Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, there can often be challenges with feeding your infant. Maybe it is latching, maybe it is pain, maybe it is getting into a good routine, or having the proper education on how to breastfeed. So many factors are involved with feeding a newborn. Today we are going to be talking about all things breastfeeding.
Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker on this episode is Amy Wise. Amy is a mom and occupational therapist. She has a certification in functional diagnostic nutrition. She founded "Wise Living Health and Wellness" which is a holistic occupational therapy and functional health practice. Amy is passionate about educating and empowering families with the right tools and strategies so they can transform their health and truly thrive.
Amy's Postpartum Breastfeeding Journey
Amy has 2 boys, ages 2 and 4. For her first child, she was surprised how difficult breastfeeding was. She saw lactation consultants every day in the hospital following her c-section. She was sent home without proper education and was overwhelmed by all the challenges she encountered. She experienced pain with latching and an insufficient latch, causing her baby's weight to drop. She also dealt with an oversupply of breastmilk. She ended up doing triple feeds in order to get him all the nutrients he needed. Her second child also had difficulty latching but Amy was determined to get the proper support she needed and figure out a way to successfully breastfeed. She saw many lactation consultants and tried problem solving a bunch, resulting in a more successful breastfeeding experience, despite her baby having a slight oral tie.
What Is Triple Feeding?
Triple feeding refers to 3 methods of feeding your baby.
- Latching baby to your breast and trying to work on feeding at the breast
- Then moving to pumping
- Lastly, feeding baby with a bottle (either breastmilk, formula, or a combination)
It is designed to help increase milk supply while also ensuring your baby gets proper nutrients and calories.
What Are Oral Ties?
Oral ties are some form of a tight or short band of tissue causing the tongue to be restricted from moving around the mouth. It commonly is underneath the tongue and makes it hard for baby to move the tongue up and forward. There can also be upper lip ties and cheek ties. These oral ties can impact feeding and how well baby is able to latch.
The Breastfeeding Learning Curve
Breastfeeding is not always easy and innate for new moms. It can feel very isolating when you hear moms talk about how easy their breastfeeding experience was, leaving you wondering why it is not the same for you. However, many more new moms struggle with breastfeeding than you would think and you are not alone. You are learning a brand new skill! And it is a skill that is linked to your baby's development and growth, so experiencing challenges can cause stress and worry.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges
- Time management: breastfeeding and triple feeding consumes the majority of your time postpartum, which can feel exhausting and overwhelming
- Sore or painful nipples
- Milk supply issues: either low supply or over supply
- Engorgement: when breasts feel too full
- Clogged milk duct
- Infections in the breast or nipple
- Exhaustion
- Dealing with judgement from others about your feeding decisions
What Can You Do To Help?
- Develop your self advocacy skills for talking with healthcare professionals. No question you want to ask is dumb. Come prepared with a list of your questions and do not be afraid to ask.
- Find a pediatrician who aligns with your values and what you want for postpartum care. Amy found one that has lactation consultants in the office.
- Check for oral ties
- Take advantage of free lactation support groups. Find a La Leche League group near you
- Take a breastfeeding class before birth to help you prepare and know what to expect
- Experiment with different positions. Amy discovered that leaning back helped slow down the flow of her oversupply side. Video demonstrating different positions to try
Resources
This article is a companion to Episode 9 of the Functional Fourth Trimester podcast.