Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2022!
Breastfeeding is a topic near and dear to my heart. As a mom of two, I have spent almost 2.5 years of my life breastfeeding. Despite the challenges that it brings, little gives me more joy or pride in being able to trust my body to provide for my babies – for nutrition, for immune support, for comfort. Breastfeeding is raw and real. It takes us back to our primitive roots, it connects us with the beauty of our natural being, it makes me truly realize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
If you have ever breastfed, you know its not an easy task. It takes time (A LOT of time), dedication, perseverance, selflessness. And honestly, whether you did breastfed for a day, a month, a year, or more YOU deserve to be celebrated!
So here are a few tips and tricks from your breastfeeding-loving Doctor of Physical Therapy for all the moms out there about to start, just starting, or in the thick of their breastfeeding journey!
🤰🏼Get comfortable! You can sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported and feet flat on the ground or another surface. You can lay on your side in bed or on a comfortable couch. You can use pillows to support your head, your low back, your arms, and most importantly, your baby. And wherever you are, always bring the baby to your breast rather than moving your breast to the baby. When breastfeeding your comfort matters to make a good feeding experience for both you and baby. By focusing on your comfort and avoiding awkward positions, you will limit aches and pains in your body and allow for improved relaxation which will even help with milk production and letdown.
🤰🏽Use ice and heat! Such a simple trick but oh so useful. To help initiate milk letdown, unclog ducts, or just help you relax, heat can be a real blessing! Placing a small, warm hot pack in your shirt a few minutes prior to the start of your feeding or pumping session can help improve your milk flow and make the process more comfortable for you and baby. Feeling engorged, dealing with painful clogged ducts or feeling nipple pain? Try a small ice pack in the bra for 5-10 minutes to help relieve pain.
🤰🏿Relax! Nothing about a newborn chomping on your nipple until milk comes out sounds relaxing, and honestly, it sounds even worse once they get teeth! 😳 But relaxation is extremely important for your milk flow AND for you and your baby to have a good feeding experience. Taking 5-10 diaphragmatic or belly breaths each time you sit down to feed can help to induce relaxation. You can also try methods like visualization – going to your happy place in your mind – or progressive relaxation – methodically tensing and relaxing your muscles – to improve your overall relaxation.
🤰🏻Ask for help! There is no best way to breastfeed. The best way is the way that works for you and your baby. It may take some time to find the way that works best for you and your baby, but don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Unlike the instagram posts of other moms or personal experiences from friends and family, professionals can assess you and your baby then identify strategies and interventions based around YOU to help move your breastfeeding journey in the direction you want.
Life Changes Physical Therapy is passionate about helping moms have the best breastfeeding journey possible, so if you are struggling with breastfeeding, please reach out today to learn more about how we can help you!