When Breastfeeding is Hard

Anne Malinoski

In California, about three quarters of women who begin breastfeeding in the hospital have stopped by nine weeks postpartum. According to Neonatologist and Lactation Consultant Dr. Nancy E. Wight, who is a co-founder of San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition (SDCBC), women are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals with the right support. “It takes time for mother and infant to get in sync and there may be early problems: jaundice, hypoglycemia, failure to latch, sore nipples— almost all of which can be solved quickly with appropriate help,” she says.

In many cases, breastfeeding is worth fighting for, because it can significantly improve health outcomes for both mother and child. Here is a look at some common breastfeeding problems, and the best ways to solve them. Sore Nipples It is common to experience nipple discomfort in the early stages of breastfeeding. Remember,

both mom and baby are new at this. Ensuring that baby has a good latch is the best way to prevent or minimize soreness. To learn what a good latch looks and feels like, call the lactation support line at the birthing hospital, or check out the helpful guides, diagrams and videos at the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Breastfeeding Support website: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns .usda.gov.

If soreness persists, or if nipples are cracked, blistered or bleeding, call a breastfeeding helpline. Be assured that these are common, treatable problems and a professional can help determine the best course of action.

Mental Health Concerns The weeks immediately following birth can be overwhelming for new parents. If breastfeeding feels hard, parents might consider bottle-feeding to improve maternal mental health. But research indicates that persisting with breastfeeding could help even more. “Mothers with depression often feel better when they breastfeed,” says Wight, adding that breastfeedingsafe medications are available to treat mental health symptoms.

Postpartum mental health changes are common, but potentially serious. Any concerns should be discussed with a medical professional. Help is available!

Milk Supply Many new mothers worry about the amount of milk they are producing. That worry can escalate to panic without proper education. “In the first three to four days, your baby may get very little milk—this is normal,” says Wight. “It takes time to establish a good milk supply and an easy breastfeeding routine.”

Those with supply concerns are invited to visit SDCBC’s website for a printable resource guide, which outlines how to tell if baby is getting enough milk in the days and weeks following birth. The guide also includes a list of local lactation helplines. This resource is free and available at https:// breastfeeding.org. Side-Eye While attitudes are rapidly changing, there are still public spaces in our community that don’t feel breastfeeding-friendly. It is possible that someone in a restaurant or park could offer unsolicited comments about the way a baby is fed. Painful as it is, public commentary is something all parents deal with in the public space. Ignorant comments don’t require a response. If an establishment asks a breastfeeding woman to leave, the law is on her side. In the state of California, a woman may breastfeed her child in any location public or private (aside from the private residence of another) so long as both mother and child are otherwise authorized to be there.

Lack of Role Models Establishing a healthy breastfeeding routine requires a supportive community. If the women in a new mother’s life lack experience with breastfeeding—or worse, feel uncomfortable with the practice— it will be harder to press through challenges. A woman’s partner, family and friends need to know that breastfeeding is important to her. The more they are willing to learn with her, the better the breastfeeding outcome will be. Most lactation professionals are happy to educate the whole family, so a mother can receive essential support from those closest to her.

Misconceptions about Milk Quality Mothers with poor personal nutrition might feel self-conscious about the quality of their milk. These fears are unfounded. “Mothers need to be almost starving before their breastmilk is inadequate for their infant,” says Wight. “You can eat a terrible diet and still make good milk.”

Furthermore, women who enjoy an occasional drink should not feel discouraged. “You don’t have to be a saint to breastfeed,” she says. “An occasional bottle of beer, glass of wine or even a cigarette are OK—just don’t smoke around the baby!” For information about breastfeeding and drugs call Mother to Baby California at 866-626-6847 or visit www.mothertobabyca.org.

What Do Dads Say?

I think it’s important for dads to attend breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding can be difficult for both baby and Mama, so having an extra person to help out is important to keep Mama confident, comfortable and motivated. – Mike Cunningham, Rancho Peñasquitos

I think it’s very important to support your partner in whatever decision she makes when it comes to breastfeeding. I also think it’s important to give her the out if things aren’t working. My wife felt a lot of guilt switching our son to formula. I knew it was important to let her know she was a great mom for prioritizing his needs over her original plan to breastfeed. – Derek Restrepo, San Marcos Breastfeeding Helplines

American Red Cross WIC 800-500-6411 SDSU Research Foundation WIC 888-999-6897 La Leche League of San Diego County 858-848-6455 La Leche League Spanish Line 858-792-5009 v

Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer and mother of two boys. She breastfed each of her sons for more than 18 months thanks to the support of lactation professionals, a visiting nurse and experienced women in her community.