Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges, Debunking Common Myths

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can be daunting, especially for a new mom. However, breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for both mothers and babies, and even reduces the risk for some short- and long-term health conditions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As part of its focus on National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Baptist Health South Florida hosted a Facebook Live discussion highlighting some of the challenges mothers face while breastfeeding, as well as some of the best ways to overcome those challenges.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

The cells, hormones and antibodies in breast milk provide a unique protection for babies. Breastfeeding also aids mothers in getting back to their pre-pregnancy size, according to lactation consultant at Homestead Hospital Carey Acosta and mother-baby clinical educator at Homestead Hospital Nancy Martinez.

Infants who are breastfed have a reduced risk of:

• Asthma
• Obesity
• Ear and respiratory infections
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs)
• Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants

Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Ovarian Cancer
• Breast Cancer

What Are Common Challenges When Breastfeeding?

Despite the many benefits of breastfeeding, for some, it can be overwhelming and even take a physical and mental toll on a mother. Common challenges include:

• Sore nipples
• Low milk supply
• Engorgement
• Plugged ducts
• Breast infections
• Fungal infections
• Inverted, flat or large nipples
• Nursing strike

But, according to Ms. Acosta and Ms. Martinez, there are remedies to help aide with each of these challenges, whether it be by using nipple covers, pumping and storing the milk, and even using different feeding positions — the cradle hold, lying down, and the football hold.

Whether a baby is delivered naturally, delivered by C-section, or preterm delivery, both Acosta and Martinez say that breastfeeding is possible for these babies. Yet, this is another common misconception many mothers have.

“Moms think that if they have a C-section, they won’t have the same experience [breastfeeding], but yes, you definitely can,” says Ms. Martinez. “The other thing is having a preterm delivery … or a sick baby … you might not get to breastfeed right at that time, but we just want to make sure that you understand — if [breastfeeding] was your plan, there’s still ways that you can breastfeed.”

Supporting a Mother’s Breastfeeding Journey

According to the CDC, only one in four infants is exclusively breastfed as recommended by the time they are six months old. And 60 percent of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than planned. This is in large part due to the lack of support during a mother’s breastfeeding journey. When it comes to support groups, “there are many moms that aren’t attending or they don’t have a way to go and they’re left alone,” Ms. Martinez says. “We want to make sure that moms are aware that postpartum depression is a real thing … and they’re reaching out and getting the help they need.”

Ms. Acosta and Ms. Martinez say a great way to find support is with Baptist Health’s Care On Demand app where lactation services are available right from your phone.

There are also many lactation counseling events where new moms are able to connect, share and learn from each other’s experiences.

Debunking Myths

Myth #1: The size of your breasts determine how much milk a mother produces.

Fact: “That’s not true. Size doesn’t matter,” says Ms. Martinez. “Only one percent of the population aren’t able to produce milk, so as long as you’re having that baby breastfeed, you’re going to be able to produce milk.”

Myth #2: If you have a glass of wine, you have to “pump and dump.”

Fact: “‘Pumping and dumping’ is really just so you don’t get engorged,” says Ms. Acosta. “You can have a glass of wine, but that doesn’t mean a supersize glass… we’re talking 4 oz. and everything in moderation.”

Myth #3: If you get sick, you need to stop breastfeeding.

Fact: “Stopping breastfeeding is not recommended, even when you’re sick,” says Ms. Martinez. “You do good hand-washing, you don’t want to cough on the baby, but you can still breastfeed.”

Myth #4: Breastfeeding is hereditary. “Every baby is different and every pregnancy is different, so that really doesn’t play a role,” says Ms. Acosta.

Tags: breastfeeding