Nearly every part of parenthood has its ups and downs and breastfeeding is no exception. While it can be beautiful and rewarding, it is suddenly tough when your baby refuses the breast. It can be frustrating and disheartening. Just remember, you are not alone and there are strategies for overcoming the challenge of breast refusal.
This blog post will dive into the solutions to help you overcome this hurdle and get your breastfeeding journey back on track.
Understanding the Reasons for Breast Refusal
First, there are several reasons why a baby might refuse the breast, and it is important to understand where baby may be coming from in his or her refusal.
Painful latch: If your baby is experiencing pain while latching, they may refuse to breastfeed.
Tongue-tie or lip-tie: These conditions can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly and you may need to pursue treatment.
Illness: Do you lose your appetite when sick? Baby is no different. If your he or she is sick, they may be less interested in breastfeeding.
Distractions: Noise, light, or other distractions can interfere with breastfeeding. If you are trying to nurse with a cover, this can sometimes be problematic for baby’s attention also.
Stress or Overwhelm: Both you and your baby can experience stress, which can impact breastfeeding. It can impact baby’s ability to latch and your milk production.
Tips for Overcoming Breast Refusal
Identifying the possible cause of the issue can set you on track for which solution will help you overcome the obstacle.
Consult a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch and offer personalized advice.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend quality time skin-to-skin with your baby. The direct physical contact can help calm them and encourage them to latch.
Try Different Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby.
Express Milk: If your baby is refusing the breast, you can express milk and feed it to them with a bottle or syringe or small spoon. With clean hands, you can even try using your pinky finger dipped in milk to feed baby.
Avoid Pacifiers: Using a pacifier can interfere with breastfeeding if your baby is already struggling with nursing.
Be Patient: Be patient and persistent. It may take time for your baby to adjust.
Tips for Returning To Breast after Bottle
Choose the Right Time: Try to breastfeed your baby when he or she is calm and relaxed, such as before a nap or bedtime.
Start Slowly: Begin by offering the breast for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets used to it.
Express Milk and Offer It: Expressing some milk and offering it to your baby using a syringe, a spoon, or your finger as you hold them skin to skin can help them associate the taste of breast milk with your breast.
Be Patient: It may take several attempts for your baby to adjust to breastfeeding once he or she has taken to feeding from a bottle. Don’t get discouraged.
Hygeia Health: Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we know challenges like breast refusal are real for both first-time and seasoned mothers. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Remember, you’re not alone. With patience, persistence, and the right support, you can overcome breast refusal and enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.
The idea of it may feel intimidating, but pumping at work doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and the right tools, you can make it a seamless part of your day.
In this blog post we will walk you through the process of taking on the challenge and creating a smooth experience of pumping at work.
Planning your work/pump flow
Workplace Support: Talk to your employer about your need to pump at work. Many workplaces are required to provide a private space for breastfeeding mothers. You may also be able to take breaks to pump.
Pumping Schedule: It’s important to establish a pumping schedule that works for you and your baby. Aim to pump every 2-3 hours while you’re at work. If your baby is still breastfeeding frequently, you may need to pump more often.
Creating a comfortable environment
Find a Private Space: If your employer doesn’t provide a designated lactation room, seek out a private space where you’ll feel comfortable pumping. This might be a conference room, a private office, or even your own office if you can arrange to be undisturbed. Consider suggesting to your employer that they designate a lactation space for all nursing mothers. This could benefit not only you but also future employees.
Set Up Your Pumping Station: Once you’ve found a private space, set up your pumping station. You’ll need your breast pump, bottles, and a cooler for storing your milk. If your pump requires plugging in, make sure you have a comfortable seat near an outlet. For added comfort, bring a blanket or pillow. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while breastfeeding.
Taking care of your milk
Expressing Milk: Expressing milk can take practice. If you’re struggling to express milk efficiently, especially while pumping at work, a lactation consultant can help you master the proper technique.
Storing Breastmilk: Properly storing breast milk is essential. Store it in a clean container labeled with the date. For extended storage, an insulated cooler with ice packs is ideal. If you have access to a refrigerator at work, you can store your pumped milk there for up to 48 hours. Place it in the back of the refrigerator, where it’s coldest.
Hygeia Health Can Help
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges that working mothers face. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient.
We also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our website provides information on breastfeeding and pumping, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
You Can Do It
Pumping at work can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer 100% insurance-covered breast pumps to qualified mothers.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
With the year winding down, it’s a great time to celebrate the key breastfeeding milestones of 2024. We saw a surge in society’s understanding of the profound impact of breastfeeding. From groundbreaking research on the transfer of antibodies through breast milk to a renewed focus on supporting mothers’ mental health, it was a year of significant advancements.
Here’s a look at some of the key developments and top breastfeeding stories of 2024:
Mental Health Focus
The connection between breastfeeding and maternal mental health gained significant attention. Research emphasized the positive impact of breastfeeding on postpartum mood, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Advocacy for Breastfeeding Support
2024 saw a renewed focus on improving access to breastfeeding support for all mothers. This included initiatives to increase access to lactation consultants, expand paid maternity leave policies, and create more breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
Celebrity Advocacy
Many celebrities openly shared their breastfeeding journeys on social media, normalizing the experience and inspiring other mothers. This helped break down the stigma surrounding breastfeeding and encouraged open conversations about the challenges and triumphs of motherhood.
