Breastfeeding

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By Jenna Collinge, BS, CLC

August is National Breastfeeding Month, let’s celebrate your breastfeeding journey. And we are here to remind you how amazing you are!  Whether you breastfeed for two days or two years, it matters, your efforts matter. This month is to celebrate all the mothers who gave time and love to nourish their child:

Dear Mom,

If no one has told you yet, you are doing great.

We see you! Breastfeeding is hard. It is not glamorous, for some it is not what we expect.

We see you up every two – three hours nursing.

We see you crying over spilling your milk.

We see your dedication to keep going through the pain of cracked nipples, the mental and physical breakdowns. 

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but there can be many bumps in the road.

Give yourself time and grace. Keep up on positive thoughts. You are not failing, you are learning.

If you are struggling with breastfeeding, know that you are not alone.

How do I find success in my breastfeeding journey?

  1. Connect with your network, your family or friends to support you in this journey. Find a breastfeeding support group to connect with other moms and friends who can relate to your experiences.
  2. Find a breastfeeding specialist; this may be a IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) or you PCP (Primary Care Provider). They are here to help you work through your concerns, helping with positioning and latching, working through a care/feeding plan and will follow up with you to see that care plan through. 
  3. Reset your mindset. We as humans often only see the problem and allow the feeling of not being able to do it overwhelm us and take over our thoughts. Rethink! Maybe your baby is not latching but is taking breastmilk from a bottle. Maybe your baby is having a hard time latching and you are in pain. Remember that you are both learning and this is just a small bump in the road. Do not be afraid to ask for help!

Everyone falls in the early days, but with the right support, it gets better, and better. Find the successes in your breastfeeding journey. If your baby fed well once today – that is a success. Remember every skill takes practice and time. We see you. Keep up the great job!

For more information on breastfeeding, look at Grand River Heath Podcast or contact Changing Lifestyles to talk to our lactation consultants!