on demand. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding is for children up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years of age or beyond.

 

If someone told you while pregnant that you needed to stay in your home for two years, how would you react? You shouldn’t feel obligated to stay at home and not enjoy activities like everyone else just because you have had a baby. Get out there and help make breastfeeding something “normal”, show the next generation of young men and women that it can be done!

Some women feel confident enough to breastfeed in public right of the start – you may not be one of these moms so I will share with you some tips and tricks.

Clothing

Proper clothing is key to breastfeeding discreetly in public. Many maternity and baby stores offer a wide variety of nursing bras, tank tops and shirts. If you are on a budget, just having an extra layer like a stretchy tank top underneath a shirt is just as effective. A flowy cardigan can double as a cozy blanket for your little one while staying covered as well.

Baby wearing

You might be surprised to see some moms wear their babies while breastfeeding at the same time, well it is easy and convenient plus you have two hands free! Whether you are out shopping, at a family member’s house or going for a walk around the block, being hands free and discrete can be easy.

This can take some practice in finding the right carrier for your needs, many cities have local baby wearing groups and lending libraries for advice and support.

Cover-ups

If you are still unsure about heading out in your new breastfeeding ensemble in public you can always have a cover-up handy! Nowadays these can be very stylish and can double as scarves, blankets and even car seat covers!

Practice

Practice latching your baby in front of the mirror in different tops and covers, you might be surprised what you can learn by viewing this from a different perspective. Latching is the time where you would ever expose yourself completely, a baby’s head does a great job of covering the nipple area!

Another great tip is to turn your body towards a wall or a friend or family member who is out with you to prevent full exposure. Remember, never feel bad for asking for help from a seasoned friend or even a breastfeeding support group.

Also, you can practice what you would say to someone if you were ever confronted. It may never happen but it’s better to be prepared and confident rather than stumbling or feeling shame for feeding your baby.

Know your Rights

Breastfeeding in public is legal and a very good thing. You are nourishing your baby with the most biologically appropriate food, and at the same time you are educating any young men and women who might happen to see you. The Ontario Human Rights Commission specifically states:

No one should prevent you from nursing your child simply because you are in a public area. They should not ask you to “cover up,” disturb you, or ask you to move to another area that is more “discreet.”

Find your Tribe

If you have any reservations about breastfeeding in public make sure that someone is with you that supports your decisions to breastfeed. Whether it is your partner, friend or family member have someone on your excursion there to help you out.

Joining a local mom group is also a great way to make new friends who understand our daily mom struggles, many of which can give you a boost in confidence to help you feel empowered!

Smile

Enjoy the moment, smile at your baby, don’t over think and act like you are doing something wrong. Breastfeeding can be a hard journey for some women, feeling ashamed, shunned or even bad for exposing a small amount of skin in public. Follow these tips and gain confidence!

And don’t forget to smile back when you see a mom breastfeeding at the mall or the park… she may need some encouragement 

xoxo

Janice

Tips For Creating Your Breastfeeding Space

Those few weeks before the arrival of your new tiny human you go through the nesting phase to make sure everything is set up; the nursery is decorated and crib is assembled, the diaper bag is packed, the baby clothes are all washed and folded and the freezer is packed with food. Just don't forget about your space, your breastfeeding spot.

Comfort and ease is the key! In the beginning you may want to choose a location in your home that you go to like a nursery, the bedroom, den or living room that provides enough space for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. You will be spending hours in this chair so make sure you are comfortable and close to an outlet. Remember, you can never have enough pillows!

This space should have a comfortable chair, a supportive nursing pillow, pillows for your back or under your arms, small table and a basket. That table will be used for everything from glasses of water or tea to sip on while nursing and healthy snacks such as trail mix and protein bars for easy snacking. Nursing requires an increased intake of fluids and nutrients, so having this space ready and stocked will make this an easier transition for you and your little.

Keep a small basket of baby supplies to hold a few extra diapers, wipes, extra onesies, burp cloths, bum cream and other essentials. Also, don't forget about your essentials like lip chap, tucks pads, nipple cream, tissues, hair elastics, slippers, journal and a phone charger. This is a great way for your significant other or a family member to help you and restock when needed!

Remember this space doesn't have to be for just breastfeeding, it can also be used for pumping and bottle feeding as well. Being close to an outlet will help with a pump or bottle warmer. This comfortable space will help minimize stress, prevent injuries and allow you to enjoy those midnight feedings.

If at any point you are struggling with how to set up a fantastic space for feeding and bonding or establishing a positive feeding relationship with your baby, don't hesitate to ask for help! With over 22 months of breastfeeding experience, I am passionate about making sure new mom's have the support that they need. We have drop-in support groups, private consultations in the comfort of your own home, and even phone support to ensure your needs are being met!

 xoxo
Janice

How Dad Can Support Breastfeeding

If you have decided to breastfeed your baby, there may be a chance that your partner will feel like they are out of the loop or helpless.  Here are some tips to get Dad involved in the feeding process.
 

 

1.       Bring baby to Mom – During those late night feedings, take the opportunity to bring baby to Mom! Why not see if you can soothe the baby down first & hand a nice calm baby to Mom.  Not only will Mom appreciate the break (since she’s exhausted too), Dad gets extra bonding time.

