Breastfeeding: navigating the challenges

Breastfeeding can be an incredibly rewarding experience with many benefits for babies and their mothers. 96% of women choose to initiate breastfeeding, but it can get off to a shaky start without expert help; despite being a “natural” process, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally for many women and their babies. It’s a skill that needs to be taught, learned and practiced – yes, even babies need to be taught how to breastfeed!

Luckily, most breastfeeding issues can be overcome with the right help if managed EARLY. Because no two mother-baby pairings are alike, getting tailored advice is key. Where to get that advice (hint: not social media!) is just as important as what strategies to try.

We are fortunate here at GPC to have nurse Belle, a registered nurse and experienced lactation consultant, as part of our team supporting mothers and babies in the early months (and beyond!).

Benefits of Breastfeeding

• Breast milk is a nutritional powerhouse, containing essential nutrients that support a baby’s growth and development. It’s the perfect food for the first six to twelve months of life, adapting to meet the growing baby’s changing needs.
• Breast milk is packed with antibodies and immune-boosting components that help shield babies from infections and illnesses. This protection is especially crucial during the early stages of life when the immune system is still developing.
• Breastfeeding helps foster the emotional bond between mother and baby.
• Breast milk is easily digestible, reducing the likelihood of digestive issues like constipation and colic and helping to establish baby’s healthy gut microbiome.
• There are benefits for mothers too! It helps post-birth recovery by promoting uterine contractions and reducing bleeding. It can also help with weight loss and even lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Breast milk is always ready, at the perfect temperature, and requires no preparation or sterilisation. It’s also free! When breastfeeding is established, the amount of milk supplied perfectly matches the baby’s needs.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Nipple Pain
This is a VERY common problem, often caused by attachment (latching on) problems. Because each mother-baby pair is unique, the best approach is to have an expert watch your baby feed and show you how to make any necessary adjustments. If this doesn’t help, a short period of expressing may be needed to allow nipples to heal.

Blocked Ducts
A blocked duct can cause a non-painful and sometimes recurrent lump in an area of the breast not draining properly. The causes can include less frequent feeds, tight clothing, or some sleeping positions. Seeing your doctor or lactation consultant is important to rule out infection. Techniques such as feeding from the affected side first, massage, and heat application can help.

Mastitis
Mastitis is infection in a blocked duct and usually presents with redness, pain, fever, and feeling generally unwell with muscle aches and tiredness. It can progress quickly, so early medical attention is crucial. Interventions like those listed above for a blocked duct may help if it’s early enough, but antibiotics may be necessary if improvement isn’t seen within 24 hours.

Low Milk Supply
This is a common concern, especially with an unsettled baby or when there’s a change in feeding patterns – these can be normal (babies are unpredictable creatures at heart!) and not necessarily an indication of low milk supply. Most newborns will need to feed often and it’s best to respond to this by offering “demand” feeds, rather than trying to stick to a schedule. The baby suckling on the nipple triggers the breast to make more milk, so the supply usually meets demand if all is going well.

True low milk supply may be indicated by baby’s slow weight gain or a decrease in his or her urine output or stools. In this case we need to check the baby out as well as mum and look at ways to boost supply such as ensuring good attachment, increasing the frequency of feeds or expressing, maybe adding in supply-boosting medications or complement feeds.

Fussy Feeding
There are a lot of reasons babies can be unsettled whilst feeding or trying to feed. Common causes are latching problems, too much or too little milk, or tummy pain from things like reflux. All of them need checking out.

Special Feeding Problems
Babies born prematurely, with low birth weight, or tongue-tie may experience specific feeding difficulties, obviously these scenarios also need expert help.

The Importance of Seeking Help Early

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. The importance of seeking help EARLY cannot be overstated! Lactation consultants, midwives, child nurses, your GP, and even breastfeeding helplines (provided below) are invaluable resources.

Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, breastfeeding might not work out as planned. Breast is only “best” if it’s working for everyone – mum, bub, the family and so on. The decision to stop breastfeeding requires just as much help and non-judgemental support from your healthcare team. Your GP, midwife or lactation consultant can help with how to stop breastfeeding, and which alternatives (such as formula) are best for you and the baby.

If you’re experiencing challenges or have questions about breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.