World Breastfeeding Week
Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all you amazing moms out there! This week we choose to celebrate and support YOU, no matter where you are in your breastfeeding journey.
After a lot of research, and a lot of collaboration from our amazing office manager and current breastfeeding mom, Virginia, I think it’s safe to say I can give you all the best resources and info to make you feel loved, supported, and seen in this crazy journey you have or are soon to be embarking on. In this blog I want to give lots of resources on how to find a lactation consultant in you area, where to rent pumps, mental health resources, advice for clogged ducts, and much more within those areas. All of which seem to be the utmost of importance for the nursing mama’s.
How to find a lactation consultant in your area
Lactation consultants seem like they are easy to find, until you really need one. Reasons you may need an LC could be having a difficult or super painful latch, very low or very high milk supply, or weight- loss from your little, constant reflux. It is important that you find a lactation consultant who has experience in your specific situation so they are able to support you in the best way possible. When looking for a resource of how to find this perfect for you in your area, I came across this amazing website (https://uslca.org/resources/find-an-ibclc/) that allows you to search you city/ zip code/ state and the search radius you are willing to find a consultant in your area. What I really liked about this website is that it was not only a search for who is surrounding you, but each consultant had a detailed overview of their credentials and expertise (+more). Also… all of the consultants are also International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. So, if you are struggling to find someone, I suggest this be your first go- to!
Where to rent pumps
From a lot of my research, pumps seem to be a BIG issue with a lot of questions on where to rent, how to get one through insurance, the different kind of pump options… the list could go on and on! One thing that is important to know is that your health insurance is required to cover the cost of a breast pump for you. This is because of the Affordable Care Act which is also required to cover things like pregnancy and childbirth, mental health services, and inpatient and outpatient hospital care. We find this health care quite beneficial as it increases health coverage, and allows for better access to health care, and much more! After calling your insurance company and requesting a pump, be sure to do some research on which pump you would like. When researching, be sure to consider:
Your pumping needs
What your insurance will cover
Portability
Strength of suction
Comfort
Loudness of pump
Additional parts you may need for a specific pump
Some of our favorite breast pumps:
Mom cozy wireless breast pump
Medela pump is a very popular choice
Elvie
Mental health resources
Let’s talk mental health! Personally I think it is one of the most important things to focus on for moms. When breastfeeding or just in general postpartum, there are SO many things that are happening to your body. Not only did you just give birth to a human that is requiring your full attention, but your hormones are going through it! This is allowing you to feel maybe a little off compared to usual. Around 1 in 7 women will experience some sort of postpartum depression during the first year of their baby’s life. What is important to focus on though is what is normal and what is not normal. What is normal is fluctuation in hormones, pain, and fatigue. This happens after the first few days after birth. This situation will normall resolve on its own without any specific treatment needed. What is not normal is feeling consistent depression, anxiety or panic disorder, OCD, PSD, and more. This is when we would be suffering from Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder. If this occurs, we may need some extra help getting out of this funk and control what we can. Some good ideas to boost your mood and try and overcome this battle is:
Exercise
Light therapy
Omega- 3 supplements
Vitamin D supplements
Psychotherapy
Herbal tinctures
Remember that your body is going through a lot but never forget that your body was made for this. Your little chose you to be their mom knowing that you would be just exactly what they are needing in this lifetime.
Advice for clogged ducts
Clogged ducts can be super painful, meaning the quicker you can unclog it- the happier you will be. One of the best ways to unclog a duct is by simply applying warm compresses to the area. Another way you could do this is to soak the breast in warm water while massaging the lump. Be sure that when wearing a bra, it is not to tight. The best thing to do is be proactive about your clogged milk duct treatment! Try not to skip those pumping sessions and attempt to empty your breasts as much as you can. Stay strong and find what works best for you!
How to increase your supply+how to handle oversupply
To increase your supply, there are a countless number of things you can do that you are able to easily add into your everyday routine. For example, every time your baby is hungry breastfeed. Make sure your baby is latching well and be sure to offer both breasts at each feeding overall, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and relax. Take care of yourself and the rest will come! Now let’s say you are struggling with oversupply… What do you do? We like the idea of laid back breastfeeding. Feeding while being in a reclined position allows your baby to be in more control. Avoid all lactation supplements to try and slow your produce down as much as possible. No extra pumping sessions and if you HAVE to pump for relief, only pump an ounce or two. And remember- you are feeding a human! Their main source is you! How cool! Cherish this bond with your baby forever and try not to get hung up in having too much or too little.
Finally, we just want to give a happy world breastfeeding week one more time to all the moms out there navigating through this. Whether it has come naturally, been a learning process, or something that you and your baby just can’t seem to get a hang of, you deserve to celebrate.
Sources:
https://wmmc.com/breastfeeding-and-maternal-mental-health/
https://uslca.org/resources/find-an-ibclc/