Many new moms I meet imagine how breastfeeding will go once they give birth to their newborn. After attending lactation classes, reading up on foods and supplements to take, and learning what to expect, the expectation is that you'll be overflowing with milk and baby will love feeding time.
Turns out that breastfeeding is usually an entirely different experience than they imagined! Many women struggle with breastfeeding in the early phases, especially in the newborn stage if they struggle to start or maintain a steady milk supply.
There are so many tips out there: brewers yeast, hydration, avoiding pacifiers, lactation consultations, the list goes on. If you're reading this, you've probably tried them all. If you're still struggling to breastfeed, I'd like to recommend a few more things you can do so you can feed baby with success:
1. Schedule an appointment to get tested.
Many new moms try lots of different home remedies to increase their milk supply and still find themselves frustrated that they can't feed their babies on breastmilk alone. If you've tried everything you can do at home, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get tested for vitamin deficiencies and thyroiditis. Turns out that around 8% of new moms suffer from Postpartum Thyroiditis, which often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are written off as a result of having a new baby. It can usually start 2-4 months and you guessed it, cause breastfeeding problems. Consider getting tested, so you can work with your doctor to get you on the right track.
2. Find other women who aren't breastfeeding exclusively.
What I wish new moms understood about breastfeeding—and motherhood in general—is that every mom's experience is different. Your breastfeeding experience will be entirely different than mine or your friend next door.
It might seem like the norm and the "best" to breastfeed exclusively, but you might be surprised that's not always the case. You need to do what is best for you, whether it's breastfeeding, formula feeding, or some combination of both.
Every baby, new mom, and family is different, so make it a point to find other women who might also be going through different experiences. Search up hashtags on Instagram like #fedisbest or come on into my judgment-free community of moms in my upcoming Mommy & Me courses. Click here to join the waitlist.
3. Get help to overcome the mom guilt.
New moms who decide to not breastfeed exclusively in the early stages tend to risk the overwhelming feelings of mom guilt. Even though they know breastfeeding is incredibly hard, many of them leave them feeling inadequate and disappointed in themselves.
For this reason, I recommend making sure you have someone to talk to and remind you that "breast is best" can go only go so far if it's risking the health of your baby's health. Fed is best.
If you're struggling with feeding baby right now, click here to book your free discovery call with me and get the help you need to thrive in your motherhood journey.