Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding: A Learning Experience for Both Baby and Birthing Person
Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both the baby and birthing person. It's a process that requires patience, practice, and support. The baby is learning how to feed, while the birthing person is learning how to produce milk and support the baby's feeding needs.
Understand How You Lactate
Lactation is a complex process that involves a delicate balance of hormones and signals from the baby's mouth. When the baby suckles on the nipple, it stimulates nerve endings, which sends a signal to the brain to release oxytocin. Oxytocin then triggers the milk ejection reflex, or letdown, causing milk to flow from the milk ducts to the nipple.
Milk supply is a huge concern for many families. The not knowing is sometimes hard for parents. If you are not weighing baby after each feed you really wouldn’t know exactly how much they are consuming. In the early months, the babies health is determined by gaining weight. Your body will produce colostrum before your milk comes in. This consists of a small amount of milk that is full of antioxidants and antibodies, crucial for building babies immune system. Your milk comes in between day 3-5, you may experience engorgement and possible over supply until your body understands the needed supply and demand. Supply and demand is essentially as it sounds, we feed our babies and that signals the body to produce more milk. During growth spurts, it can take our bodies an additional day or two to regulate milk supply for our growing baby. Many babies will cluster feed during growth spurts and it is encouraged as it stimulates the bodies demand for milk supply.
It’s All About The Latch
If you take anything from this article, this is what I want to stick. The latch is everything. Without a proper latch, you could experience excruciating pain while feeding, cracked + bleeding nipples, clogged ducts and the feeling of throwing in the towel. (With good reason) The latch is the most important aspect in a successful breastfeeding journey. This article from WIC has done a fantastic job with step-by-step instructions that also includes a video on signs of a good latch. The key things I tell clients is:
It shouldn’t hurt, make sure you’re in a comfortable and supported position as well as baby, the latch and suck should never be painful, if it is, unlatch and try again.
Bring baby to you, with babies head straight and mouth wide open while holding your breast, bring baby to the nipple. Aim the nipple towards the top of babies mouth and baby should consume most of the areola.
Ensure the babies lips aren’t tucked, babies tongue should gently be tugging on the nipple
You will hear baby drinking and slowly see relief within the baby as their belly fills
If you are to ever need to unlatch baby, stick your pinky finger in the side of their mouth and it will allow baby to unlatch
Breastfeeding Is A Commitment
Breastfeeding is a commitment that requires dedication and support. The birthing person should prioritize self-care and seek support from a lactation consultant, support group, or other breastfeeding resources. It's important to remember that breastfeeding is not always easy, and it's okay to ask for help. With time, patience, and support, breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience for both the baby and birthing person.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Momentous Doula Care.