When you first begin planning your family and your venture into motherhood, breastfeeding is something that typically comes up early on, sometimes even before actually becoming pregnant. Many women have their mind set that they are going to breastfeed (or not) and they don’t often consider that complications can arise after the baby comes. As you’ve probably heard, more than once, “breast is best.” While this is true, many women struggle with breastfeeding and simply can’t do it. Some just don’t produce milk (especially with a first pregnancy), others have underlying health concerns that don’t allow them too.

Regardless of the reason, no mother should be made to feel bad if she cannot breastfeed, or simply chooses against it. Feeding your baby is the most important thing, breast or bottle. That being said, if you’ve got your heart set on giving breastfeeding a try but find it not as easy as you’d hoped, many issues (like the ones you’re experiencing) can be solved with a bit of breastfeeding help and guidance from a trained professional. 

Sure, you can try some “old fashioned” methods of helping your milk to come in, but seeing a lactation specialist can make a world of difference if you’re struggling. For many women, the issues don’t involve her milk production, but rather just the act of breastfeeding in general. Finding the right positions, helping a tricky baby latch, learning to feed for your breast-type (size and shape affect your breastfeeding) and this is where it’s a good idea to connect with your local lactation specialist even before the baby is born.

Why Might You Have Trouble Breastfeeding And When To Seek Help.

There are many reasons why a woman may not be able to breastfeed, or why she may struggle in the beginning. We are often led to believe that if you are a woman and you can carry a child, you can breastfeed. But sadly that’s not the case for everyone. The good news is, many causes of breastfeeding woes can be fixed with a little professional help.

Here are some very common situations that can make the experience stressful and challenging;

• A past breast surgery or implants is affecting your milk production
• The birth was long and traumatic
• Your baby won’t latch
• Your breasts become engorged
• You’re not producing enough milk
• Your nipples are inverted or very large
• Stress/postpartum depression
• Your breasts did not grow during pregnancy
• You can’t find the optimal position to hold your baby 
• Baby won’t feed from both sides

Every pregnancy, baby and woman’s body is completely different. If you are experiencing any of the above concerns, we strongly suggest getting in touch with a specialist sooner rather than later. Waiting too long can be dangerous for you and your newborn, so seeking help right away will help ensure the safety of you both. Babies can become dehydrated and develop health issues like jaundice if they aren’t receiving sufficient milk. 

Why Should You Seek The Help Of A Lactation Specialist?

Becoming a mother for the first time (or second, or fifth) can be stressful. If you had your mind set on breastfeeding when you became pregnant, or breastfed your first baby without trouble, it can be emotionally difficult if you’re having issues once the baby comes. Postpartum depression, stress, anxiety, and feelings of failure can all creep in if you don’t seek the proper breastfeeding help. 

But why should you seek breastfeeding help and not give up? As we mentioned before, many concerns can be addressed and the benefits of breastfeeding are well worth it. A mother’s breast milk is strongly suggested as the best option because: 

• Your milk contains vitamins, nutrients, minerals and fats that are the perfect balance of nutrition for your baby. 
• Your milk contains antibodies that help your baby to build a strong immune system
• Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby by releasing oxytocin into your body. 
• Bottle feeding will cost you a lot of money and breastfeeding is free!
• Baby isn’t the only one who will benefit; breastfeeding is proven to help reduce postpartum bleeding, reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer and it helps your body return to it’s pre-baby state a little quicker. 

Having a good lactation specialist can help you get the most out of your breastfeeding experience. Proper guidance, skills and knowledge can help you turn your breastfeeding experience into the nurturing, heartwarming experience it should be.

The specialists at Ageless Living Cold Lake will work with you, baby and your partner to help you establish a good breastfeeding routine. We can teach you the proper methods of positioning the baby, getting the baby to latch and help you feel confident and empowered with what your body is capable of. Even before the baby comes, our trained, caring and compassionate professionals will guide you through the whole process. We’ll help you understand the possible issues you could run into and give you the help you need to work through them. Sometimes just being prepared is enough for you to be successful with breastfeeding from day one. 

Having difficulty breastfeeding can be a hard thing for a mother to experience but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you are at all concerned about breastfeeding, need breastfeeding help once your baby comes or just need an extra support system through the process, Ageless Living Cold Lake is here to help you. Reach out to our lactation specialist today and start your beautiful breastfeeding journey, wherever it may lead you.