When breastfeeding isn’t all that it appears to be…
Sometimes when you look at a mountain. It can appear easy to climb. It is not until you are on your way up that you realise it has challenges to overcome. Maybe the path is steep or the ground underfoot is boggy. You may need directions; you might even need a bit of help from another experienced walker/ climber. Or sometimes you just need someone to reassure you that you're on the right path.
Breastfeeding can be much the same ... You're told it is natural. it looks easy when you see other babies feed. Then you begin your own journey and you may be confronted by challenges. It may not be as easy as you had thought. It takes time to figure your way. You may need some help. Or, someone to reassure you that you're on the right road.
You can get help, direction, reassurance, whatever you need to reach the top of your mountain. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Hand Expression of Colostrum and Breastmilk
Hand expression is a really useful skill to develop and a tool to have to help sustain breastfeeding.
Although many mothers will think of using pumps for expressing breastmilk, hand expression can be a game-changer in the early days of breastfeeding. Here are some scenarios where hand expression of either colostrum or breastmilk helps sustain breastfeeding.
• To collect colostrum before the birth of your baby if you have diabetes in particular or if you know that your baby has a condition that will make it difficult for them to initiate breastfeeding
• If you are taking medications for hypertension
• If you are at risk of early separation from your baby where you are unable to breastfeed in the first few hours following birth
• Planned LSCS or if there will be a planned induction
• If you do not wish your baby to receive formula or at least reduce the amount of formula your baby receives in the first days of life
• If your baby is sleepy and not interested in breastfeeding
• Relieve engorgement, it can help if your nipples are flat or inverted
• If your baby is unable to latch onto the breast in the first few days
• If your baby has low blood sugar and is not interested in breastfeeding initially
• If you are exclusively pumping breastmilk for your baby, hand expression after a pumping session yields more milk in the long run.
Practicing this skill before your baby is born can give you assurance and confidence, it is much better to have this skill in your toolbox as opposed to learning it under pressure in a stressful situation.
Somethings to remember:
Some women may not express very much colostrum initially before their baby is born, but that has no bearing on what they can express after their baby is born.
Some women may express a teaspoon full and others may express more and some nothing at all. There is no harm in stimulating your breasts provided that it doesn’t give you contractions or cause you to bleed from your vagina.