In the past year I’ve had a few clients with breastfeeding challenges. Specifically, these involve a baby who has difficulty with latch or sucking. The best resources that I’ve found are La Leche League’s The Breastfeeding Answer Book and the experienced lactation consultant. As a midwife, I provide full breastfeeding support to my clients, and it is well documented that clients of midwives have a significantly higher rate of breastfeeding success than women attended by physicians birthing in hospitals. I provide breastfeeding education prenatally, as well as access to my library of breastfeeding books. Although every situation is different, it is preferable for the baby to latch on with the mother’s gentle guidance soon after the birth. I often assist with first-time mothers with this process. When I visit on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day after the birth, breastfeeding support is often the primary focus of my work.
Yet, when a young baby is born early or when a baby has a structural barrier to effective breastfeeding, I turn to my resources. The nipple shield and a product known as “The Breast Friend.” have been effective tools in overcoming initial latch and suck problems, in addition to some brief training on the gloved-pinkie-finger. Latching is easier on Mom when she hand-expresses a bit of milk to soften nipple and to motivate the baby to “nipple” the drops that are excreted. Patience is a key component to successfully overcoming these challenges. Babies need time to learn, and so do mommies.
Midwives who watch, wait and encourage, offering appropriate suggestions in a manner that is non-intrusive and non-critical, can be a great comfort and source of information and support to new mothers and babies. Another resource that I’ve been utilizing in my practice is peer mentoring. Moms who have overcome similar challenges are the best teachers for new mothers who are frustrated, yet determined to establish successful breastfeeding. Sometimes I turn to those with the extra training and experience with breastfeeding challenges, the lactations consultants and La Leche League. A talented lactation consultant can bring a higher level of knowledge and additional tools on board to assist the family. Often, just one meeting with a consultant is all it takes for the mother to implement the suggestions and master techniques. La Leche League can offer a supportive community to the family and invaluable literature to both practitioners and new mothers.
Breastfeeding is a central component to healthy infant development. Assuring that my clients have every resource that they need to achieve successful breastfeeding is critical to my midwifery care. Sometimes, this entails bringing in another professional.
