Over the last few years, I have met many mums with many different problems and challenges. The most feared problem an expectant or new mum have is the fear of low milk supply. How many mums have you spoken to who had to stop breastfeeding as they simply weren’t producing enough milk?
Unfortunately there are some mums who won’t produce enough milk and this is usually due to a medical complication. So if 97% of mothers are more than capable of producing enough milk for their babies, why do so many mums cite low milk supply the catalyst in the demise of breastfeeding? Are we missing something? Are mums being told they don’t have enough milk by mistake? Are mums simply imagining things or just too tired to breastfeed and want a ‘get out clause’?
In truth, it would be hard to rule out any of the above but I want to add in a new line of thought…one which I have used in my practice for many years – incompatible anatomy.
You have probably wondered how mums with different shaped breasts and nipples all seem to feed their new baby as effectively as each other, but what happens when a mum or baby’s anatomy is the cause of breastfeeding problems?
I often remind clients that they are part of a wonderful team and if breastfeeding is not working, we need to look how we can help both people in the team and not simply focus on the mother. Anatomy in one area I feel is often overlooked when assessing a new mum and baby. How many people have looked in your baby’s oral cavity before helping you position and attach your baby?
Sometimes a baby’s mouth/oral cavity can be small in relation to a mother’s nipple, or the mother’s nipple can be quite small in relation to the baby’s oral cavity. Naturally the positioning of the baby and the attachment technique will need to be adapted to accomodate the individuals anatomical make up, but with a little insight and skill, mum and baby can soon be enjoying a comfortable and effective feed.
If this has been overlooked, more often than not you will either experience soreness, engorgement or find that your baby is not feeding well and feeling satisfied at the end of the feed. In worse cases, you may even find that your baby is not gaining weight.
I do believe that most mums will be able to produce more than enough milk for their baby, however, if the baby is not able to drain the milk from the breast, supply will begin to dwindle and the baby may struggle to gain weight. With less milk drained from the breast, less will be produced and overtime, a mum who once had more than enough milk, will find she is running on empty.
As it is the start of a New Year, I want to do more to support mums experiencing this particular problem this year. I will be running special low milk supply clinics that mums can attend and be monitored and supported until the supply increases and baby begins to gain more weight.
If you are struggling or want to ensure that you don’t go down the slippery slope, get in touch with me for more information about the Low Milk Supply clinics you can attend lowmilksupplyclinic@letsbreastfeed.com
