You’ve packed the hospital bag, prepared the nursery and are waiting patiently for the new arrival.
In books, classes and online they cite it as the most natural thing in the world but one thing they don’t mention is that sometimes breastfeeding can be difficult.
Mums can experience pain, latching issues, producing too much or too little milk, and even blocked milk ducts. This in itself can bring a whole set of new challenges that you may need help to overcome.
While your post-birth body is in recovery mode, if you are finding breastfeeding problematic, you are not alone. Let us repeat that, you are not alone.
Those first few days and weeks, it is incredibly common for women to experience breastfeeding issues and you needn’t suffer in silence or on your own.
We’ve got a few tips and tricks, that can help try to remedy breastfeeding for an all-around better experience for you and baby. But, if you’re still finding it tough then we encourage you to seek professional advice. There are many support groups that will welcome you where there is no judgement no matter what happens on your breastfeeding journey.
Skin to skin
The NHS recommends skin to skin contact immediately with your baby as soon as they are born to keep them warm, steady their breathing and support bonding.
This is the time where the first feed may happen as they can use their natural latching reflexes and with the support of your midwife, they can help you with position and attachment.
If for some reason you can’t have skin to skin straight away, for example, if your baby needs extra checks or medical care, then your midwife can also help to show you how to express for when you next see them.
Pain
Some new mothers will experience pain when they begin breastfeeding, some just a small amount while others find it excruciating.
The ‘let down’ as it is known is when you can feel the milk beginning to push through the milk ducts ready for feeding. This can be an uncomfortable or painful feeling yet some might not feel anything at all.
You may also feel discomfort when your newborn latches. While there is no teeth, babies’ gums and mouths can certainly be strong!
If your baby is having difficulty latching it can result in sore cracked nipples and it can often feel like you are going round in a circle with latching and pain. Especially when the baby needs to feed a short time later. For some, it can feel like no respite.
If you have sore or cracked nipples the NHS recommends not to leave them as they can get worse, or even infected.
They suggest wearing a cotton bra letting air naturally circulate, changing breast pads frequently between each feed, and trying to find the right attachment, where the back of babies palate is resting comfortably against your nipple.
Some people can use nipple cream but the NHS also gives a tip that a small amount of breast milk on the affected area can help heal just as well.
Too little breast milk
Some new mums find that their milk is slow in coming in, or even that they are not producing enough milk for their baby’s feeds. This can result in a fussy newborn who seems to be endlessly hungry.
Each time you feed your body naturally produces more milk for the next feed. Your baby should feed little and often and as much as they want, this is known as responsive feeding.
If you are worried about if your baby is receiving enough milk then Zoe Ralph, Fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting, says a good indication is their nappies.
‘Your baby will generally let you know, but wet and dirty nappies are a good indication, as well as hearing your baby swallow,’ she says.
Yet if you are finding your baby crying more and seem extra hungry then work on getting more supply.
The NHS says that to get more milk in, you can try expressing milk after each feed as well as alternating breasts on each feed. They also suggest that if this is not successful, get help from your midwife or health visitor so they can see if there are any attachment issues.
There are also ways to catch the milk from the other breast while you’re not expressing or feeding, like the Elvie Catch, this is so you don’t waste a precious drop.
Too much breast milk
On the opposite side, new mothers can experience bringing in too much milk, often referred to as hyper lactation.
If you notice that your baby is having difficulties when they latch, like slipping, or your breasts feel engorged for a prolonged period of time, then there may be an excess supply of milk.
One way to slow down feeding is to lean back in a chair when you are feeding, says NCT experts, which paces the flow more.
They also suggest that some new mothers can try block feeding where they offer their newborn just one breast in each feed which slows down supply quickly.
Lastly, they advise that cutting down on expressing milk can be beneficial while trying to slow milk production. This is because the more milk that you express, the more you will make.
Blocked milk ducts
The first sign of a blocked milk duct (aside from the horrible pain) is a lump which can feel hard and tender.
This should be dealt with sooner rather than later to prevent infection, otherwise known as mastitis.
While some say the lump can go away with further breastfeeding if that is not the case then a hot bath and massage can relieve it.
It is also important that you are not wearing a tight bra which may bring further discomfort and you can even go braless or use a hot flannel to release it.
Comfort and ease
While feeling comfortable may not be at the forefront of your mind, a good nursing bra, top or dress makes life a lot easier. When baby needs feeding, they will normally cry making it well known that they want their next feed, and they want it immediately.
Normal bras don’t have the flexibility that nursing bras have and with zero clips it can make life hard for your little one to latch correctly.
Wearing a purpose built nursing bra like the Emma Jane Mia from Jojo Maman Bebe or the Soft from Marks and Spencer can keep you supported while being able to feed baby with ease.
One top pregnancy tip is that you can actually start wearing a nursing bra towards the end of your pregnancy, as you may go up a bra size (or three!) and the extra support and comfort can be a warm welcome as your body changes.
Find support
When breastfeeding becomes difficult, it can really affect your mood.
Along with all the other challenges that occur with becoming a new mum, when breastfeeding doesn’t go smoothly it can make you feel upset, sad, frustrated or even guilty.
Finding good support is a great way to bridge the gap and there are many organisations available to help mothers with breastfeeding.
The NHS offers a breastfeeding support line that can answer questions: 0300 100 0212.
If you prefer face to face support then your midwife or health visitor can meet to help advise and support you further.
For some mothers, breastfeeding is hugely challenging and the most important thing is for a new mother to be happy and content.
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers also offers support groups all over the UK where you can find extensive help from others and can feel supported and satisfied through your breastfeeding journey.
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