Q&A: What if I have problems breastfeeding again?

Any mother who has ever untaken the task of breastfeeding their child will tell you that it most definitely is NOT an easy task. Think of breastfeeding as more of a synchronized sporting event, where both mom and baby must figure out a way together to feed comfortably and happily.

Let’s start off with the best news first: not all babies have a hard time learning how to breastfeed. Though your first child may have been a handful, your second may take up breastfeeding quickly and easily.

Next, be sure that once your child is born, you receive as much help and information from the nurses and staffed lactation consultants while you are there. Take advantage of their expertise and allow them to continuously help you with the breastfeeding process during your stay in the hospital. You can also seek FREE help once you leave the hospital as well. Many mothers do not realize that there are qualified, free lactation consultants in your area who will be more than happy to help you. Ask your doctor, local health office, or even do a quick search on the internet.

Now here’s a problem for many mothers: breastfeeding positions. When we think of breastfeeding, we think of our child slung across our lap, happily suckling from our breast – but for many moms, especially when you are first starting out, this can be the most difficult position for you and baby to become comfortable with. You can start off by laying down and placing your baby right up next to your breast (this is particularly useful if you have had a c-section and cannot have a baby pressed against your abdomen), or give the “football hold” a try. Be sure to encourage your baby to take as much of your nipple into his or her mouth so that they are suckling as efficiently as possible, and so that YOU are not in pain!

Pain is perhaps the number one reason why moms stop breastfeeding their child. Not only are our breasts and nipples tender and sore from the hormonal changes that are taking place, but then we have to some how get this child to vigorously suck from our poor, sore breasts too? Here are some different pain management techniques for you moms out there:

• Nipple Pain: Cracked, dry nipples are the absolute worst! Keep on working on getting a proper latch from your child, and purchase a good quality nipple cream. When your nipples are dry, rub the cream in gently and allow it to fully absorb before covering your nipples again.
• You can also give nipple shields a try (though many babies will not nurse if their mother is using one).
• Engorgement: Those first few weeks and months of breastfeeding will leave mommies with hard, tender breasts on a regular basis. To help with the pain of engorgement, try feeding your baby or expressing the milk either by hand or with a breast pump. Hot showers and cold cabbage leaves also work wonders for soothing the pain.
• You also want to be sure that you are wearing a proper feeding bra that is not too tight and that does not have an underwire. This will help your milk ducts stay open and not become clogged up.
• Back Pain: It happens! If a mother is not feeding in a comfortable position, back pain is inevitable. Invest in a good feeding pillow, buy a heating pad, and use the laying down breastfeeding position every once in a while.

Above all, the most important thing to be armed with is patience. If you find yourself becoming frustrated with the breastfeeding process, take a breath and walk away for a moment. It is important for us moms to remember that having mental and physical breaks from our children is important for our own well being too, so be sure to continue to look after you. That way, you will be the best mommy you can be for your baby.