10 Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How a Metro Detroit Lactation Consultant Can Help
/For some, breastfeeding is a breeze and comes naturally, but for others it can be a stressful journey filled with challenges and frustrations. From latch issues to low milk supply, many new moms face obstacles along the way. Fortunately, the support of a knowledgeable IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can make all the difference in overcoming these hurdles.
10 Ways a Lactation Consultant Can Help with Breastfeeding Challenges
Latching Difficulties: One of the most common challenges new moms encounter is difficulty getting their baby to latch properly and painlessly. A poor latch can lead to discomfort for both mother and baby and may result in inadequate milk transfer, meaning that while you may be producing milk, your baby may not be able to get enough of it. Your Lactation Consultant can offer guidance on achieving a proper, pain free latch, assist with positioning techniques, and share ways to ensure your baby is effectively feeding.
Low Milk Supply: Low milk supply is a source of stress and anxiety for any breastfeeding mom. Wondering if you’re making enough milk for your baby is VERY common! Your IBCLC can assess the situation and help identify potential causes of low supply, such as ineffective feeding or hormonal or thyroid issues. They can offer strategies to increase milk production, such as frequent nursing, proper hydration, and breastfeeding supplements. And if there is in fact, no issue with your supply your LC can provide weighted fees to give you confidence that you are, in fact, making enough milk for your baby!
Engorgement: Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overfull and either aren’t emptied frequently enough or aren’t emptied efficiently enough. This can cause discomfort and difficulty with latch and milk transfer. Our Metro Detroit based Lactation Consultants can provide advice on relieving engorgement through techniques like hand expression, warm compresses, and ideal breastfeeding frequency. They can also help prevent future occurrences by ensuring proper overall practices.
Sore Nipples: Sore nipples are a common complaint among breastfeeding mothers, often caused by an improper latch or friction during feeding. Your Lactation Consultant can assess your baby’s latch and provide guidance on positioning and techniques to minimize discomfort. They may also recommend nipple creams or temporary nipple shields to aid in healing.
Mastitis: Mastitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. A Lactation Consultant can educate you on how to recognize the signs of mastitis and provide strategies to prevent it, such as proper hygiene and nursing on demand. In cases where you have mastitis, an IBCLC can offer guidance on managing symptoms and give directions on when to seek medical attention.
Oral Ties: Tongue tie, lip tie, cheek tie, and buccal tie are conditions where the tissues in a baby’s mouth are overly tight, restricting movement. This restriction can significantly hinder breastfeeding, leading to issues such as a poor latch, painful latch, and inadequate milk transfer and can potentially lead to low milk supply. Our Lactation Consultants specialize is oral ties and possess the expertise to identify these oral ties and can offer referrals for corrective procedures if necessary. Moreover, they provide invaluable support and guidance on breastfeeding, including temporary solutions, until the oral ties are effectively addressed.
Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection that can affect both mother and baby, causing pain and discomfort during breastfeeding. With the support of a Lactation Consultant, you can identify the signs of thrush and they can provide guidance on treatment options, including anti-fungal medications and hygiene practices to prevent recurrence.
Breastfeeding in Public: Many new mothers feel anxious about breastfeeding in public, worrying about judgment or discomfort or just basic logistics. Your Lactation Consultant can offer tips and techniques to confidently breastfeed in a public setting. It should be noted that breastfeeding in public is a protected right in the state of Michigan and businesses are not allowed to discriminate against nursing mothers.
Returning to Work: Returning to work while breastfeeding can present unique challenges, such as maintaining milk supply, building a freezer stash, and pumping in the workplace. Our Metro Detroit Lactation Consultants can provide guidance on creating a pumping schedule, storing breast milk safely, and communicating with employers about breastfeeding accommodations. They can also offer support and encouragement as well as share information on your rights as a breastfeeding mother at work and your employers legal obligation to provide you a private space to pump and more.
Weaning: Deciding when and how to wean your baby from breastfeeding can be an emotional decision and can be a hard one to make. By hiring a Lactation Consultant, you’ll receive information and support to help you make an informed choice that meets both your own needs and those of your baby. Your IBCLC can offer guidance on gradual weaning techniques and provide emotional support during the transition.
We offer both in-home and virtual consultations within Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, Ingham, and Genesee Counties, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all families in need of lactation support. It's worth noting that most insurance policies cover lactation support, so we recommend checking your policy. Your Lactation Consultant can bill your insurance directly or provide a superbill for reimbursement.
Breastfeeding may have its challenges, but with the support of a knowledgeable Lactation Consultant, many obstacles can be overcome. Whether you're struggling with latching difficulties, low milk supply, or any other breastfeeding issue, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
