Challenges to/of Breastfeeding

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we are talking about breastfeeding! Last week, I wrote a post about the benefits (and there are so many), but now I want to discuss the challenges. There are so many reasons that breastfeeding may not be possible, reasonable, or realistic for so many moms.

Barriers to Breastfeeding in the U.S.

• Lack of knowledge

  • Many women do not know the specific benefits or the risks of not breastfeeding

  • Many women do not know what to expect with breastfeeding

  • Many women do not know how to breastfeed (It may not just naturally happen! There are skills related to holding and positioning the baby, how to get the baby to latch, and other techniques that need to be learned)

• Perceived inconvenience (to lifestyle and the amount of commitment required)

• The perception that bottle feeding is more acceptable in the U.S.

• The belief/practice that larger babies are healthier

• Lack of social support

  • Negative attitudes of friends and family

  • Contradicting information from friends and family

  • The father of the baby is against breastfeeding (often from lack of knowledge/incorrect expectations)

• Embarrassment/feelings of discomfort to breastfeed in public

  • less than 50% of the U.S. population thinks it is okay to breastfeed in public

• Lack of private places to breastfeed (lactation rooms)

• Lactation Problems (see more below under challenges)

  • Sore nipples

  • Engorgement

  • Mastitis

  • Leaking milk

  • Pain when breastfeeding

  • Failure in baby latching

  • Low milk supply

• Poor initiation in a hospital setting after the baby is born

• Work Environment

  • Inflexibility in work hours

  • Lack of lactation space

  • Lack of storage for expressed milk

  • Job insecurity

  • Limited maternity leave benefits

  • Pressure from coworkers and/or supervisors

  • Unhygienic space for expressing milk

  • Having to take reduced pay for taking breaks for expressing milk

• Childcare is not close to work or at the workplace

• Short or No Maternity Leave

  • Women who plan to return to work in less than one year are less likely to breastfeed and maintain breastfeeding

• Low priority is given to breastfeeding education in hospitals and clinics

• Policies that do not support breastfeeding in hospitals and clinics

Note: Since my son was in the NICU for so long, I had the great opportunity to work with lactation specialists throughout his time at the hospital. In hindsight, I wish I would have sought out support when he left as well. I highly recommend seeking out a specialist! For any future children, I will most certainly seek help. Our pediatrician's office offers this service, our local hospital offers support for mothers in the community - look for these resources in your community and ask your child's pediatrician if you feel you need additional support.

Challenges of Breastfeeding

• Sore Nipples

Many moms have sore nipples when first breastfeeding. The cause of sore nipples can be one of several things. Find out causes and solutions here.

• Low-milk supply

Sometimes moms feel like they are not able to supply enough milk for their baby. However, there are ways you can tell, so that you do not have to worry unnecessarily. Find out more (including how to increase your supply) here.

• Engorgement

When your boobs feel so full they are painful. Find out the causes, signs, and relief for engorged breasts here.

• Plugged Duct, Infection, Mastitis

These issues are all temporary but can make sticking with breastfeeding challenging. Find more information including how to get relief here.

• Nursing Strike

This is when your baby suddenly stops breastfeeding. It is important to keep offering them the breast, and if they are not eating, express milk. Find out more information here.

• Breast and Nipple Size and Shape

You may think that the size and/or shape of your breasts and/or nipples can affect your ability to breastfeed effectively, but all shapes and sizes can breastfeed successfully. Find out more here.

There are also tools that can help such as a nipple shield that will help the baby latch. I had to use one and would never have known it even existed if not for working with a lactation consultant.

• Exhaustion, Sadness/Depression

It can be a lot emotionally, mentally, and physically as you are caring for your new baby. This is completely normal. It is so important to take care of yourself! Find out more here.

• Dealing with Judgement

It can be difficult to breastfeed because many places do not provide a private place for breastfeeding. In most states, you can breastfeed in public. Find some tips for breastfeeding in public here.

I believe this information is so important because you never know what another mother is experiencing and so it is not okay to judge how another mom feeds her baby. Also as a society, we need to make it easier for moms to breastfeed. Let's all support each other!

Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!

Sources:

• National Library of Medicine

• USDA

• The American College of Obestricticans and Gynecologists

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.