When you struggle with breastfeeding

What happens when you intend to breastfeed your baby, but really struggle with it?

Much like all thing's pregnancy, birth and beyond, the best laid of plans often go awry – breastfeeding is no different. Some of us worry we’ll hate it, while others, like the mum below, planned on enjoying a long and happy breastfeeding experience - only to find it hasn’t been the case.

Here’s some Q&A's from Lactation Consultant and Naturopath Julie Cottle.

Common questions:

• I don't enjoy breastfeeding, but I want to keep doing it.
• I find it quite painful, and me and my baby get very stressed. Should I just give it up, or is there something I can do to make it better?
• I am nervous, what resources do you suggest?

Julie's Advice

Many women feel nervous about breastfeeding, and it certainly can be difficult to get started. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for babies and their mothers, and while it comes naturally to some, it is far more common for it to take some time to work through the difficulties that this steep learning curve presents.

These symptoms are far more common than we are led to believe, it can be so difficult when starting out. The most important thing for you to know while you are feeling like this is that it will not always be this hard. Believe it or not, with the right help, and some time for you and your baby to learn this new skill, most mothers reach a point where breastfeeding becomes second nature.

If you are experiencing pain and your baby is becoming distressed, it is very important to have someone watch you feed and asses your baby’s latch, the best person to do this a lactation consultant. You may be able to access a lactation consultant through the hospital where you had your baby or alternatively, you can find a lactation consultant in private practice by searching for an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your area.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) run some very good courses for expecting parents, this will give you the very best information and support to set you up for a great start to breastfeeding. If you do find that you need help with breastfeeding when your baby is born, the breastfeeding helpline run by the ABA is a resource that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The benefits of breastfeeding are so worth it if you can work through the challenges, but it can be very difficult to do so on your own. Now is the time to call on any friends and family that have offered assistance, let them help you with all the day to day tasks and give yourself the time and space to focus on working through the breastfeeding issues.

If you feel that you have done all you can, and you need to make the decision to wean, please know that you have given your baby a wonderful start by providing breastmilk for as long as you have.

Blackmores supports the benefits of breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for babies. However, we also recognise that not all mums are able to breastfeed, and the reasons women are not able to breastfeed are for each mum to discuss with her health care professional.