2.       Prop her up with pillows – Give Mom the option of sitting in your comfiest chair. Ensure she’s comfortable and ask her if she would like the nursing pillow or a pillow to support her back.   If she’s lying in bed as if she would like her feet propped up. 

3.       Make her a snack – Since baby is eating Mom mind as well take the opportunity to eat too.  For obvious reasons a one handed snack would be your best option. 

4.       Bring her a drink – It is very important that nursing moms stay hydrated!  It is not uncommon for mom to get quite thirsty while they are nursing.  Water would be a good idea, try to avoid anything that is caffeinated or high in sugar. 

5.       Wash bottles/clean pump – Be the designated dishwasher. Mom is preparing and serving the meal, do her a favour and offer to do clean-up. 

6.       Occupy older kids/pets – Try to keep distractions to a minimum; Mom will truly be grateful for this. She cannot exactly round up kids or pets while she has another child latched on. 

7.       Burp & change baby - Breastfeeding is a lot of work and it’s hard on the body.  Burping and changing the baby would be a nice break for mom. 

8.       Be supportive – If Mom wants to feed in public without a cover, support that decision.  If she is comfortable breastfeeding in public you should be comfortable with it too.

9.       No questions asked – When Mom decides she wants to wean baby off nursing, support that decision and be sure to let her know what an amazing job she did, even if she didn’t breastfeed for long.  

xoxo

Stephanie

When You Decide Not To Breastfeed

One thing that I was really concerned about during my pregnancy with Graeme was whether or not breastfeeding would work for me. It didn't go as planned when Owen was a newborn, and I was feeling anxious throughout my entire pregnancy with Graeme about our decision surrounding breastfeeding.

When I decided to forgo breastfeeding, I really wasn't sure what to expect from my body. I felt emotionally and mentally confident with my decision, but I had no idea what was going to happen with my body, and how to cope.

Boobs are boobs...and when your milk comes in, there will be engorgement. It can be painful, and if you are not intending to breastfeed it can be difficult to find relief. Ice in freezer bags, cabbage leaves, and ibuprofen can all help with discomfort and pain.

The best tip that I got from my dear friend Stephanie at A Grande Life was to not let the warm (or hot) water of the shower or bath touch my breasts. Sure, it would bring instant relief that will feel incredible and allow the milk to leak a little, but it would also send signals to my body to make more milk to replace the amount that had leaked out. 

Suppressing your supply is probably the most important thing to deal with when you decide that you aren't going to be breatfeeding. Essentially, you have to limit the amount your breasts leak, and you have to not encourage your body to make more milk.

Yes, this means avoiding pumping, warm showers, breast massage and nipple stimulation.

If you're going back on birth control, ones with estrogen have been found to dry up milk supply, and you will want to make sure to stay hydrated as well. Dehydration can trigger milk supply, strangely enough!

At the end of the day, if you decide not to breastfeed...know that it is completely fine. I remember those feelings all too well of guilt, inadequacy, and worry over other people's opinions but ultimately, I had to do what was best for me, my baby and my family. And it didn't make me any less of a mom.

Your supply will dry up. Your hormones will level off.
There will be a day where you feel confident about your decision.

In the meantime, we are here for you to help with the transition.

It's not an easy decision to make, but know in your heart that you are making the best decision that you can for your family. It is absolutely noone elses place to judge, for they are not living in your body, give birth to your baby, tending to your newborn in the middle of the night, or feeling what you are feeling.

You are.

Feel confident in your decision. Feed your baby, your way.

xoxo
Shannon

Biting during Breastfeeding: Tips and Advice from a Doula

So you’ve made it this far, way to go! You’ve overcome the sleepless nights, the tender nipples, the cluster feeds, and any other challenges that your milk-filled, leaky breasts have presented to you. Everything is going well, you and your baby have figured each other out, and then it happens. You are happily nursing when you feel the most unbelievable pain! You swear your entire nipple is gone.

The truth is, it may or may not happen to you. But if it does, know that biting does not need to be your reason to stop breastfeeding. There are many things that you can do to protect your supply, end the biting, and thereby continue nursing your precious baby. The following are tips you can try if you experience biting during breastfeeding.

1. Be mindful of your tone: High-pitched tones are associated with positive emotions while lower tones are associated with negative emotions. Listen to your tone of voice when you are happy versus when you are not; I promise you will notice the difference. And so will your baby. Your tone of voice must match the words you are speaking.

2. Speak firmly: You would not sweetly tell your child not to run in front of an oncoming car, you would sternly yell NO, STOP! Now, I’m not telling you to yell at your baby, instead, speak firmly and sternly and raise your voice slightly if needed (which will likely be one of your first reactions anyways). Your baby will know you mean business.

3. Pull baby into breast: It sounds mean, but keep in mind that it will only last a second… and babies are much tougher than we give them credit for. When your baby bites, pull his/her face into your breast immediately. Your baby will associate this sense of panic with the biting. 

4. Do not reward: Continuing to nurse immediately after your baby has bit will send the message that what he/she did was okay. Taking away the food temporarily will tell baby that it is not okay for he/she to bite you. Continue your next feeding as normal.

5. Unlatch when finished feeding or falling asleep: Sometimes your baby will remain on the breast even after he/she has finished feeding. This is a good time for baby to bite as he/she is simply playing around and experimenting. When baby is biting, he/she is not latched correctly, which explains why your baby may bite as they fall asleep.

xoxo

Ashley