How to help someone struggling with breastfeeding?

Understanding the Struggles of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beneficial practice for both mother and child, yet many women find it to be one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. However, many mothers struggle to meet these guidelines, often stopping earlier than they would like due to various challenges.
The Emotional Landscape
For mothers grappling with breastfeeding difficulties, the emotional toll can be significant. Feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and isolation can arise, particularly when societal expectations suggest that breastfeeding should be easy. Acknowledging these emotions is crucial. As one mother reflected, the experience of breastfeeding can be as painful and challenging as labor itself, leading to a sense of shame when things do not go as planned.
Providing Support
When helping someone who is struggling with breastfeeding, it is essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some effective ways to offer support:
1. Listen Actively: Sometimes, the best support is simply being there to listen. Allow the mother to express her feelings and frustrations without judgment. This can help alleviate feelings of isolation and validate her experiences.
2. Offer Practical Help: Physical support can make a significant difference. Providing food and hydration while she breastfeeds can help her feel cared for and less overwhelmed. Simple gestures, like running errands or helping with household chores, can also relieve some of the stress she may be experiencing.
3. Encourage Professional Guidance: Suggesting that she consult with a lactation consultant can be beneficial. These professionals can offer tailored advice and techniques that address specific challenges, whether they relate to latch issues, milk supply, or pain.
4. Promote a Positive Environment: Create a comfortable and private space for breastfeeding. This can help the mother feel more at ease and less self-conscious, which is vital for a successful breastfeeding experience.
5. Reassure and Empower: Remind her that it’s okay to seek help and that she is doing her best. Encouragement can go a long way in boosting her confidence. As one mother noted, recognizing that she was doing her best was a turning point in her breastfeeding journey.
The Importance of Community
Building a supportive community around new mothers is essential. Friends and family can play a pivotal role in creating an environment where breastfeeding is normalized and supported. This community can help dispel myths about breastfeeding being easy and instead foster a culture of understanding and shared experiences.
Conclusion
Supporting someone struggling with breastfeeding requires a blend of empathy, practical assistance, and encouragement. By fostering an environment of understanding and providing tangible help, friends and family can significantly ease the challenges that many mothers face. Ultimately, the goal is to empower mothers to feel confident in their choices, whether that means continuing to breastfeed or finding alternative feeding methods that work for them and their baby.

What not to say to a breastfeeding mom?

Here is what you should NEVER say to a breastfeeding mother:

• “You’re not doing it right.”
• “Don’t complain, don’t worry, it’s ok.”
• “Are you breastfeeding again?
• “You shouldn’t eat certain food“.
• “You should eat/drink this to make your milk better or make more milk.”
• “You should quit” (when the mother is in pain)

How to deal with breastfeeding issues?

Offering your baby both breasts at each feed and alternating which breast you start with will help to stimulate your milk supply. So will keeping your baby close and holding them skin to skin. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist if you’re worried your baby is not getting enough milk.

Why is breastfeeding so emotionally hard?

In fact, a woman’s hormones after delivery can play a major role in their breastfeeding experience. “A woman can have a dip in mood from changes in the hormones responsible for lactation, called oxytocin and prolactin,” says Mary Hoffman, an advanced clinician lactation consultant at Sharp Mary Birch.

How to mentally cope with breastfeeding?

Turning to those who care about you such as your partner, family or friends can help. Speaking with an ABA counsellor can help. In addition, speaking with a counsellor from Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Association (PANDA) can provide emotional and mental health support.

How to stop feeling overwhelmed with breastfeeding?

Practice mindfulness by noticing how your baby’s skin feels, the sounds they are making as they nurse, any scent that you may smell, and the rise and fall of their chest as they breathe. Mindfulness is a form of stress management that you can do while breastfeeding and at other times.

How to deal with not being able to breastfeed?

It’s important to seek professional help immediately if you’re struggling to breastfeed or can’t at all. The most important thing is that your baby is putting on enough weight and thriving. You can seek expert advice from a doctor, midwife, Plunket or lactation specialist.

Should I keep pumping if no milk is coming out?

Increasing your milk supply will take time, so don’t give up. Even dry pumps (when you pump but nothing comes out) sends a signal to your body that more milk is needed on tap, so it’s getting the work done even if there’s no output to show for it right away. Stick with it and you’ll see the results after a few days.

What is the hardest stage of breastfeeding?

Many mothers find the first two to three weeks of breastfeeding to be the most challenging. This is when mothers may be tempted to stop due to ongoing challenges. Most mothers who persist find that the rewards are gratifying and long-term, for both themselves and their babies.

Why do some mothers struggle to breastfeed?

Many moms say that their nipples feel tender when they first start breastfeeding. Low milk supply. Moms sometimes worry about whether they are making enough milk for baby. Cluster feeding and growth spurts.

What to say to someone who is struggling with breastfeeding?

6 Things to Say to a Mom Who’s Struggling with Breastfeeding

• I’m here if you need to vent
• You’re right — it’s SO hard
• You’re doing a great job
• It’s totally normal to feel touched out
• How can I help?
• Whatever you decide to do for you and your baby is the right decision