Navigating the breastfeeding journey
What can be said about breastfeeding that hasn’t already been said? Everyone has opinions and advice, and there are countless online resources. The book on breastfeeding has literally been written…hundreds of times. So why do we still talk about it? Why do we still need to discuss something so basic, free and easy? Because it really isn’t any of those things.
Before getting overwhelmed with information about the various positions, breastfeeding pillows, lactation cookies or which pump is best, we sat down with breastfeeding specialist Kori Mudge, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBS, who owns Little Cardinals Speech and Feeding, to talk about what breastfeeding is, what it isn’t and how to make it easier.
“Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn’t necessarily easy,” Mudge said. “Especially in the beginning. Babies have instincts, but moms don’t. Moms have to be taught how to breastfeed. So, the first several weeks are the toughest.”
To set yourself up for a successful breastfeeding journey, here are five things to remember.
1. In our Instagram-ready society, it is difficult to set realistic expectations of what postpartum life looks like. Pictures of sleepy, week-old babies breastfeeding on moms with flat stomachs flood your feed just like hormones flood your body. So Mudge recommends having a prenatal lactation consult so you learn all you can before the pressures mount.
“There is so much to learn and most of us haven’t really seen enough breastfeeding to know what to expect,” Mudge said. “What is colostrum? When does it change to milk? How much milk does my baby need and how do I know they are getting enough? If you can start learning that before the baby even comes, you will be more prepared.”
2. Of course a flat, postpartum stomach isn’t the only pressure added to new moms; the pressures of raising older kids, feeding the family, keeping the house chaos at bay, and work obligations don’t just stop because you had a baby. This is the time to ask for – and accept – lots of help.
“If breastfeeding is something that you want to do, you have to have help in other areas,” Mudge said. “No one can breastfeed for you, but other people can do the cooking, cleaning, school drop-off, walk the dog and all of that.”
3. You’ve got realistic expectations, a support system in place and you’ve just delivered a sweet, new baby. Everyone will have advice and offer old wives’ tales meant to help you breastfeed, but now is the time to call in the experts.
“The biggest mistake people make is not asking the right people for help,” Mudge said. “Pediatricians know a lot, but they are not feeding experts and shouldn’t be your main support for breastfeeding. Specialists exist for a reason. Seek out a lactation consultant or a feeding therapist with lactation training.”
While specialized help is great in the beginning, Mudge said its benefits don’t end there. Feeding specialists can help with supply issues, pumping advice and even offer support when you decide to wean. If your insurance doesn’t cover lactation consults, breastfeeding support groups are a great, free resource.
4. Even with all the prep, knowledge and support, it is a good idea to remain flexible throughout your breastfeeding journey. There are lots of changes during the baby’s first year as you develop routines, go back to work, start pumping and introduce solids. All of these things and so much more can impact breastfeeding.
“Any amount of breastmilk you can give your baby is a gift,” Mudge said. “I am a huge fan of breastmilk and all of its wonderful benefits, but I’m never going to second guess someone who chooses formula for their baby. Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing – combo feeding is good too. When they get to kindergarten, their teacher won’t be able to pick out which kids were breastfed and which had formula.”
5. With all of its benefits and difficulties, triumphs and trials, Mudge offered advice to take to heart: “If you can get through the challenges, breastfeeding can be a really sweet journey for most moms. But remember, at the end of the day, it is your body and your baby. You get to make these decisions and no one else gets an opinion.”
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Navigating the breastfeeding journey
