Things About Breastfeeding Every Parent Should Know
It’s one thing to decide to breastfeed, but it’s another to experience the struggle. We discuss a few things every parent should know in this blog.
The decision to nurse your newborn requires a lot of education and support. And while some families will experience an abundance of these two things, others may need a little extra encouragement and help to achieve these monumental nutritional goals. Here we will discuss a few things about breastfeeding that every parent should know to begin the conversation for expecting parents, whether it’s the first or subsequent baby.
The Milk Supply Will Consistently Change
Something that often alarms parents is the consistency and composition of the breastmilk. It’s essential to understand that the milk supply changes consistently and can also change during a single nursing session. This information can save mothers from unwarranted stress and pressure when they understand the fluctuations are normal and which type of milk is being served.
At the beginning of a session, the foremilk is more liquid-like, with less fat content. Babies typically don’t fill up on foremilk or may require another session soon if they do. The hindmilk comes after the foremilk and carries a lot of fat content. Babies typically experience more satisfaction after receiving the hindmilk.
The Nursing Mother Receives Benefits Too
Many see or hear all the benefits for a newborn who nurses because it’s not news. But the nursing mother can also experience many benefits, and these are worth noting and celebrating to encourage the journey or support the effort.
Nursing in the immediate postpartum phase can trigger hormone production to help the uterus return to its normal size. Many mothers report feeling mild cramping while nursing, which is the uterus contracting down. Another benefit for nursing mothers is reducing the risk of postpartum mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Not only does the process of breastfeeding support this, but the mother’s support village can surround her with a good-spirited community and provide help when necessary.
Nursing Should Be Painless
Something that comes as a shock to some parents is that nursing should be painless. Some mothers push through the pain to offer this nutrition source, but pain or discomfort beyond adjusting the nipple to nursing is abnormal and needs addressed. The nipples can take several weeks to acclimate to a nursing journey, but once they do, there should be little to no discomfort in any given session.
If pain persists, partner with a local IBCLC right away to relearn latch and position techniques. If the discomfort is located inside your breast, this could indicate a clogged duct or the beginning of mastitis. Partner with your care provider if you have concerns about either.
Breastfeeding Is More Than Latching at the Breast
It’s no secret that nursing a newborn is incredibly important. But breastfeeding is much more than latching at the breast. Some mothers have a difficult time latching, and that’s okay. Others might have issues trusting their baby is full, and that’s okay too. Many consider pumping breastmilk into a bottle and offering this to their baby as a form of breastfeeding, and we do too. Where there’s a will, there’s certainly a way.
These are just a few minor things about breastfeeding that every parent should know. And we hope they help you trust the process, enjoy the journey, and know that you’re doing a great job regardless of your nutritional output or preference!
