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.
National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed annually in November, is a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of some of our most prized healthcare workers: nurse practitioners.
These skilled professionals play a vital role in providing quality care to patients of all ages. This week, November 10-16, Hygeia is shouting praises to all nurse practitioners, especially those supporting the new moms around the world.
A Cornerstone of Healthcare
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized education and training. They are qualified to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide a wide range of healthcare services.
These highly qualified healthcare providers also play a vital role in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. With their advanced education and clinical experience, they offer comprehensive care, from prenatal check-ups to postpartum support.
Prenatal & Postpartum Care
By choosing a nurse practitioner for your prenatal and postpartum care, you can be confident that you’re receiving high-quality, compassionate care.
During pregnancy, nurse practitioners provide essential care, including:
Regular check-ups: Monitoring your health and baby’s growth.
Screening for complications: Identifying potential issues early on.
Education and counseling: Offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being.
The crucial role of supporting breastfeeding mothers can often be played by a nurse practitioner. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on breastfeeding techniques, milk supply, and other common postpartum challenges.
Breastfeeding support: Helping you establish a good latch and troubleshoot any issues.
Postpartum check-ups: Monitoring your physical and emotional recovery.
Mental health support: Addressing postpartum depression and anxiety.
Supporting Healthcare Heroes
Let’s take this opportunity to thank nurse practitioners for their unwavering commitment to patient care. By recognizing their contributions, we can continue to improve healthcare access and quality for all and, most especially, new and breastfeeding mothers.
“It’s supposed to hurt.”
It’s one of the biggest breastfeeding myths! That’s not to say nipple pain is not a common hurdle for many new moms, sometimes hindering the establishment of a successful breastfeeding journey. Don’t let discomfort deter you! With proper knowledge and a few helpful strategies, you can manage nipple pain and continue breastfeeding with confidence.
Problems & Solutions: Why Do Nipples Hurt?
Several factors can contribute to nipple pain during breastfeeding:
Problem: Incorrect Latch
An improper latch, where your baby isn’t fully mouth-cupping your breast tissue, can put unnecessary pressure on the nipple and cause pain.
Solution: Perfect Your Latch
Seek guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional to ensure your baby is latching on correctly. A deep latch with a wide mouth opening will help distribute pressure evenly and minimize nipple pain.
Problem: Engorgement
In the first few days after birth, your breasts may become engorged with milk, making it difficult for your baby to latch on properly and leading to nipple soreness.
Solution: Frequent Feedings
Frequent breastfeeding can help prevent engorgement and allow your baby to remove milk effectively. Aim for feeding cues rather than a strict schedule. Pumping and storing excess milk can help reduce engorgement especially during night feeding when baby may go longer stretches without feeding. Check out Hygeia’s hospital-grade breast pump and milk storage containers.
Problem: Tongue Tie
Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a condition where a baby’s tongue is restricted by a short frenulum (the tissue under the tongue). This can make it challenging for them to latch effectively and may contribute to nipple pain.
Solution: Seek a Specialist
While some view correcting tongue-tie as a simple solution for breastfeeding difficulties, there’s ongoing debate about its necessity and potential for over-treatment in some cases. As the parent you have the final say for what is best for your child. You can find a specialist to help guide you to solutions here.
Problem: Friction
Frequent rubbing of the nipples against clothing or improper wiping after feeding can irritate the delicate skin.
Solution: Wear Loose Clothing
Opt for breathable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against your nipples. Also change nursing pads appropriately if they are being used. You can find ideas for comfortable nursing clothes here.
More Solutions for Soothing Soreness
Even if none of the aforementioned problems seem to be the cause of the nipple pain you are experiencing, there are some more steps you can take to find relief:
Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your breasts before feeding can help promote milk flow and ease discomfort.
Cold Relief: After feeding, using chilled breast milk compresses or soothing nipple creams can provide temporary pain relief.
Air Drying: Allow your nipples to air dry completely after feedings to prevent irritation from moisture.
Beyond Relief: Preventing Nipple Pain from the Start
Nipple pain can be avoided in a lot of cases. Here are some proactive tips to prevent the problem before it starts:
Prenatal Education: Learning about proper breastfeeding techniques and latching during pregnancy can help you feel more prepared for the early days of breastfeeding.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Practice immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth. This not only fosters bonding, but it also encourages instinctive latching.
Proper Positioning: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that feels comfortable and allows for a deep latch.
Moisturize (Selectively): While avoiding harsh soaps and lotions on your nipples is crucial, applying a small amount of lanolin cream after feeds can help keep the skin hydrated.
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding. We’re dedicated to supporting moms on their breastfeeding journeys by providing not only high-quality breast pumps but also access to valuable resources.
If you’re experiencing persistent nipple pain or have any breastfeeding concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve a successful and comfortable breastfeeding experience.
