What To Expect When You’re Breastfeeding: Interviewing Alicia Duncan, IBCLC - Part 2
We met Alicia Duncan, IBCLC a couple blog posts ago, reading about her amazing background in lactation education and why she’s one of the best people to talk to for breastfeeding concerns. In our conversation, we also talked about some of the concerns she hears most frequently in her work; here’s a glimpse at what these issues are!
Low Milk supply -- Alicia frequently hears from women who think they might not be making enough milk for their babies. This is so very stressful for any mother to contemplate and, unfortunately, when women don’t receive enough support and education about normal baby behavior they are often unsure about how to verify that their supply is sufficient.
Normal feeding behavior for breastfed babies is eating every 1.5-3 hrs most of the time. Most breastfed babies have a period in the 24 hours where they are fussy and want to nurse nonstop for several hours at a time; this is called cluster feeding and can often be misinterpreted for low milk supply. Cluster feeding tends to happen around the same time every day or night. Breastmilk digests very quickly, and small babies have small stomachs
Often there can also a misunderstanding about what a hungry baby looks like. A baby who cries often in the evenings is not necessarily a hungry baby; evenings are when babies tend to be very overwhelmed by the day and have trouble settling down (this is where a baby carrier works wonders!). Babies can also get frustrated by the slower flow of milk later in the day, even while they are still getting what they need overall. It is important to remember that babies often nurse because they need the comfort of mom just as much as they do the nourishment that the breast offers.
Milk production can still be very stable even when your breasts don’t feel “full” anymore like they do in the early days of breastfeeding. Your body is working to be as efficient as possible, so that full feeling is only an early indicator -- it’s like your body knows you’re lugging a baby around, so you’re being saved from walking around with extra-heavy breasts too. ;-)
Nor does a baby who nurses for short spurts frequently mean a starving baby. If your baby is wanting to eat every hour around the clock, that would be concerning and you should get help.
Mothers can also worry about their milk supply when they struggle with water intake; hydration is so important for everyone, but missing your number of ounces for the day doesn’t likely affect your supply.
What is worrisome? It is crucial to find professional support if your baby is acting listless (this means: not fussing, not waking up to eat or only feeding well for a few minutes before falling asleep), not having enough diapers (after day 3 at least 6 wet and 3 dirty in 24 hrs) and continuing to lose weight. Sometimes a bigger dip in weight shortly after birth might be because you received IV fluids during labor, sometimes there are latch issues that keep baby from being super efficient (see the next point!). A weight dip does not mean you cannot feed your baby long term! Overall, moms tend to have good instincts and it is important that if you are concerned you reach out for help. Connecting with Alicia can help you determine the root issue. She can help you keep on track for meeting your breastfeeding goals.
2. Pain. This is a vast topic. Sometimes women assume that their nipples need to “toughen up” to be able to nurse; this is not true. Your nipples were made for nursing. It is normal to feel a little bit of tugging going on the first few seconds as baby starts to suck, but if that pain is continuing past 30 seconds to a minute (try a few slow deep breaths), you may need help.
Shallow latches are another cause of breastfeeding pain where Alicia’s help can be crucial. Most newborns are determined to nurse, no matter how they are positioned. Sometimes we feel like as long as baby is getting milk, all is well. But there are latches that protect mom’s breasts and help baby nurse efficiently, and there are latches that cause pain and frustration. Alicia can help mothers and babies establish the best latch, helping everyone feel better!
The bottom line: breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt & contacting Alicia as soon as it starts to be painful will make a positive, long-term difference in your breastfeeding relationship! Small steps & habits at the beginning help make nursing more sustainable and comfortable for both you and your baby!