In Canada almost 90% of women want to try breastfeeding after birth but by 6 months, less then 30% of babies are exclusively breastfed. This, despite the recommendations from sources such as health Canada, WHO, La Leche League and others that baby's be breastfed exclusively, for the first six months and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding So, what has happened in those few short month for women’s decline in nursing? To answer that question I think we need to look further back then just when a mother try’s to feed her baby after birth. We need to look at history. A woman’s own history as well as cultural history and practices in community. These factors are a very important consideration when it comes to successful breastfeeding in our communities. Knowing how to prepare to breastfeed, how to get the help and support you need, understanding how breastfeeding happens as well as the impact it has on the motherbaby, will all help with your own breastfeeding journey.
Preparing to breastfeed begins in the womb. During the development of a female fetus in utero eggs are produced in the ovary’s and the mammary glands are developed. The reproductive system is intertwined with the hormonal, endocrine and adrenal systems. All are needed to function properly. Throughout childhood these hormones are suppressed but we all know that as the female develops into adulthood these systems begin to work to produce the menstrual cycle and give us all our female attributes. In recent years we are beginning to see the impact of outside influences on our body’s such as hormonal birth control, endocrine disruptors, poor nutrition and other environmental factors. We are seeing more and younger women have issues with thyroid, PCOS, multiple miscarriages, uterine cysts and other reproductive related dis-eases. These can all effect the milk production/supply cycle which relies on the thalamus, pituitary, thyroid and other systems to work effectively.
Preparing to breastfeed should go hand in hand with preparing to birth. Preparing for birth begins with preparing for and understanding pregnancy. What we do physically, mentally and spiritually before and during pregnancy can have a profound effect on the development and health of the fetus as well on our own health and wellness. As birth became more medicalized we began to see a steady decrease in the rates of women breastfeeding. The practices of the medical system have over time helped to erode the normal motherbaby bonding and breastfeeding process. While we are starting to see a resurgence of getting back to the biological norm there is still a long way to go. Interventions during labour can have a profound impact on the ability for the motherbaby to establish breastfeeding. The importance of the first hour after birth, skin to skin and baby-led breastfeeding is starting to become more understood within the practices and policy’s of hospitals.
La leche league Canada’s statement that breastfeeding is an art is important to understand. While we all may imagine that we will hold our sweet baby in our arms and they will immediately start to suckle, this is not the reality for many women. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both baby and mother. Learning to breastfeed can take 4-6 weeks to really feel comfortable with. In our society we don’t think about breastfeeding much until we actually are wanting to do it. For many women (and men) they have never seen a baby suckling, perhaps no one in their family has nursed or they where told “our women just can’t do it”. They may hear friends say how hard it was and it will probably hurt and other negative things. They may also not have the support of partners or family, who don’t understand or know about breastfeeding. All of these things can contribute to a woman feeling unsure about what to do. Finding good support and mentors is one of the best ways to help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey.
There are many things that a new mother may experience in the early days and weeks that may interfere with breastfeeding. There is also things to consider when having difficulty. It is important that baby is able to effectively get milk from the breast. In order to do this he/she needs to be able to latch in a way that is not uncomfortable to mother or baby. Baby’s make milk, through the process of suckling they are sending messages to the mothers body to make the kind of milk he/she needs. If baby is not able to do this then it is important to figure out what is going on. There can be several factors at play, including pre-maturity, birth interventions, oral restrictions and health/genetic concerns. If a mother is feeling pain at her nipples this is a flag that something is not working properly. A mother may also be concerned with milk production/supply. There can be several contributing factors to this as well. They can include: hormonal ,endocrine, adrenal and other health concerns, birth trauma and interventions, stress, nutrition and of course lack of support.
It is important to seek good support in the early days of breastfeeding in order to get off to the right start. Preparing for the postpartum period will help you be able to focus on you and your baby. Making sure that visitors are kept to a limit and are there to help you is something to establish in your home. Keeping baby with you, skin to skin, using a baby wrap and resting when baby rests are important steps to helping to get breastfeeding off to the right start. There are many good resources to help you prepare for the motherbaby journey of breastfeeding. Classes, workshops and organizations such as La Leche League Canada are a great start. If you are struggling do not hesitate to reach out for the help you need. Mothering through breastfeeding should be an enjoyable and satisfying part of your and your baby’s life.
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