Things a Breastfeeding Expert Knows that You Don't (But Will When You're Done Reading!)
Breastfeeding can be amazing but also overwhelming. Understanding these things a breastfeeding expert knows can make all the difference!
Breastfeeding should not hurt.
It is common for breastfeeding or pumping to hurt, but it is not normal! Pain is the way our body signals to us that something isn’t right. Tender and sore nipples during the first days and weeks of breastfeeding might occur as you and your baby work on breastfeeding together. If it persists or is painful though, then it’s time to get help from a certified lactation consultant.
Drinking excessive amounts of water won’t increase your milk supply.
Nursing parents should “drink to thirst.” Breastfeeding and pumping make you feel thirstier because of the oxytocin release. It’s a good idea to keep a water bottle with you and take frequent sips throughout the day before your body is signaling to you that it is thirsty. A good indication that you are hydrated is the color of your urine- aiming for a pale yellow color. Excessive amounts of fluids can actually lower your salt and electrolyte levels.
Empty breasts make milk faster than full breasts.
Breast milk contains a small whey protein called FIL (feedback inhibitor of lactation). The more milk in your breasts the more FIL which signals milk production to slow down. Frequent milk removal plus empty breasts signal your body to ramp up the milk making.
Your breasts are never completely empty.
I know, I just said in #3 empty breasts make milk faster than full breasts! But you can never completely empty your breasts because your body is always making milk. In fact, research has found that on average babies take only about 67% of the available milk in the breasts during any given feed.
Breastfeeding helps your uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.
It’s not unusual in those early days for your stomach to cramp when breastfeeding. A hormone called oxytocin is released during breastfeeding. This hormone is responsible for your milk let-down as well as contracting smooth muscles, including your uterus.
It’s normal for one breast to make more milk than the other.
Our bodies are not perfectly symmetrical, and this includes the amount of milk-making tissue in each of our breasts. You don’t have to do anything to make the lower producing breast make more milk or catch up the other side (unless you want to). If your baby refuses to nurse on that side or something else seems off then it’s always best to consult a breastfeeding expert for help.
Nursing makes you sleepy.
Sure, babies often doze off while breastfeeding but it has a calming effect on mom too that can make you sleepy. The hormone prolactin, the milk-making hormone, can make you feel relaxed and drowsy. Prolactin levels spike at night, making it easier for you to fall back asleep after breastfeeding or pumping.
Your hands are your greatest breastfeeding tool.
Learning how to use your hands for milk expression and massage is such an important tool! Your hands can be used in those early days to express colostrum and then for hand expression at any point along your journey. Research has shown that mothers using their hands during pumping yielded 48% more milk than using the pump alone.
Babies don’t follow a clock for feeding.
Milk production works by supply and demand. Your baby will demand the milk and your body will respond by making more of it. Babies are made to eat often and human milk is made for easy digestion. This means babies need to eat frequently, even during the night. Following your baby's cues for feeding is not only best for your baby but it’s best for your milk supply as well.
Your baby is born with reflexes to help them feed.
Your baby is born with over 20 primitive reflexes with the main function being for feeding. The position your baby is in during feeding can help facilitate these reflexes to trigger. If your baby is struggling to feed effectively you might just need some help getting your baby in a better position.
Sex may not be terrific right away.
Hormonal and body changes combined with lack of sleep and 24-hour care of a new baby might translate to a lowered sex drive postpartum. Lower estrogen levels during breastfeeding can also mean vaginal dryness and tenderness. The best thing to do is take it slow and communicate with your partner about your feelings around sex. Finding ways to ease back into it and create intimacy in other ways is important. When you are ready, using a water-based lubricant can help.
Nursing can be boring.
Sometimes feedings can last as long as an hour or your baby may be clustering feeding for hours on end. Just realizing this helps. It’s fine to pass the time doing other things during the day (like binge-watching that show on Netflix or babywearing so you can do the laundry) but at night it’s best to keep things dark and calm. Too much stimulation from a screen during nighttime feedings can mess with your circadian rhythm.
You might not love every minute of it—and that’s ok.
You may be excited to breastfeed and then have days when you are ready to throw in the towel. Breastfeeding may be “natural” but that doesn’t mean it is easy. While that is okay, you might also just need some help. Reaching out to a breastfeeding expert—especially a certified lactation consultant—could be just the answer that makes the difference.
Breastfeeding can be blissful.
Often, there is nothing like the connection created when breastfeeding a baby. That skin-to-skin time, providing nourishment and comfort for your baby, releases the powerful love hormone, oxytocin. All in all, this can be a terrific time in your life. Take it day by day and remember to enjoy the journey!
If you are having difficulty with breastfeeding or pumping, please seek the support of a lactation consultant. We offer in-person support if you are in the Atlanta area or virtual support no matter what state or country you live!
