Breastfeeding is NOT suppose to hurt - Part 2

During childbirth, the pains we feel from contractions do hurt and yet this is pain with a purpose. The work of labor is to cause the uterine muscle to go through changes that create the stretching of the uterine muscles... all to help bring your baby down and out into your arms. This labor period is a relatively short period of time and we can help ourselves tremendously to get through this period. Learning and practicing relaxation techniques, trusting birth and choosing the right careproviders are all part of the ingredients to help you have a safe birth as planned.

So, while pain during childbirth is expected and we can work through it, pain during breastfeeding signals us that something is wrong and we should not have to use techniques to help us get through the pain each and every time you breastfeed. So, what do we do as new mothers when there are people around us who say that newborn breastfeeding pain is normal? My first thought is: Normal for who? And why? And for how long? And just because that was there experience, does not mean it has to be your experience also.

So, here's the thing. My peer lactation consultants and I are pretty intense about teaching mothers that this should not be hurting. Why? Because frequently this means breastfeeding failure. You just discontinue offering your milk altogether, whether it be from the direct breast or from a bottle. Or you decide to exclusively pump and bottlefeed.

What is wrong with this picture? Well, it does not matter so much what I or someone else wants. What is wrong with this picture is that this is not what you had wanted.
You looked forward to the experience of holding your baby against your body, having them latch on and seeing them drink your milk,, directly from you. I strongly encourage mothers who are in this position to seek help from an experienced IBCLC. At least until you can get help, be sure to keep up your milk production with regular pumping and be sure to feed your baby as frequently as he/she desires, which is usually 8 - 10 feedings a day.

If the pump you are using is anything less than a hospital grade pump and you are finding that you are not making enough to keep up with your baby, I would encourage you to switch pumps, at least just temporarily, until you can get breastfeeding going well.

As lactation specialists, our mantra is:

1. Feed the baby ( even if it means temporarily with a bottle)
2. Protect the milk production ( regular and frequent milk removal)

As long as you are doing numbers 1 & 2, there is always lots of opportunity to work on your breastfeeding challenges, solve your issues and begin breastfeeding in comfort.

Business, Heat and The Air Conditioner

Yes, so it has been a week since I have blogged. The temperatures here in Phoenix Arizona have risen to the triple digits. And yes, it is a dry heat. And when it is 90 and 95 and 98, it is really not so bad. In fact, I like the weather at 95. Something shifts in a BIG way once it turns over to triple digits..... the heat is definitely on and there is usually no turning back. Which means triple digits for months at a time.

Which is fine,,, as long as one has air conditioning. Air in their car and their home and their office - and all is fine with their world. My issue? The air conditioning in my home has had a major breakdown and as Murphy's Law would have it, this will be a very difficult job to fix. Apparently, the unit does have a leak. And yes, apparently, this leak is a very sneaky one, hiding in an unknown place. So, while this is being worked on,,,, my business is booming!

I am thrilled to be so busy and am enjoying the work that I do and the families that I meet. I have had the privilege of working with pregnant and new mothers, as well as helping some grandmothers choose just the right gift for their pregnant daughters and daughter-in-laws. The greatest pleasure I have is to meet all the new babies and hold them in my arms. Pity my first baby on a Monday morning after not having held a baby all weekend. I basically think the baby is mine and will stay with me....but don't worry, I do give them back after a few minutes. I can't really be holding the baby when I am trying to help the mommy with breastfeeding!!

As a lactation consultant, I offer private consultations so I can work with mom and baby and help make breastfeeding a more pleasurable experience for those who have been having challenges. Consults take place in either my home office or the mothers home. I love having the balance of being at home and working and yet, at the same time, packing up my car with all my consult stuff and traveling to mothers homes.

Perhaps it is the heat these last few weeks, but home consults have been booming! I enjoy this because it does change things up for me, and I love visiting mothers in their own place as I really get an idea of the space they are using to breastfeed their babies. Looking at all their decorations and the babies rooms is also a lot of fun.

My air conditioner will get fixed - real soon, I hope. The temperatures will continue to rise - whether we like it or not. And with all the fabulous mom to mom referrals I have been getting, my business will begin to build. I will continue to blog and hope to get back on track with daily postings. I also hope that this week some of the very pregnant moms I have seen in the last few weeks, finally give birth to their babies as all have been desperate in this heat and are very ready to finally meet their babies. Congratulations all!