Breastfeeding 101

Breastfeeding is a bonding experience between a mother and baby, providing nutritional benefits for both the infant and parent. While many new mothers breastfeed, it can be a challenging feat that looks different for everyone.

“The most important thing is realizing that breastfeeding may not be easy and to give yourself grace,” said Dr. Anitra Beasley, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.

New and expecting mothers interested in breastfeeding should educate themselves on the different techniques and ways to work with the baby to ensure benefits. Good nutrition and hydration are key to prepare for the journey.

Benefits

Breastfeeding provides important nutrition for babies and may help with weight management for mothers. The process allows for the parent and baby to bond. Infant benefits of breastfeeding include decreased risk of:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Childhood obesity
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Eczema
• Respiratory infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Benefits for the breastfeeding person include decreased risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes

Holding your baby

Breastfeeding parents will find that different holds might work for different babies: the football hold, cradle hold or holding across the body. While sometimes tempting, Beasley reminds mothers to not hold and feed their baby when they are tired and at risk of falling asleep to prevent putting the infant in a position where they cannot breathe on their own.

Milk production

Keep hydrated and follow a nutritious diet to help with milk production. Most people produce the amount of milk their baby needs, and the more frequently you feed your infant, the more milk you will produce. Some medications can impact your milk production, such as estrogen-containing contraceptives. Beasley recommends delaying use until your milk supply has been established.

Most people can combine bottle feeding and breastfeeding without issue.

“Breastfeeding is a supply and demand thing, so if you are switching back and forth, you may find that you’re not producing as much milk as you want to,” she said. “If that’s a problem, you can go back to either feeding or expressing or pumping milk to get your supply up.”

Complications

Mastitis is an infection of the breast that can occur when bacteria, often from the infant’s mouth, gets into the breast. People often will have breast pain, potential fever and perhaps flu-like symptoms with mastitis. The infection must be treated with antibiotics.

“You can continue to breastfeed your infant during this time. You do not have to stop or switch to bottle feeding,” Beasley said.

Clogged ducts occur when one of the ducts that produces milk gets clogged. This can be treated with continued breastfeeding and gentle pressure from the plugged duct toward the nipple.

A tongue tie is a condition in which the frenulum (the thin piece of tissue under the tongue) of the infant’s tongue may be tighter than normal, which can impact the baby’s ability to latch on properly to take in milk. This can impact both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and in most cases is corrected by a simple procedure.

Lactation consultant

Lactation consultants can not only help mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding, but they also provide tips to improve breastfeeding in general.

“If you struggle with breastfeeding, feel like your infant is not latching on, have concerns that you might not be getting enough milk or experience pain, it’s a great time to see a lactation consultant,” Beasley said.

Pain and soreness

New mothers might feel soreness when they begin breastfeeding as it is a new sensation, but it should not be painful. Use creams, ointments or cold compresses for sore breasts.

If you feel pain, it could be a sign you need help figuring out how to have your baby latch on or with positioning. A lactation consultant, pediatrician, OBGYN or midwife could help with those skills. Pain with breastfeeding might also indicate an infection, such as mastitis or a yeast infection around the breasts the needs treatment. Talk to your provider if you experience pain.

Limitations

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid alcohol and drugs so the substances do not get into the infant. Some special situations might require parents to avoid breastfeeding, such as those on specific medications, like chemotherapy.

“There are some conditions, like if you have a herpes outbreak on your breast, where we may recommend you cover that breast or use the other one to breastfeed,” Beasley said.

People with HIV or AIDS can breastfeed, and their providers will discuss the risks and benefits of breast and formula feeding with these patients. This population should make the choice to either breast or formula feed and should avoid going back and forth between the two as it can increase the risk of transmission of HIV.

“Breastfeeding is your own personal journey. Do not compare yourself to others’ experiences. Reach out for help when you need it; it does not mean there is anything wrong with you if you struggle. Not everyone is going to be able to breastfeed, and maybe with time, things may change as your supply comes in,” she said.

Beasley recommends speaking with an unbiased person if you struggle with breastfeeding.

By Homa Warren