The Breastfeeding Challenges No One Tells You About

The Motherhood Kit

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Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can also present various challenges that can be overwhelming for new mums and can take its emotional toll.
In this episode, nurse, doula, lactation consultant and mother of five Yamel Belen explores some of these potential challenges and shares her expert opinion on why these might occur, offering new mums support and guidance in navigating their breastfeeding journeys.

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Tune into this episode to hear Yamel’s insights on various potential breastfeeding challenges, including:

Latch Issues

There are many different root causes to latch issues, including the type of birth you experienced, prematurity, or perhaps your baby’s oral restrictions or inability to coordinate. As a lactation consultant, when Yamel works with mothers she always tries to ascertain the cause behind the issue in order to better help them navigate and move through this challenge.

Low milk supply (or perceived low milk supply) or over milk supply

Many mums worry about not producing enough milk for their babies, but it’s important to have some underlying trust that your body is equipped to make enough milk for your child’s needs. Supply is impacted by stimulation of the breast and milk removal, so the best thing you can do is to bring your baby to the breast frequently, and if you' separated from your baby, to use another means (such as pumping) to remove the milk and signal to your body how much to make. Other aspects to prioritise are proper hydration, a healthy diet and rest.

Feelings of guilt, inadequacy or failure

So many mums experience feelings of guilt or inadequacy when facing difficulties in breastfeeding. Yamel’s advice is to share your breastfeeding goals with your closest circle of friends and family, so that they can support you in meeting these when times get tough, and also to try and avoid the comparison trap of comparing your breastfeeding journey to other people’s. It’s vital to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing while navigating these challenges, to have compassion for yourself, and to seek support to try and make your breastfeeding journey a little smoother.

Seek lactation support with Yamel:

One Love Doula are here to help with their in-home and virtual lactation support services, designed to educate, empower and troubleshoot any issues you may be having during your breastfeeding journey. Led by experience, IBCLCs and CLCs are services available both in person and remote to fit your busy schedule, and the best part is this service is covered by most insurance providers, meaning you can receive professional support without any out of pocket expense. Let us help you navigate the rewarding experience of breastfeeding ensuring that you and your baby thrive.

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