Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural and effortless way to feed your baby, but the reality is that it can come with its fair share of challenges. While the benefits of breastfeeding are widely celebrated, the struggle that many parents face are often overlooked or downplayed. This blog aims to educate you on those challenges and remind you that it’s ok to ask for help–because you’re not alone if you face challenges with breastfeeding.
Health Conditions Impacting Milk Production
There are many preexisting health conditions that parents may not realize could impact breast milk production. These medical conditions include:
-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
-Thyroid imbalances
-Infertility or assisted pregnancy
-Gestational Diabetes
-Gestational Hypertension or Hypertension
-Obesity
-Certain medications
Unmodifiable Conditions Affecting Milk Supply
Some factors that could impact a woman’s milk supply are unmodifiable, including:
-Advanced maternal age: Women aged 35 and above may experience reduced milk production
-Hypoplastic breasts: A lack of glandular tissue can lead to insufficient milk production.
-Breast surgery history: Surgery involving nipple removal, such as breast reductions, can significantly impact milk ducts and glandular tissue. Even breast augmentations may affect milk production if there was limited glandular tissue initially.
-History of eating disorders: Eating disorders during adolescence can cause lifelong hormonal imbalances, potentially affecting milk supply or fertility.
-Prolactin deficiency: A decreased level of prolactin hormone from the pituitary gland can severely impact milk production.
Birth Complications and Milk Supply
Certain complications during or after birth can lower or delay milk supply, such as:
-Retained placenta
-Significant blood loss during birth or after delivery
-Preeclampsia requiring magnesium infusion
Typically, milk production begins between postpartum days 3-5. By two weeks postpartum, an adequate supply is considered 24-32 ounces within a 24-hour period.
Delivery-Related Challenges
The delivery process can also affect breastfeeding. Newborns may struggle to latch due to:
-Excess amniotic fluid in their bellies or lungs as a result of a quick delivery
-Cesarean delivery or assisted deliveries (forceps, vacuum)
-Effects of pain medications during birth, causing sleepiness or poor suck coordination for 24-48 hours
-Inductions that are longer than 24 hours
Oral Anatomy and Feeding Challenges
If a newborn has tight oral tissue, such as a tongue tie, breastfeeding can become challenging. Proper tongue movement is crucial for effective milk transfer. Signs that a tongue tie might be affecting breastfeeding include:
-Breastfeeding pain or a pinching sensation during latch
-Baby appearing dissatisfied after feeding
-Excessive cluster feeding after milk supply has come in
In such cases, consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant for assessment and guidance. The professionals that can release a tongue tie includes an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat Doctor), a Breastfeeding Doctor, or a Pediatric Dentist.
Securing Your Milk Supply and Ensuring Adequate Nutrition for the Newborn
Regardless of the challenges, it’s essential to secure the mother’s milk supply by pumping if the baby cannot latch or if milk production is insufficient.
Preferred feeding methods for a newborn who hasn’t established breastfeeding include:
-Syringe feeding
-Spoon feeding
-Cup feeding
After 72 hours of life, newborns typically consume 30-45 mL per feeding. If needed, consider a paced bottle feeding for expressed breast milk or formula to meet these nutritional needs.
Seeking the Help of a Lactation Consultant
Remember, breastfeeding can be a complex journey, and it’s perfectly normal to encounter difficulties. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant, such as those at The Confident Latch, to help you meet your feeding goals. The lactation consultants at The Confident Latch provide expert support to enhance your milk production, facilitate a deep and comfortable latch, and coordinate referrals to other specialties as needed.
