Three HypnoBirthing
Breastfeeding Tips
HypnoBirthing classes and training helps you are enjoy the birth process because you know what to expect and what is normal. You will feel confident after you give birth to your baby in a calm and empowered state. That confidence will carry over into breastfeeding along with a few additional tips.
1. Relax
Breastfeeding flourishes best in a relaxed, stress-free environment. When the body experiences stress, anxiety, or worry, it triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones act as blockers to oxytocin, the crucial breastfeeding hormone. Without this signal, the body might perceive a decreased need for milk production, leading to a decrease milk supply or, in severe cases, no milk production at all.
Stressors can arise from various sources, including labor, caring for the baby, or life's unexpected challenges.
​
Different forms of stress during labor including prolonged labor, an extended pushing phase, medications administered during labor, procedures like Cesarean birth or assisted delivery, induction or augmentation of labor with synthetic oxytocin, retained placenta, or limitations on the baby's time at the breast, can delay the production of milk. With HypnoBirthing antenatal classes, you will train your body to relax can significantly reduce the occurrence of these interventions.
​
After birth, other stress factors can impact the production of milk: sleep deprivation due to the baby's schedule, adjustments in family dynamics, the body's recovery from labor and delivery, and the strain of managing household chores, caring for older children, or returning to work.
​
​
That being said, relaxing is easy to say, not always easy to do, especially when you can't control your schedule. 3-5 minutes at a time, several times a day can be enough. Listening to relaxing audios, while nursing or rocking your baby to sleep can help. You can do that on speakers or using earphones.
Yes but when?
2. Follow your baby's cues
For parents navigating breastfeeding, the question of whether their baby is getting enough milk is incredibly common, especially for first-time moms. It's natural to seek reassurance in tangible ways, even if measuring isn't part of the equation.
How to recognize them?
-
Wet Diapers
One way to measure this is through the number of wet diapers. In the initial days, this count can vary, but it generally stabilizes after the first week, offering a clear sign that your baby is consuming sufficient milk.
-
Weight Gain
While it's normal for babies to lose weight initially, consistent weight gain after that phase is a positive sign that they're receiving enough nourishment. Don't be obsessive about it though, no need to weight your baby after each feed, unless you were advised to do so by your pediatrician.
​
-
Happy Baby
Is your baby looking relaxed after being nursed? Does he show signs of contentment? Or simply falls asleep?
Breast milk isn't just about quantity but also
about the quality, therefore it is important to allow your baby to feed completely on one breast before switching to the other.
​
-
When Baby Isn’t Getting Enough Milk
When concerns arise about insufficient milk intake, consulting a lactation expert can be immensely beneficial. They can address various potential issues, such as latch problems or supply concerns, offering tailored guidance and support.
Breastfeeding is a unique journey for each parent and baby. Seeking help and information when needed is not just acceptable but commendable, ensuring a smoother and more confident experience for everyone involved.
3. You don't have to do this on your own
When you put it into perspective, a year of breastfeeding roughly adds up to around 1,800 hours. Now, compare that to a typical 40-hour workweek role with three weeks of vacation, totaling 1,960 hours of work in a year. It's evident that breastfeeding demands a significant amount of time, almost akin to a full-time job on its own.
​
So any support is welcome. Here's what partners or relatives can help:
​
-
Assist after Feedings
Burping, changing, and rocking the baby post-feeding is a perfect way for partners to bond and help. It's an opportunity to care for the baby and create a secure attachment while allowing the primary caregiver a moment for themselves. And for you to get some rest or even take a shower!
​
-
Keep the Primary Feeder Nourished
Breastfeeding demands calories and hydration. Partners can ensure the primary feeder stays nourished and hydrated by offering healthy snacks and water during feeding sessions. You're partner is not a good cook? Make it a rule that family and friends bring you a meal for each visit they will pay to your baby! You can also plan ahead and freeze some of your favorite comforting and nourishing dishes.
But I am on my own all day!
_edited_edited.jpg)
-
Attend to Other Responsibilities
Partners can take charge of managing other household aspects like attending to older children or pets, allowing the primary feeder to focus on the newborn.
​
-
Emotional Support
Breastfeeding might be challenging for some. Partners can offer encouragement and seek professional help if needed. Additionally, supporting the primary feeder's choice to breastfeed in public, if they're comfortable, is crucial.
-
Plan Together
Being involved in the planning process, understanding what to expect during the postpartum phase, and attending birthing classes can better prepare partners for the journey ahead.
​
By actively supporting and engaging in various aspects, partners play a vital role in easing the breastfeeding journey and bonding with the baby.
Lastly, third parties can support you in this. There are fantastic post-partum doulas, breasfeeding consultants, physiotherapists, sleep consultants... It is an investment, but think of all the presents you are going to receive for your baby that they will never use, have self care included in your Birth Gift list! Your physical and mental health is worth it.