When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?
Can we talk real for a minute about breastfeeding?
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This post is about when does breastfeeding get easier?
After giving birth to my beautiful daughter, I was really looking forward to breastfeeding! but instead of the sweet bonding moments, I was met with cracked nipples and a lot of pain every time I tried to feed her.
Don’t forget the cluster feedings..
Now, I know recovering from childbirth is no walk in the park. Add breastfeeding pain into the mix, and it’s like trying to enjoy a sunny day with a rain cloud over your head.
It’s tough! And let’s not even get started on the emotional toll it takes when something that’s supposed to be so natural becomes such a challenge.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that I’m not alone in this struggle and that the pain fades and the experience becomes more and more beautiful.
So many moms out there face the same challenges, and it’s okay to admit that breastfeeding isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s far from it.
But fear not, fellow warriors! I’m here to share some tried-and-true tips and tricks for relieving breastfeeding pain, because let’s be real, we could all use a little relief, am I right?
And for all you new mamas wondering when the heck does breastfeeding get easier, well, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, I will tell you what is normal to experience in the first weeks of breastfeeding and when it might be necessary to seek the help of a lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding after birth: the first 24 hours
The first 24 hours of breastfeeding can be very intense for new moms. During this time, your body produces colostrum- your baby’s first milk. Although your baby’s stomach is tiny at this stage, they will receive just the right amount of colostrum, usually about a teaspoon per feeding.
Remember to prioritize rest and recovery for yourself in the first 24 hours after birth.
Breastfeeding can be physically demanding, so make sure to rest when you can and accept help from your partner and family.
First weeks of breastfeeding
In the first few days or weeks after birth, you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed.
Babies are getting used to latching onto the breast, coordinating their sucking and swallowing reflexes, and learning how to get milk out of the breast in the best way.
Meanwhile, you are learning how to position your baby, ensure a proper latch, and try to get a good nursing routine.
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The engorgement phase
Breastfeeding needs to get started and this can be painful. The colostrum will change to regular milk within 2 to 5 days.
During this phase, you will experience warm, painful, and tense breasts.
If you feed your baby frequently, at least 10 to 12 times per 24 hours, the engorgement will naturally decrease within a few days.
Massage is a great way to keep them supple, also is your baby’s frequent nursing.
Nipple cracks
Nipple cracks are also a very common part of breastfeeding issues.
These are small, painful tears in the nipple that can bleed. because of the frequent feedings, your nipples will be sensitive.
Off course that’s not surprising considering your nipples aren’t accustomed to all that strong, frequent sucking as your baby does.
When nipple cracks don’t heal or worsen, it’s possible that the baby is not latching properly.
In the first week of breastfeeding, I faced some challenges. I developed severe nipple cracks, experienced overproduction of milk, and found that my daughter wanted to nurse very frequently, but only in small amounts.
I was a little concerned so I decided to seek help from a lactation consultant.
The lactation consultant saw that my daughter had a tight lip tie and tongue tie. This made it hard for her to latch on properly and was why she wanted to nurse all the time! To address this issue, we chose a procedure to correct the lip and tongue ties.
After the procedure, she could latch on much better, She could nurse for longer, and I didn’t have to feed her as often. This positive change made the breastfeeding experience much much more enjoyable for both of us!
I think its important to say that issues such as lip and tongue ties can sometimes hinder breastfeeding success. go and see a lactation consultant and exploring potential underlying causes can help you to find a solution and make breastfeeding a lot easier!
In this post you will read about the best bottles for lip tied babies
After this first week, you’re likely to start finding your rhythm with breastfeeding.
It might still be a bit painful when latching your baby, but this should normally become better soon!
Around 4-6 Weeks: Improved Skills
Around four to six weeks after birth, many babies start to become more efficient at breastfeeding.
By this time, they’ve had more practice and have become more familiar with it. They may latch on more easily, suck more efficiently, and they start consuming larger amounts of milk per feeding, which makes the intervals between feedings become longer.
Breastfeeding will now go more smoothly.
Cluster Feedings
When you’re finally starting to feel like you’ve got this whole parenting thing down, your baby decides to hit you with a plot twist, your baby suddenly becomes restless and seems to want to feed constantly at certain times of the day.
This is common for breastfed babies.
While you might have expected your baby to be fed at regular times, this is very normal!
Some babies cluster feed, which means they nurse more often at specific times of the day.
This behavior is just their way of boosting your milk supply. Cluster feeding also provides comfort and bonding for your baby because of the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding.
