receiving milk (and difficulties latching doesn’t indicate you don’t have milk, but it is a cause to seek assistance).
Ways to Make Breastfeeding Work
You may need assistance diagnosing a milk production issue. Fenugreek, nipple shields, various postures, fluids, skin-to-skin contact, and Reglan may enhance your production. Building it is worthwhile. Start with family or friends, but you’ll need an expert if it’s a true issue.
Schedule an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) appointment because lactation consultants are so accessible now.
Reasons You Can’t Breastfeed
Breastfeeding might fail for several reasons. You must try. Even if it fails, stimulate the breasts.
- Breast surgery (implants or reductions)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Tubular breasts (fewer milk ducts aren’t visible).
- Stress (historical studies show more mothers cannot breastfeed during wartime than non-wartime).
- Lack of stimulation (no frequent feedings)
- Your baby requires tongue or lip release.
- Nipple issues (typically make breastfeeding harder but may be overcome with hard effort and aid from a lactation consultant)—really uncomfortable nipples are not a good indicator.
In extreme pain, call someone immediately. Vascular and breast tissue are tricky!
RELATED: Breastfeeding Positions: Have You Tried Them All?
Why Try A Lactation Consult
Consult an IBCLC. They may examine the baby’s mouth, discuss nipple discomfort, explain to you how to express milk, check for breast infections, and make sure the baby’s requirements are met while balancing mom’s.
They are experts in examining the mother’s nipples to determine the issue and how to treat it. They may discuss your baby’s birth weight and current weight. They are specialists at inspecting a baby’s mouth for concerns (including a tongue tie or lip ties and any palate issues).
They’re very good at checking the baby’s latch. The latch is just part of breastfeeding (and they are trained to assess the whole thing). They’re also best for medical issues. They’re your breastfeeding expert (most doctors aren’t). Many IBCLCs are also RNs, so they can manage all your requirements.