Prevent Breastfeeding Problems Before They Start

Breastfeeding is effortless for some mothers and babies, but for others, there are challenges. Even some women who have successfully breastfed before may have a new baby who has difficulties. It takes two to nurse, after all.

There are several things that moms can do to prevent breastfeeding problems before they start.

Here are a few recommendations.

Be positive and use visualization
Pregnant women are sometimes told of the value of visualizing and planning their ideal birth. They watch birth videos, read birth stories, surround themselves with people who are positive about birthing, and refuse to listen to negative stories. Doing the same thing – except for breastfeeding – can also be valuable.

If someone asks you whether you’re going to breastfeed your baby and then proceeds to regale you with their horror stories of bleeding nipples and other difficulties, empathize with them but don’t get sucked in to their story. Every birth, every woman, and every baby is different. Her story – and your mother’s, sister’s, and mother in law’s story – doesn’t have to be yours.

In her book the ABCs of Breastfeeding, author Stacey Rubin spends a great deal of time talking about the importance of a positive attitude. She even recommends that pregnant women do visualization exercises, imagining themselves nursing their baby and enjoying the experience. This is not just woo-woo airy-fairy nonsense, it’s backed up with solid research. Many studies have shown that the body doesn’t know the difference between a real and imagined event. Successful athletes can improve their performances with visualization and people can even build muscle by imagining exercise! It can work for breastfeeding too.

Educate yourself and others close to you
Before your baby arrives, read books about breastfeeding. Talk to friends who have nursed their babies – especially those who are still doing so long term. They’ve likely overcome challenges but found the benefits worth sticking to it. Meet women at your local La Leche League meeting or other supportive group who are pro-breastfeeding.

One thing you need to know before your baby is born is that your birth experience has much to do with your breastfeeding experience. Unmedicated births make nursing easier. If that isn’t possible, you can still have a wonderful nursing relationship but remember that the early weeks are often crucial to the entire breastfeeding experience. Be sure your birth care team knows of your wishes. Make it clear that your baby is to receive no other nipples, no water, formula or even pacifiers. Make sure your family and the baby’s father know how you feel too.

Remember early and often
Once baby is born, remember the motto “early and often”. You cannot nurse your baby too soon or too much in the early days and weeks. Nursing frequently tells your body to bring in a strong milk supply. Babies do not need to be “topped off” with bottles. These can derail your attempts to breastfeed. Breastfed babies act different that formula fed babies, and that’s ok. They like to nurse for many reasons, only one of which is hunger. Nursing often also helps prevent painful engorgement, which can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis.

If you are going to be pumping your milk for baby, get a stash of milk early. Don’t wait until a week or two before you return to work to start getting the hang of the pump.

Keep it tummy to tummy
Many breastfeeding problems can be prevented before they start with proper attention to good latch on and positioning. In fact this is often the number one, most important thing. Your baby should be facing you, tummy to tummy, when he nurses. He should not be turning his head towards your breast.

Make sure you are also comfortable during nursing. Don’t hunch up your shoulders. Use plenty of pillows if you need to, and learn how to nurse lying down in bed so you can get more rest. Poor latch on can lead to pain and nipple damage. Be sure baby is opening very wide and getting plenty of nipple and areola in his mouth.

Pain is not normal – get help!
Pain in the nipples and breasts is not normal. It is somewhat common, but it shouldn’t happen. There is a difference between the initial soreness that may occur when the body is getting used to a new activity – and pain that makes you cry. The initial soreness should go away once baby is latched on well and the milk begins to flow. It should also only last for a couple of weeks. If it’s worse than that, get help. It’s likely something very simple that is causing the problem, and sometimes just a minor adjustment brings about quick relief.

Tags: breastfeeding challenges