WHEN BREASTFEEDING ISN’T GOING WELL
Breast milk is the optimal nutrition source for babies. We know this. 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.
THE FRUSTRATION OF INSURANCE DENIALS
Insurance denials are a real pain, but they are an important issue worth addressing. As a physician deeply invested in providing quality care, I see the frustrations my patients face when insurance companies deny their claims. It's disheartening, especially when many of these denials seem arbitrary and unnecessary.
In my practice, I often receive letters from insurance companies denying claims for my patients. Although I run an out-of-network practice and do not bill insurance companies directly, I provide detailed receipts with all the necessary information for patients to submit claims to their insurance companies. Despite these efforts, I see denials daily.
TO HAAKAA OR NOT TO HAAKAA
The Haakaa has become a popular gift at baby showers and a commonly recommended tool for new moms. It’s marketed as an easy, hands-free way to collect milk, and it can indeed be very convenient. However, as with any tool, it’s important to understand both its benefits and potential drawbacks before incorporating it into your breastfeeding routine.
DO YOU REALLY NEED A FREEZER STASH?
Chicagoland breastfeeding expert Dr. Cindy Rubin takes on the topic of the freezer stash in this blog article. The Internet and Social Media have made breastfeeding people think they need to build a freezer stash and that having an overly plentiful milk supply is desirable. Pumping to create a freezer stash signals your body to produce more milk than your baby needs at that moment. While this may seem beneficial, it can lead to issues if you're making a larger breast milk supply than your baby requires. Overproduction can result in blocked ducts, mastitis, nipple blebs, nipple pain, and general breast discomfort.
EXPECTATIONS AS A FIRST TIME MOM
Being prepared to be unprepared when you are going to have a baby is probably the best approach. Get used to the idea that things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t feel alone. Seek support—there are so many ways to get it. Some you may not realize you will need, but some kinds of support are universal. Line up people to bring you meals or do your grocery shopping for you.
What is the difference between a Board-Certified Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Physician and a Lactation Consultant?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. Sometimes new mothers find themselves confused when seeking help to ensure they and their babies can enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience.
SPECIAL TIME CAN HELP SIBLINGS ADJUST TO A NEW BABY
I'll admit, I haven't always been as consistent with special time as I should be. But It can be especially useful at particular times - for instance, when a new baby arrives, when the focus (for whatever reason) is on one sibling rather than the other, when a child's behavior seems to be more problematic than usual.
DADS ARE PEOPLE TOO
Those early days with our infant babies were rough. There were times when he wanted to help but didn’t know how. There were moments when he wished he was the one with breasts so he could feed our babies and I could sleep. There were moments when I was sad or exhausted and he simply didn’t know the best way to make my life easier, and I honestly didn’t know what to tell him myself!
WHO NEEDS A PRENATAL LACTATION CONSULT?
Even if you have no history of breastfeeding difficulties or concerns, gaining knowledge about how the first days and weeks after birth typically go, what to expect, and how to prepare can be very empowering. This information can lead to a more positive and informed breastfeeding experience, and overall better mental health. Feeling prepared is empowering in itself, and having appropriate and realistic expectations for your breastfeeding journey can really make a difference in preventing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Certain individuals, however, may particularly benefit from a breastfeeding medicine or lactation consult due to specific risk factors.
What's it Really Like to Be a First-Time Mom?
Expect the unexpected. This is my best advice going into the experience of being a first time mom. Knowing that things may not look how you picture ahead of time can make a world of difference in how you feel about your new parent journey.