Just have a snack, watch TV while nursing, and enjoy the cuddles! 🙂
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6-12 Weeks: Refinement
Between six to twelve weeks of age, babies continue to refine their breastfeeding skills.
They become more efficient at breastfeeding, and their sucking patterns become more coordinated, which can lead to more productive nursing sessions.
After 6 Months
As your baby grows and begins to explore solid foods, you may notice changes in their breastfeeding habits.
By the time most babies are eating solids well, typically around six months of age, they are nursing about 4 to 5 times per day.
However, it’s important to remember that every baby is different, and their feeding patterns can vary.
Breastfeeding Pain Relief: Tips and Techniques
If you’re experiencing the pain of sore nipples or struggling through feeding sessions with your little one, know that you’re not alone.
There are solutions and products available to relieve the pain and make nursing sessions more comfortable for both you and your baby.
From using lanolin cream to different feeding positions, these simple strategies can make a world of difference!
Keep pushing through, and remember, you’ve got this!! Let’s turn those nursing sessions from “ouch” to “ahh”
Latch Techniques
Achieving a proper latch is one of the most important things for successful breastfeeding and can significantly reduce nipple pain.
When latching your baby, be sure that their mouth covers not only the nipple but also a significant portion of the areola.
This helps distribute pressure evenly and prevents soreness caused by improper sucking.
Your baby’s mouth must be wide open with both lips uncurled, to encourage this you can tikkle your baby’s mouth with your nipple.
Guide your baby’s nose to your nipple and aim your nipple at the back of your baby’s mouth in a direct, straight line.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is a lifesaver for many breastfeeding moms, providing relief for sore, cracked nipples.
Look for a nipple cream specifically formulated for breastfeeding moms. These creams often contain soothing ingredients like lanolin or calendula, which help moisturize and heal the skin.
Use the nipple cream after each feeding and you will notice improvement very soon!
The Purelan nipple cream is the one I used and it worked so good!
Fun tip: you can use the Purelan cream also as a moisturizer for your chapped lips!
Nipple Shields
Nipple shields are thin, silicone covers worn over the nipple during breastfeeding. They can be very helpful when you are experiencing nipple pain or for babies with latch difficulties.
Nipple shields provide a protective barrier between your nipple and your baby’s mouth, lowering friction and discomfort during feeding.
Breastfeeding Positions
Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can also help relieve pain and discomfort. Some popular positions include:
- Cradle hold: Hold your baby in your arms with their head resting in the crook of your elbow.
- Football hold: Hold your baby under your arm, with their body tucked under your arm like a football.
- Side-lying position: Lie on your side with your baby facing you.
Breastfeeding pain relief: home remedies
Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to the breasts before and after breastfeeding can help relieve pain.
The warmth helps to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease soreness.
Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and gently place it over the breasts for a few minutes.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can also be beneficial for relieving breast pain, especially in cases of engorgement or swelling.
Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel or use a cold gel pack and apply it to the breasts for 10-15 minutes at a time.
The cold temperature helps numb the area and reduce swelling, providing a little relief.
Breast Massage
Gentle breast massage can help stimulate milk flow and relieve congestion.
Use your fingertips to massage the breasts in circular motions, starting from the outer areas and working towards the nipples.
This technique can also help prevent clogged ducts.
Warm Shower Or Bath
Taking a warm shower or bath can be incredibly soothing for breastfeeding moms who are experiencing pain or discomfort.
The warm water helps relax tense muscles, ease breast engorgement, and provide relief.
Allow the warm water to flow over your breasts or soak in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes to experience the benefits.
Breast Milk
Believe it or not, breast milk itself can be a powerful remedy for soothing breastfeeding pain.
After nursing gently moisturise the area around your nipple.
Breast milk contains natural antibodies and moisturizing properties that can help heal cracked nipples and prevent infections.
So, the real question: When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?
And there you have it! The age-old question: when does breastfeeding get easier? While every mom’s experience is unique, many find that breastfeeding becomes easier around the 6-week mark.
By this time, you’ve likely mastered a feeding routine, and you’ve become more confident in your ability to breastfeed.
Your baby’s latch has improved, and you’re more aware of their feeding cues, making the process smoother and more manageable.
Breastfeeding is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with time, patience, and support, it does get easier!
remember to trust your instincts, reach out for help when needed, and savor every precious moment of this beautiful experience.
After all the road may have been rocky, but the destination – that sweet, snuggly, milk-drunk baby – makes it all worth it in the end.
Cheers to you, and to the beautiful bond you share with your baby!
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