COVID-19 Boosters and Breast Milk
Research continued to highlight the incredible benefits of breastfeeding, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies demonstrated that mothers who received COVID-19 booster shots passed along critical antibodies to their babies through breast milk, providing crucial protection against the virus.
Hygeia Improves and Innovates
Hygeia Health achieved a significant milestone in 2024 with the launch of the Hygeia Express breast pump, honored as the “2024 Product of the Year” by babyMaternity Magazine. This recognition underscores our commitment to empowering mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. As part of this commitment, we continue to innovate and expand our offerings. In addition to the Hygeia Express, we introduced a new line of maternity garments designed to provide comfort and support throughout pregnancy.
Looking to 2025
2024 was a year of progress in understanding the profound benefits of breastfeeding. By continuing to support mothers and advocate for breastfeeding-friendly policies, we can ensure that every mother has the resources and support she needs to successfully breastfeed her baby. We look forward to continuing to serve mothers in 2025.
Breastfeeding: It’s like a superpower for moms. But sometimes, even superheroes need a boost. Some moms face the challenge of low milk supply, which may feel like losing one of your most important motherhood superpowers.
Don’t worry, it’s not just you! Many moms have been there, and there are ways to boost your milk production. Here are some tips to help you increase your breast milk production.
Your body needs encouragement
Feed Frequently: You may be exhausted and it’s not what you want to hear, but frequent feedings may be the solution. The more often you feed your baby, the more milk your body will produce. Try to feed on demand, whenever baby shows signs of hunger.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Keep baby close! Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your milk production and promote bonding with your baby.
Pumping: If you’re pumping, make sure you’re using a good-quality pump and pumping frequently. You may also want to try pumping on both sides at the same time. This can be especially helpful if you are working or have to be away from baby for long periods of time. Check out the Hygeia Express breast pump.
Self-Care: Take care of yourself
Relax and Reduce Stress: What new mom isn’t stressed? And unfortunately that stress can impact your milk supply. Ask your support system to help you find ways to relax. Many people can manage stress through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Get Enough Rest: While frequent feedings and pumping may make this a hard one, solid rest and sleep will help your body with milk production. Be assured that the messes, dirty dishes, and laundry can wait and give yourself permission to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Your milk is directly impacted by the foods you consume and how much water you are drinking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help support your milk production, so don’t rely on processed, low calorie foods. Make sure you’re getting enough calories, fluids, and nutrients.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Fluids matter but which fluids matter too, as the wrong ones will definitely create a lack of milk supply. Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can reduce your milk production, so reduce or avoid them completely.
Outside Help
Seek Support: If you’re struggling to increase your milk supply, don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group.
Get a Free Breast Pump: We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer an insurance-covered breast pump to mothers qualify. To apply, simply fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Hygeia Health Can Help: At Hygeia Health, we understand the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges that mothers may face. In addition to our high-quality breast pumps, we also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Take advantage of our website and our customer service team.
You Can Do It
Increasing your milk supply takes time and patience. But with the right support and strategies, you can achieve your breastfeeding goals.
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and–who can forget–delicious food. As a breastfeeding mom, you might wonder how to indulge in festive treats without compromising your milk supply. Let’s dive into some holiday food tips that are safe and nourishing for both you and your baby.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated with good old water is crucial, especially during the colder months when our bodies tend to dehydrate faster.
Herbal Teas: Warm herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint can be soothing and hydrating. Avoid caffeinated beverages: As much as you may feel the need for energy, excessive caffeine can affect your milk supply.
Avoid alcohol: Don’t overdo it with the holiday cocktails when you are breastfeeding or pumping for your baby.
Nourishing Foods
Complex Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa. These provide sustained energy and essential nutrients that will make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your little.
Lean Protein: Be intentional about your protein intake each day. Incorporate lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils to support milk production.
Healthy Fats: This one is something you are likely to find on some holiday food spreads. Look to include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to promote hormone balance.
Fruits and Vegetables: You are likely to find an inviting fruit and veggie tray at most events. Load up on colorful plants to boost your vitamin and mineral intake.
Holiday Treats in Moderation
Indulge Wisely: While being intentional about the good stuff mentioned previously, it is equally important to tune into the treats on your tray. This doesn’t mean to avoid them completely, but enjoy goodies in moderation. Overindulging in sugary and fatty foods can lead to digestive issues and affect your milk supply.
Homemade Options: Consider making healthier versions of holiday treats using whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners, and less sugar.
Eat in Advance: Here is a little trick if you know you are headed to an event that is bound to tempt you with treats: don’t show up hungry! Eat something nourishing before the party, like a protein shake or a colorful salad, compete with healthy fats and proteins. When you do indulge, you will know you balanced it with something beneficial for the body.
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we’re committed to supporting breastfeeding moms. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient, but we know that balancing social events with pumping and storing can seem daunting. With a little planning, it’s definitely doable.
We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer a 100% insurance-covered breast pump to mothers who are breastfeeding or have recently breastfed.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
By planning ahead, making informed food choices, and prioritizing your health, you can enjoy the holiday season while continuing to nourish your baby in the best possible way.
