Breast milk is the optimal nutrition source for babies.  Despite this being the case, breastfeeding can be difficult for a million different reasons, and many struggle with this alone because they don't know where to turn, or they are embarrassed that they are "failing."  There is no failure in breastfeeding or motherhood!  The postpartum period is exhausting even if breastfeeding is going well.  Throw lactation problems into the mix for parents of a newborn baby and you've got a recipe for overwhelming exhaustion and even postpartum mood disorders.  Read on to learn what you can do if you find yourself as a new parent struggling with meeting your feeding goals.  

Protect Your Milk Supply

One of the first concerns when breastfeeding isn't going well is to protect your milk supply. Whether you're experiencing pain, your baby isn't latching properly, or any other issues with direct breastfeeding, switching to pumping can be an effective interim solution. This ensures that your nipples are still being stimulated and your breasts are being emptied, which is crucial for maintaining milk production. Consistently pumping while you seek the support you need is vital to continue producing milk.  If you need to pump and bottle feed for a period of time but your breastfeeding goal is to put your baby back to the breast, it's important to pump your breast milk in the meantime.

Verify That There’s an Issue

Sometimes, uncertainty about how breastfeeding is going can cause unnecessary worry. A good step is to visit your pediatrician to have your baby's weight checked. Ensuring that your baby is gaining weight appropriately can provide reassurance that breastfeeding might be going better than you think. Some mothers feel anxious because they can't measure how much their baby is getting, but a healthy weight gain can be a good indicator that breastfeeding is effective.  Knowing how to gauge whether your baby is nursing well is helpful also, as shown in this video.  

Trust Your Instinct

One of the most common reasons for a lactation consultation is pain with nursing.  I recall having pain, but everyone around me, including lactation consultants, continually said "Everything looks good."  While that may be reassuring to some extent, breastfeeding pain is no joke.  It can greatly color your personal experience and can make you dread feeding your baby.  This in turn can wreak havoc on your mental health.  If something doesn't seem right as you move through your breastfeeding experience, do not be shy about seeking out lactation services and other types of postpartum support.  

Seek Professional Help

If your baby is gaining weight but you are still facing issues such as the need for frequent supplementation or experiencing persistent pain, know that help is available. Various professionals can provide the support you need:

Help with Breastfeeding:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs): These experts have extensive training in breastfeeding and can offer personalized assistance.

• Lactation Counselors: These professionals can provide practical breastfeeding support and advice.

• Physicians with Training in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine: Some doctors, like myself, have specialized training in breastfeeding challenges and can offer medical advice and solutions.

• Home Visits by Healthcare Workers: Family Connects Chicago is giving Chicagoland families an opportunity to have a home visit by a nurse in the first 2-3 weeks after having a baby.  Some pediatrics and family medicine practices (like mine!), as well as lactation consultants and Early Intervention workers also provide home visits for a variety of reasons.

Help with Parental Self-Care:

• Postpartum Doulas: Doulas are non-medical support people.  Many people are aware of Birth Doulas, but Postpartum Doula services are not as well known.  Postpartum Doulas can support new families in almost any way they need help during the 4th Trimester and beyond - helping with the baby, babysitting a sibling, cooking a meal, or even running errands.  

• Perinatal Mental Health Specialists: If you are struggling with postpartum depression or simply stressed out from your breastfeeding challenges, perinatal mental health support is of the utmost importance.  

• Night Nurses:  This term is a bit old-fashioned, and has been replaced somewhat with the Overnight Doula model, but there are still retired (or non-retired) nurses who will spend the night caring for your littles and allowing you to get some rest.  This can be a lifesaver!

• Community Support Groups: La Leche League is just one of many organizations providing support groups for new parents.  The La Leche League of Oak Park and River Forest is near me and provides invaluable support for my patients.

You Are Not Alone

It’s important to remember that many women face challenges with breastfeeding, and it’s okay to seek help. You are not alone in this journey. There are trained professionals ready to support you, and you should never hesitate to reach out. If you're unsure where to find help locally, you can always contact me, Dr. Rubin, for guidance. If you’re in the Oak Park or greater Chicago area or even anywhere in Illinois, I’m available for consultations to help you overcome any breastfeeding struggles you might be facing.  

Conclusion

Breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, you will get through this. Protect your milk supply, verify that there’s truly an issue, seek professional help to get to the bottom of it and hopefully find a solution, and always remember that you are not alone. Now go snuggle your baby!