Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges with Home Lactation Consultations

Breast milk: Nature's perfect food for babies. But for many new mothers, breastfeeding isn't as simple as it sounds. While the benefits are undeniable, the challenges can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore why breast milk is so valuable and how mothers can overcome common breastfeeding hurdles.

We'll cover:

• The numerous health benefits for both baby and mother
• Case Study of how our Lactation Consultant helped to support a new mother on her breastfeeding journey.
• Practical tips for new mothers to make their breastfeeding journey easier

Whether you're a first-time mom or preparing for your next child, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your breastfeeding experience. Let's dive in and discover why breast milk truly is a priceless gift.

Benefits of breast milk

One of the best gifts a mother can give her child is something that money can’t buy. Breast milk offers numerous benefits, from protecting the baby against diseases to lowering the mother’s risk of breast cancer. The World Health Organization recommends all infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. However, breastfeeding can be challenging for many mothers. That’s why Thomson ParentCraft Centre provides lactation advice and home-care services to support new mothers.

Case Study: Supporting a First-time Mom on her breastfeeding journey

At 37 weeks pregnant, Jamie (not her real name) came to me to learn more about breastfeeding. As a new mom, we discussed a feeding plan to ensure her baby would be well-fed. Jamie was also curious about harvesting colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk produced before birth, to give her baby the best start. During the consultation, we practiced breast massage and expressing colostrum in preparation for the baby’s arrival.

After Jamie delivered her baby at Thomson Medical, I visited her to support her breastfeeding journey. Together, we worked on latching and positioning techniques to ensure comfortable breastfeeding. Putting the feeding plan into action, along with the techniques she learned, helped ensure that her baby was fed regularly with a good latch and active sucking, which prevented sore nipples and breast engorgement.

The importance of a supportive partner

A supportive partner is essential, so I also guided her husband on caring for a newborn. This included how to carry a newborn, assist with positioning during breastfeeding, change of diapers, syringe-feed colostrum if baby was too sleepy to nurse, burp, swaddle, and soothe the baby when crying.

Post-discharge support

After Jamie’s discharge from the hospital, I continued to support her and her family through home visits and follow-up appointments at the Thomson Parentcraft Centre. At that time, her baby had mild jaundice, which can make breastfeeding more difficult as babies with jaundice tend to be sleepier and struggle with sucking and swallowing. We discussed alternative feeding plans, such as hand expressing or pumping for comfort when the baby was too sleepy to nurse actively. With time and practice, Jamie’s baby developed a strong latch and fed well.

Returning to work

A common challenge faced by many mothers is keeping up with breastfeeding after returning to work. For Jamie, we tailored a feeding and pumping plan around her busy schedule, helping her maintain a steady milk supply. Jamie’s journey is a beautiful example of how dedication, support, and guidance can lead to a successful breastfeeding experience.

Need a lactation consultant to visit you?

Make an appointment with Thomson ParentCraft Centre.

When to seek doctor's help?

While most breastfeeding issues can be resolved with guidance from a lactation consultant, there are times when you should consult a breast specialist. Consider booking an appointment at Thomson Breast Centre if you experience:

• Persistent breast pain that doesn't improve with corrected latch or positioning

• Signs of mastitis (if you experience fever, flu-like symptoms along with hard lumps in your breasts) that don't resolve within 24-48 hours.
• Nipple discharge when not breastfeeding
• Any changes in breast skin texture or colour

At Thomson Breast Centre, our team of experienced breast specialists can provide comprehensive care to address your concerns and support your breastfeeding journey. Remember, seeking timely medical advice can help ensure the health of both you and your baby.

The advice in this article was given by a Senior Lactation Consultant practicing at Thomson ParentCraft Centre.