First off, I always tell my mamas I work with it, it can be HARD!!!! Be GENTLE with yourself and your little one! In our society we are primed to believe that as baby comes into the world breastfeeding “just happens.” For some, this happens, for others, such as myself, this was NOT the case.
Me breastfeeding my daughter in Muir Woods
I was committed to breastfeeding and was so grateful that a friend had warned me it may not be easy. I was VERY thankful for the kind warning when that became my reality! With my first child, breastfeeding was extremely difficult for the first several months, everything from latch, milk supply, and sore nipples. I remember one night being up late at night trying to breastfeed by daughter- me holding part of my breast while I held her, my husband holding my breast and trying to keep the nipple shield on! I remember saying “I bet you never expected to hold my breast in this fashion!” laughing and crying at the same time. It was hard emotionally and physically!
We did finger feeding with a feeding tube and syringe, used nipple shields, tried different positions to support latch and relaxation. I spelt like maple syrup with my intake of Fenugreek. I was religious about drinking a class of water right before nursing. I pumped a lot. I attended a weekly breastfeeding support group that helped me feel “normal.” The support group also reassured me my daughter was getting milk with a weigh in before and after breastfeeding. I had 1:1 lactation support.
When I look back on this experience, I’m so glad we worked through the hurdles. It was so nice to be able to connect with my daughter through breastfeeding. I felt I was supporting her health and my health at the same time knowing the benefits of breastfeeding.
For some, it’s just not possible despite trying everything. Again, I can’t stress the importance of being gentle with yourself. You and your baby will bond. You and your baby will be healthy.
Breastfeeding tips:
- Be GENTLE with yourself and your little one. You’re both learning a new skill! Stressing and having anxiety reduces milk supply and baby can sense mama stress. Practice a few deep breaths, find a relaxing and supportive environment.
- Find SUPPORT. Request a lactation nurse in your birth plan and ask again after baby arrives. Reach out to your local Le Leche League
- Find SUPPORT. Find a support group, you are NOT alone if breastfeeding is challenging.
- Find SUPPORT. Make sure you have a supportive medical team that respects your goals.
- Be EDUCATED. Know that there is so much support and different methods and tools to help support breastfeeding- www.kellymom.com is a great resource.
A few resources:
- www.kellymom.com
- The Womanly Heart of Breastfeeding (Le Leche League International Book)
- The Breastfeeding Book by Dr. Sears
Full Circle Yoga in Overland Park was founded in 2017 by yoga teacher Jenny Hellman focusing on wellness in the early stages of family life from prenatal to early parenthood and the older adult years. Full Circle Yoga KC is an Overland Yoga Studio specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga and Chair Yoga for seniors.
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