There's a lot of advice out there about the things that help support breastfeeding but oftentimes people don’t talk about what can negatively impact milk supply and breastfeeding relationships. In my book Growing Together: Doula Wisdom and Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth and Early Motherhood, I share about my own personal journey through matrescence and my experience supporting hundreds of parents. For me breastfeeding was one of the greatest joys of early motherhood but that doesn’t mean it was always easy for us. In fact, at times it was agonizing! Having a strong foundation of support, information, trust and understanding of its benefits were key for me as I navigated the highs and lows.
As you read this article keep in mind that just because you do one of these things that breastfeeding is doomed for you. No! Not at all. For some milk supply is abundant and able to sustain itself regardless of the circumstances listed below. There is no one size fits all! However, these five circumstances have stood out to me as a doula and are some of the most common barriers I see that lead to low supply and breastfeeding challenges.
Predatory Formula Marketing - The United States has a long and dark history of undermining breastfeeding to drive profit for formula sales. The US does not adhere to the WHO code for formula marketing regulations and has a more permissive approach than most other countries. Formula is often handed out to new mothers at the hospital and incentives by health professionals and influencers who directly profit. What people don’t often realize about supplementing formula or “combo-feeding” is that it sits heavier in a baby's tummy and therefore extends the window between feeds. Since breastmilk works through supply and demand, introducing formula can reduce moms milk supply assuming she is feeding or pumping less frequently.
Introducing Bottles Too Early - People are often surprised to learn that my baby never had a bottle! All breast milk was fed directly from the breast and eventually from the occasional cup as she got older. Of course this approach might not be the best approach for everyone. Many mothers rely on bottles to return to work, have some solo time, or perhaps get some longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep. However, when a bottle is introduced too early and too often there are some potential downsides, 1) baby develops a preference to the fast steady flow of the bottle nipple head and resists working at the breast and 2) when baby is bottle feeding moms supply is not being signaled through demand. So in the early weeks and months if the baby is getting a bottle mom should be pumping. Delaying bottle introduction until supply and latch is well established is ideal to prioritize skin to skin cuddles, oxytocin, supply and practice! If and when you introduce a bottle be sure to go down a nipple size to make babe work a bit harder for the milk.
Separation - It has been well studied that skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth is imperative for initiating an optimal early breastfeeding relationship. However, the benefits of closeness for mom and baby remain long after the initial postpartum period. I recommend my clients plan to have physical skin to skin contact with their baby for most of the day and night through the first six weeks at least. I know this may be an unpopular opinion but for some hiring a night nurse can create separation and decrease in milk demand that can sabotage your milk supply. Remember, it is a night nurse's job to get you more sleep but it is a newborn's job by design to wake constantly to fill their bellies and up your supply. This is why bed sharing can be an excellent option for many mothers. You can read more about bed sharing in my book Growing Together.
Lack of support - One of the most crucial factors in breastfeeding success is having support and community to lean on. This not only means access to great body workers, lactation consultants and other clinicians that are well versed in breastfeeding and understanding of tongue ties , but also having the encouragement of your partner and friends to lean on when things get hard and let me tell you they almost always do. Whether it be the very first latch, the engorged breast when your milk comes in, chapped nipples, breastfeeding protests, breastfeeding a teething baby, night weaning etc etc. There are so many challenging seasons of breastfeeding and having the support of women who have been through it and who can be there to guide you and listen is key!
Ridged Feeding Schedules - Many new mothers are led to believe they need to follow an app or a set schedule to know when, how long and how much to feed. When we rely on technology to tell us when to feed we are not being present with the needs of our baby. Each baby is unique and there is no one size fits all schedule to feeding. It all depends on your flow, your baby's rhythm and your unique relationship with one another. When you allow feedings to happen whenever you are following your babies cues and as likely increasing your supply as a result. Listen to your body, listen to your baby and try to detach from the rigidity of timing feeds and operating from a strict schedule. Doing this may bring a greater sense of peace and support your natural attunement with your baby.
