Oh My! This topic brings me so much appreciation on my Breast-feeding journey. I breastfed all 4 of our kids albeit the durations differed. Our oldest is 11 YO now and was breastfed for 2 years! And when she started requesting it and would still eat a full meal after, my husband was over it! “Alright she need to stop now, is ridiculous that she is “asking” for it! 😊 Our second daughter lasted 8 months and just abruptly stopped. I was a bit heartbroken because I was sure she would follow in her older sister’s footsteps. Our first son came 3.5 years after our second daughter. He was born at 35 months (preemie) but he came out with a strong jaw! He sucked like his life depended on it. Well… it did! We took him home at 3.8 lbs! as he met all his milestones and they just didn’t have any reason to keep us at the hospital. This boy ate, and ate, both latched and bottled expressed milk. At 4 month after his birth we took in again! But I didn’t find out until 2 months in! that reminds me, breast feeding is not a form of birth control. LOL I thought we got it covered but we were wrong. So because I took in, I had to stop breast feeding to reserve ALL the nutrients for the fetus. So I stopped breast feeding our first son at 6 months! Then comes our last boy, whom I breastfed for over 2 years! I had to travel for 2 weeks for him to forget my boobs! I came back and teased him with breastfeeding, and he shouted “eww mommy!” I was a bit sad ☹
For someone new in this journey of breastfeeding and you read that people breastfed for 2 years or over, it can be daunting with your blistered nipple and unable to latch on baby. Please know that is the norm for the first few weeks to resemble nothing short of a nightmare. However, if you are one of the lucky ones, kudos to you! I certainly struggled with my first but alas nipple shield!!!! That was my life savior on the breast-feeding journey! I went with that thing as I would with my own very head. The nipple ointment was also handy. The nipple crack was physically painful. I teared up plenty of times as my babies watch me in pain wondering why they cant just eat uh! Women…. We are beautiful and you are doing great!
I digress…. This article is from a struggled breastfed mom to you. It really takes a village which is why I have gathered some tips that you could incorporate in your routine to boost your milk production, maintain and ease the early nipple pain associated with breast feeding.
- Get a nipple shield! There are plenty on the market. Medela brand has one. Typically made of silicone and would create barrier between your nipple and your baby’s mouth that way the baby’s mouth grip is not directly on your nipple. It prevents severe pain and cracking your nipple! It helped me a lot. The baby may not LOVE it, – it’s a different texture – but many infants adapt quickly. Pro tip: try to introduce it when you’re already in pain and baby is hungry, so they’ll take it out of necessity. Just remember that a nipple shield is usually a temporary tool. It’s wise to wean off it once your nipples heal, since long-term use can potentially affect milk transfer if the latch isn’t as deep.
- Nipple ointment/emollient. Helps with nipple dryness and avoids cracking. Another simple remedy is to express a drop of your breast milk and dab it on your nipples, letting it air-dry – breast milk has natural healing properties and moisture that can help keep the skin supple. The key is to avoid dryness, because dry skin is more likely to crack.
- Fenugreek supplement to boost milk production as well as soups, grains and tea aids in lactation. I have heard the use of Anise, ginger and chamomiles tea to sooth new moms as well.
- Drink water and drink some more water! Stay hydrated (8-12 glasses per day). 87% of breast milk is water so if you don’t drink water or heavy water concentrated on a beverage, it’s safe to say your milk may lag.
- Rest! Is a cliché and laughable when you have a new baby. What I mean is sleep when they sleep and ACCEPT help from loved ones who are willing to lend a hand. It’s astonishing how much your mental state can affect breastfeeding. Stress and anxiety can literally inhibit your milk let-down reflex. When you’re tense or upset, your body releases adrenaline, which can block oxytocin, the hormone that makes your milk flow to the nipple. Meditation is beneficial as well.
- Breast feed on demand! Scheduling anything with a new-born can be quite hectic. I dare say it is not very practical. So, breastfeed when they give you hunger Cues (hand sucking, lip smacking etc)
- Pump after feeding to save the milk. At least I did, and that was how I saved enough milk to be used when I headed back to work. It sends a strong signal to your body to keep producing milk.
- Breastfeeding may be painful or at least uncomfortable, especially for first time mom. It is normal and if it becomes unmanageable, a lactation consultant can be helpful. I suggest you keep in touch with the one the hospital may have put you in touch with. OR get on one or two lactation apps (LactApp, Breastfeeding Central, HelpMe Feed, LactRx, Mobile Lactation Consultant)
- If you are spiritual, PRAY. God is interested in your journey, call on him for easier time. What do you have to lose?
GOOD LUCK MAMAS! YOU GOT THIS!
Sources: The information above is drawn from a mix of personal experience and researched sources. Key references include World Health Organization guidelines and cultural practicesmotherschoiceproducts.commotherschoiceproducts.commotherschoiceproducts.com, lactation research on herbs like fenugreek and anisehealthline.combmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com, medical guidance on hydration and breastfeeding frequencylactationlab.comtexashealth.org, and expert advice from lactation consultants on nipple care, pumping, and stress managementsdbfc.commommed.compubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, among others. These sources and studies support the tips shared, demonstrating both modern scientific and time-honored approaches to improving milk supply and the breastfeeding experience. Remember, every mother-baby pair is unique, so what works for one may differ for another – always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Happy breastfeeding! 🍼🤱
