Breastfeeding & Supplmenting
Having a successful breastfeeding journey starts with understanding the anatomy of the breast, the changes your breast and milk will go through, and having a strong support system. If you are one of the first to breastfeed in your family, you may not acquire the knowledge you need in order to have a successful journey. Understand that there will be naysayers and judgy looks coming from ignorant folks who have no idea about the absolute wonders you’re providing.
I see a lot of posts from new moms stating that they’re supplementing with formula because their baby seems like their not getting enough after the breast and asking how to increase their milk supply at 2-6 weeks postpartum. First, at 2-6 weeks postpartum your body and baby are still getting the hang of things as your body learns to regulate your milk. During this time, your baby may seem extremely fussy and this could be due to cluster feeding. They are growing at crazy rates and need to constantly eat to keep up with the energy their putting out by growing. They may also just want to be near their mama as they’re still getting use to being outside the womb in this big world. It’s also important to remember that your body is producing the right amount for your baby who is still very tiny with a very tiny tummy. Their little bellies can only hold so much. If you hear or see suckling, are getting at least 5-6+ wet diapers a day, and baby is gaining weight accordingly, your baby is indeed getting enough. If this is not happening, reach out to your medical provider and a lactation consultant.
The key to making more milk is constantly removing the milk!
If you are supplementing with formula, even if your doctor suggested it, it is important that you still let your body know you need milk. Pump or hand express while your baby is getting a bottle, this lets your body know that at this time of day my baby will need milk. Do not get discouraged if you don’t see a lot of milk from pumping, PUMPING DOES NOT INDICATE HOW MUCH MILK YOU PRODUCE. A pump may not express your milk or empty the breast at the same efficiency as your baby. So pump for stimulation and try not to focus too much on the output.
Cuddle with your little one and attempt to latch throughout the day. This will help stimulate and let your brain and body know that your baby needs milk! Their saliva around your areola and nipple lets your body know what your breast milk needs to make more of (like antibodies if your baby is sick). Some women may find it hard to get baby to latch or even want the breast after a bottle which can happen for a few reasons. If you aren’t pace feeding, your baby has gotten comfortable with the fast and easy flow of the bottle so when he gets to the breast and realizes he has to work for the milk, he may become uninterested and fussy. Alternating from bottle to breast may cause nipple confusion where baby may prefer one nipple over the other. Some babies prefer the bottle but the more you try to breastfeed the more they may prefer the breast (some babies do just fine between the two.) Skin to skin, continuously latching your baby, and increasing water intake are the first steps to regulating your supply.
There are a lot of things that can contribute to a decrease in supply including but not limited to STRESS, certain medications, your cycle, diet change, change of daily schedules like going back to work, not drinking enough water, etc. but in those first few weeks, take it easy on yourself.
You are your babies safe haven, you, your scent and warmth are all they know so snuggle those little babies while you can, this time doesn’t last forever!
Exclusively breastfeeding is not easy! It’s extremely demanding, can be confusing at times, and it is tiring. If you are a mother who exclusively breastfeeds, this includes pumping... YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!
disclaimer:
this blog post is for mothers struggling to breastfeed those first few weeks. Mothers intuition is best, if you feel like there could be underlying issues, see your medical provider & lactation consultant. The information provided is for education purposes only
