Breastfeeding challenges? It’s not your fault, Mama!

“I thought breastfeeding was going to be easy,” so many mothers who come into our clinic say. Their sister or cousin or neighbor didn’t have any trouble, yet

she is awake at night,

in pain,

and her baby is hungry.

The normal stressors of taking care of a newborn are heightened, making it hard to think clearly and function normally.

So many of these new moms are quick to blame themselves for their low milk supply and ability to feed their baby. 

“What am I doing wrong?” so many mothers have asked. Chances are, moms aren’t doing anything wrong!

We’re going to look suspiciously at the baby!

There is an important relationship between a baby’s lip and tongue mobility and breastfeeding. If the baby lacks adequate movement of the lip and tongue, breastfeeding will be a challenge and frustrating for both baby and mother. It will also affect the mother’s milk supply. So, before we start casting blame on the baby or the mother, let’s look at the relationship between lip and tongue mobility and some effective interventions that will make breastfeeding easier for mom and baby. 

Impact on Breastfeeding

Some of the common challenges faced by mothers and babies with poor lip and tongue control include:

1. Poor Latch: Some babies may struggle to achieve a deep and effective latch without good lip and tongue control, range of motion, and mobility. With a good latch, there may be an inadequate milk transfer, leading to poor weight gain and frequent feedings. Frequent feedings are hard on mom and baby.

2. Nipple Pain and Damage: Poor latching can cause significant pain and damage to the mother’s nipples. Mothers commonly report cracked, bleeding, and sore nipples, which is one of the main reasons moms stop breastfeeding. Others “get through that first minute” before experiencing some relief.

3. Reduced Milk Supply: A mother’s milk supply is stimulated when the baby drains the breast. When breastfeeding is challenging, the baby may not trigger the mother’s body to produce an adequate milk supply. This can lead to a decrease in milk production over time, creating a viscous and frustrating cycle for baby and mom. 

4. Breast Engorgement and Mastitis: Without adequate milk transfer to the baby, milk can build up in the breasts. This can lead to engorgement and increase the risk for mastitis, a painful breast infection.  

5. Increased Maternal Stress: The physical discomfort and emotional stress associated with breastfeeding challenges can take a toll on the mother’s well-being. Many mothers report feeling frustrated, anxious, and overwhelmed when they struggle to breastfeed their babies. This tension is often felt from others within the household and outside of the home.

You are doing your very best!

Where do you start?

Babies get special treatment at Oakland Myo and Wellness Institute!

We generally move babies to the front of the line to get the whole family the help they need so everyone can finally rest.

Leave us a detailed phone or text message about your needs and we’ll wiggle your wiggly one into the schedule.

We want you and your baby to have a positive breastfeeding experience!