July FAQs
Last month I asked you all to send in your questions, I got tons of great questions from you all and wanted to compile them together in a blog post for quick and easy reference. I find that information on social media tends to get missed, forgotten or both, so this was an easy way to provide a practical platform for answering questions. Many of the questions overlap so I have grouped them together. I don’t have all of the answers, there are so many awesome resources out there and my goal is to highlight as many as I can!
Let’s jump into the questions and topics that you all had be sure to explore the links and resources in this article!!
Weaning
There were many overlapping questions about weaning: how to wean, when to wean, how hormones are effected by weaning. Weaning can be such an emotional time, it can also be confusing as to know when you and/or your baby are ready to wean. I will say this, it is recommended to breastfeed at least the first 6 months and to continue through your child’s second year of life. However, any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial and each drop is loaded with love, do not feel guilty if you are weaning earlier than you had planned. Everyone’s journey is different. Keep in mind that, if you find that you are not reaching your breastfeeding goals and are feeling discouraged and that your only option is to wean, I am going to encourage you to reach out to an IBCLC to try and sort out your breastfeeding goals and decide if you truly want to wean or if you need support to get things back on track! Or maybe your toddler is self-weaning and you aren’t ready to wean, it can be beneficial to speak with an IBCLC!
When is it time?
The perfect time to wean is when you feel emotionally or physically ready to close out your breastfeeding journey. If you are frustrated with breastfeeding or finding yourself getting resentful or irritated then it’s time to contact an IBCLC and really get the support you need to sort through a weaning plan.
How do I wean?
There are a few standard weaning plans and you can read more about them here.
Weaning Styles
Gradual takes time over weeks or months
Scheduled happens when mom has a timeline in mind such as a developmental milestone, age, returning to work, etc
Sudden/Abrupt may occur due to sickness, hospital stays, medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding and no alternative medications are possible
Hormones and Weaning
Weaning depression is not commonly discussed, but many women experience a drop in mood after weaning. This is because your hormones are regulating, the regular oxytocin releases you were experiencing have changed in frequency. You may miss the attachment and snuggles that you experienced during breastfeeding sessions. To read more about hormones and weaning check out this article by the La Leche League
Mastitis Vs Clogged Duct
What is a clogged duct?
Clogged Ducts occur when milk is not removed from a milk duct and it begins to congeal which prevents adequate milk flow. They can also occur as a result of fibrous or dense breast tissue, external pressure for example, wearing an underwire bra can kink off ducts and lead to a clog, they can also occur as a result of a poor latch, improperly fitting flanges, or damaged nipples. Clogged ducts are fairly common and can usually be cleared easily. Gentle massage, vibration, dangle feeding/pumping, and frequent milk removal are some of the best ways to clear a clogged duct.
Here is a great article on Kellymom.com on how to identify, treat and prevent clogged ducts.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis on the other hand is a breast infection that can have long term impacts on breastfeeding and milk production. There are actually risk factors that can cause a women to be considered high risk when it comes to developing mastitis such as breast implants, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and smoking. To learn more about signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention check out this article from the Cleveland Clinic.
Relactating
A mother may want to relactate for a number of reasons but generally I hear moms say that they were feeling overwhelmed so they weaned and then immediately regretted it and now what to breastfeed again. No shame here, we all get overwhelmed, breastfeeding is hard work, and if you are feeling overwhelmed with breastfeeding please seek help!
Depending on the length of time since you were recently lactating and your goals for relactation there are different approaches. It is important to note that the total time for involution aka for your body to get the message to stop making milk is about 40 days. Once your body begins this process it can take weeks to months for moms to completely “dry up”. There are different approaches to relactating, some are as simple as putting babe back to the breast paired with pumping and hand expression, in other cases
Here are some relactation resources that you may find helpful:
International Breastfeeding Centre
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
Low Supply
If you have every messaged me about having low milk supply then you have probably received an answer that sounded something like this: “There are many reasons for low supply, I do not know your health history or the health history of your baby, I recommend working with an IBCLC to receive the individual support you deserve!”. I promise I am not blowing you off! I know that I cannot solve your possible low milk supply over a social media message. I want you to work with a certified professional that has obtained consent to care for you and will provide you with evidenced based guidance.
The reason I provide this answer is because…..
It may not be low milk supply
Reasons for low milk supply vary widely and recommendations need to be tailored to each mama and baby
Everyone has different breastfeeding goals
Underlying conditions may need to be addressed
Signs of low milk supply and poor weight gain need to be followed closely by a professional
Here are some resources for low milk supply:
Making More Milk by Lisa Marasco * this is an amazon affiliate link
Low Milk Supply Explained by Done Naturally Youtube Video
Low Milk Supply with First Child will it Happen with the Second by Intermoutain Moms Youtube channel
Milk Stash
Many of you all wanted to know about how to create a milk stash. If you are working or just planning to be away from your baby then it is a good idea to have milk stored in your freezer for your baby. Now, I am not saying that you need a deep freezer filled with me because you don’t.
Here are some resources:
Here is a great Youtube video from The Little Milk Bar about creating a milk stash
Ties
Someone asked “Ties! Why peds and ibclcs are at odds over this topic? (at least in my experience) well, you are NOT alone! Many of my clients find that they receive conflicting information when it comes to lip, tongue, and cheek ties. All providers do not diagnose or treat ties so it is important to speak with the right people who have knowledge and training in this topic. My best piece of advice, work with an experienced team this means finding dentist, ENT, pediatrician and/or OT, SLP and IBCLC!
If your child is having feeding issues, whether breast or bottle it needs to be addressed. They will not “grow out of it” a tie impacts more than latching and proper diagnosis and treatment is important. Ties can go on to affect speech, cause neck tension and pain, and GI issues such as constipation. If you are looking for evidenced based info then check out the resources below.
Here are some resources:
Shondra Mattos IBCLC, breaks down Tongue Ties in her amazing blog post here
Here are excellent pictures and signs and symptoms broken down by Dr. Bobby Ghaheri a ENT surgeon who has done profound work when it comes to ties and breastfeeding
Why does it hurt when I breastfeed? By Dr Lawrence Kotlow
I hope that this monthly installment of answered FAQs has been helpful! This article as with any other blog post is in no way designed to replace lactation care, nor does it serve as medical advice. Please consult with your pediatrician, OB/Midwife, and an IBCLC for care.