If I were to share my current breastfeeding experience, I would describe the ease, convenience, and wonderful mother-baby bond. However, as Sara Martin, the Roanoke Breastfeeding Examiner pointed out, first-time mothers don't always have such an easy time.
In Martin's recent article, "When breastfeeding doesn't come naturally," she focused on first-time mothers who go into breastfeeding unprepared, don't ask for help or know where to find it, and eventually give up on breastfeeding. They may blame insufficient milk production or inadequate nipples, or they may just feel like failures.
If I were to share my first breastfeeding experiences, I would describe the 7 straight months of nipple pain I couldn't seem to remedy, the frequent clogged milk ducts, the mastitis, the weird reactions people gave while I clumsily tried to nurse discreetly in public, and the wonderful mother-baby bond that kept me going.
Lanolin nipple creams, wraparound nursing pillows, and leak pads played a significant part in my life in those early days. Nowadays, however, I don't need any props to breastfeed comfortably.
Possibly the most frequently cited breastfeeding problems include a bad latch and inadequate milk supply. In "Moms in Africa breastfeed differently," WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Amy Thurman pointed out that African mothers nestle the baby vertically below the breast to allow the baby to easily find the nipple and latch on, whereas American mothers hold the baby horizontally and attempt to insert the nipple into the baby's mouth. Of the vertical, active baby technique, Thurman said "It never fails and it never hurts."
I can corroborate this with my own experience. Letting the baby latch on works much better than attempting to perfectly perform the latch on a hungry, impatient baby. Also, I suspect that vertical babies feel more able to perform their own latches as well as other early physical activities.
I addressed the issue of milk supply in "Access to breast ensure adequate milk," because it is a supply and demand model.
Related:
Obesity may impact breast milk production
Breastfeeding resources in Seattle
Early breastfeeding issues, engorgement, toxins, vitamin deficiency
Follow on Facebook: Seattle Breastfeeding Examiner
Comments
I am a lactation consultant in private practice and I always let moms know that while breastfeeding is natural it is not always easy! Moms should feel empowered to seek help until they are comfortable with how breastfeeding is going. Sometimes some basic support is enough and sometimes there's more to the picture. The bottom line is if you are not feeling good about how breastfeeding is going for you and your baby...reach out, try a variety of support people until you find one whose support style feel right to you, you and your baby are worth it!
Melissa Cole, IBCLC
www.lunalactation.com
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!