Breastfeeding Roadblocks and how I resolved them
My mom was incredibly supportive of my choice, and also gave me the safety net of being okay with me formula feeding,too! She even bought formula for in case I ran into problems and couldn't get formula during this whole pandemic situation! Luckily, I haven't needed to use it so far.
There were some serious roadblocks in my breastfeeding journey so far, and I'm kind of annoyed that no one pre-warned me about how hard it can be. Before breastfeeding my baby, I was under the impression that breastfeeding (or not) is always just a matter of choice. That is NOT true.
I've spoken to a few moms who were DESPERATE to breastfeed, but their roadblocks prevented them from continuing breastfeeding.
Here are my list of Roadblocks I wish I'd have known before breastfeeding:
1. IT'S NOT EASY
I always thought that it was as simple as putting baby to the breast and TADAAA baby knows what to and is fed properly. what a joke! Breastfeeding is a learning curve for mommies and their bundles. From getting baby to latch properly, to figuring out the best way to feed - this is NOT an instant process! Being patient and taking it feed-by-feed got me through this! Luckily, I didn't have problems with baby latching correctly once we found the right feeding position.
2. Your nipples will not feel great
The first couple of days are a real horror on the nipples. No one told me how hard the process would be on them, or how quickly they would adjust to the new role. When your nipples are cracked and aching from this new journey, it feels (and looks) like they will never heal! Great news! With proper care, they do....and quite quickly at that! (at least for me). Nipple cream is your friend! The image below is what worked for me.
3. Your boobs feel like bombs when your milk comes in
Once that initial milk starts building up, its feels like period boobs x20. The great news is that refrigerated cabbage leaves work wonders! Of course there are more graceful products you can use, but the fact that there were options to relieve the ache was a very happy discovery!
4. Don't be discouraged in vulnerable moments
One night my partner made the mistake of suggesting I give our baby formula because my milk might not be "nutritious or filling" enough. I never felt so offended and angry and insecure at the same time in my life before. A part of me wanted to rip off his genitalia, and yet another wondered if he was right. Luckily I was able to resist the temptation of believing my insecurities and fears that my inner saboteur was repeating into my brain every time baby cried. Honestly, it was a very close call.
5. Feeding doesn't need to be in cradle hold...
If I had known about other feeding positions sooner, I might've saved myself and baby a few colicky nights. Baby and I could NOT get comfortable feeding in the traditional way. My let-down is super fast, and baby had some intense suction from day one -NOT a great combo! Turns out laying tummy-to-tummy works best for us! She's been able to control her head from week one, so that made this glorious relief of a feeding position possible. I don't think I'd still be breastfeeding if I had tried to force cradle hold on us both!
6. Those milk ducts can get blocked
I spent one night pumping out of my right breast, then massaging the lumps, pumping out again, massaging and then finally feeding baby. It was quite a painful process, but I knew leaving the ducts blocked would mean more pain, difficulties feeding and potentially mastitis! I could literally feel the blockage "pop out" as I gently worked through the lumps.The relief was so worth the one night of effort! Rather sort the problems out before they lead to consequences in your supply or feeding journey as a whole.
7. Over supply
Before my milk and baby's needs synced up, I struggled with over supply. Achy breasts and sopping wet sheets / breast pads were a big problem. This issue sorts itself out! Baby "communicates" with your breast through feeding , and after a bit of trial and error, they eventually sync up perfectly
Those are 7 of the issues/solutions I experienced with breastfeeding. I hope these will help prepare you for your journey, or even help you with your current problems in feedings! Remember, these are based off my experience, and it may not be the same for you.
Although I would encourage moms to breastfeed, I will advise not to sacrifice your mental health for it. See a lactation specialist and do your best, just please don't break yourself down, or think your a bad mom if things don't go as planned! Feeling less-than is actually the one thing that almost ended my breastfeeding journey. You can do it! Whatever "it" may end up meaning for you!
*images from pexels
*information based on personal experience. I am not a medical professional or a lactation consultant. Please seek help from a professional should you need assistance.
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