When I started researching about BF I found a lot of helpful info on the internet. And then once I started having issues, I found a lot of helpful info from other mothers. These are some of the things I wish the internet had told me first:
1. If your baby latches well but you are still in extreme pain or your baby still has little to no weight gain, seriously look in to lip ties and/or tongue ties as a possible culprit. It isn't supposed to be like that.
2. Your nipples are supposed to maintain shape when the kid is done. If it looks like a fresh tube of lipstick- something is not right.
3. There are two types of tongue ties- anterior and posterior. Verify that neither are present if you are having problems. There are 2 ways to clip a tongue tie- "scissors" or laser. This can be done by an ENT or a dentist.
4. All lactation consultants are not equal. You might have to visit several to get answers or the help you need.
5. People don't work on holidays. Babies don't stop eating because it isn't a business day. This can make getting timely appointments impossible. But "unsuccessful breastfeeding" is not really an emergency (even if it feels like one).
6. "The internet" suggests taking Fenugreek to increase milk supply. Then I found out that it can be a bad choice if there's any chance you have thyroid issues. Better option: I now take Malunggay in the form of Go Lacta, which can only be purchased locally at a high end baby boutique. (Bonus: You don't smell like maple syrup) You can also buy not-name-brand Moringa from Amazon for cheaper.
7. "The internet" suggests Lanolin cream for when you get cracked and bleeding. If you aren't completely destroyed, coconut oil is also a viable option with lots of other uses, including lubricant for the breast pump. (Trader Joe's organic is great)
8. There are probably LOTS of people who have similar feeding experiences as you. Find them and talk to them. There's a BF support group in this area (and I'd imagine there are probably ones in other areas) that although initially awkward, it was very helpful.
9. Your insurance DOESN'T have to cover a breast pump. I was grandfathered in to an old plan so they didn't.
10. There are chiropractors who work on babies. They don't really do spinal adjustments but a massage from what I understand. (This would have been one of the next steps for us)
11. There is a way to see how much milk a baby gets while breastfeeding. It is called a weighed feeding- you weigh the baby, feed them, change nothing (diaper, clothes, etc.), weigh them again. The difference is their milk intake! Baby scales can easily be rented for a few dollars a day, a LC should have one, and your ped will probably let you do a weighed feeding without an appt.
12. When a pediatrician's office says they are "pro-breastfeeding" that doesn't mean they are knowledgeable about BF. It could just mean they have a LC on staff. You have to advocate for yourself in this situation and have some knowledge in order to do so.
13. Get a breast pump. It can help maintain your supply, make you more comfortable, etc. Make sure you get the right one. If you aren't sure, getting a hand pump is a
14. The Medela bottles are not great for feeding. The nipples collapse easily while baby eats. Our doctors recommended the "hospital grade" nipples which fit on the Medela bottles (and come with the premade formula packs) or using Dr. Browns.
15. There are several items on the market to make pumping more comfortable and easier. Pumpin Pals make it so you don't have to hunch over when you pump and Freemie cups (which I haven't tried yet) allow you to pump more discreetly.
Mamas- what are some things you wish you had known first?
No comments:
Post a Comment