The Key to Breastfeeding Success
Recent Royal births perpetuate the myth that new mothers can make a beautiful appearance just days after giving birth, wearing a white dress and heels, and glowing over their baby.
The reality behind that image is an army of supporters preparing the Royal mom for the cameras.
In fact, all new mothers need support as they venture into the new, unknown world of parenting.
For those who are breastfeeding, a team working to help the mother reach her breastfeeding goals is especially important.
Many people may join the new mom’s support team, but the team’s core is the new mom’s main helper – her partner, if she has one, or someone else.
Ideally, this main helper will have attended breastfeeding classes with mom. These classes emphasize the importance of skin-to-skin contact with the baby who will room with the mom.
They also advocate for frequent breastfeeding and lactation support.
The next ring of support includes other family members.
They should encourage the mother to hold and feed her baby, provide emotional support, and see to it that the mother has yummy food and a clean house.
Often in our culture, the extended family is unable to participate actively for as much time as the mother might need, so a postpartum doula is an excellent addition during this time of transition.
Every breastfeeding mother needs expert lactation support. This can start with prenatal classes or one-on-one sessions with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Support can continue in the hospital with the lactation team. Outpatient support can include hospital clinics and groups like La Leche League.
Private practice IBCLCs have extensive training in all areas of lactation support and offer home and office visits to assess mom and baby for feeding issues.
Sometimes, this is answering questions and simply assuring the mother that she is doing well.
This help can also include advice on positioning, care of sore nipples, latch and suck techniques, increasing supply, and providing support if breastfeeding isn’t going as easily as hoped.
The IBCLC may suggest additions to the team to support breastfeeding.
The OB or midwife can partner in solving low supply issues.
Massage or chiropractic care can help reduce tension patterns in baby and mom, allowing for better sucking patterns and more comfortable nursing.
Dentists, ENTs, and Speech Therapists diagnose and treat tethered oral tissues and impaired sucking patterns.
Post-partum depression and anxiety are a real part of many mothers’ journeys.
For these mothers, discussions with her care provider as well as a mental health professional can assist the transition into motherhood.
Although most new mothers don’t need designer dresses and professional grade makeup, they do need a physical and emotional support team to allow them to recover from birth and grow into their new job of being a mother.
Starting the team-building and education during pregnancy initiates the process.
Inviting new members onto the team allows for support for success.
Elizabeth Stapleton, RN, IBCLC, has been working with breastfeeding families for 20 years. Info: www.lactationcarewithelizabeth.com