Journal

Why Postpartum Support is Crucial for Breastfeeding Success

Village For Mama A woman is breastfeeding an infant while another woman prepares a baby bottle beside her. They are seated indoors near a window with blinds.

Introduction

The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is a critical and sacred time for new mothers. It is during this period that many mothers establish their breastfeeding journey, which can significantly impact the health and well-being of both mother and baby both immediately and long term. While breastfeeding is biologically normal, it doesn’t always come easily. Postpartum support can play a pivotal role in ensuring breastfeeding success. This journal explores the connection between postpartum support and breastfeeding, providing valuable insights and practical tips for new mothers.

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. For the baby, breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and a perfect balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that support healthy growth and development. It also strengthens the baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. Not to mention the comfort and connection that comes with breastfeeding. For the mother, breastfeeding can help with postpartum recovery, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and promote bonding with the baby.

Challenges of Breastfeeding

Despite its benefits, breastfeeding can present several challenges. Many new mamas will experience a handful of these challenges:

  • Latching Problems: Difficulty in getting the baby to latch properly can cause pain and inadequate milk transfer.
  • Milk Supply Concerns: Worries about whether the baby is getting enough milk.
  • Nipple Pain and Engorgement: Painful nipples and overfull breasts can discourage mothers from continuing breastfeeding.
  • Fatigue and Emotional Stress: The demands of caring for a newborn can lead to exhaustion and emotional stress, impacting breastfeeding efforts.

The Role of Postpartum Support

Postpartum support can significantly alleviate these challenges, making breastfeeding a more manageable and enjoyable experience. Here are some ways in which support can help:

Postpartum doula supporting a mother who is breastfeeding using a supplementary feeding system
  1. Professional Guidance
    • Lactation Consultants: These professionals can provide personalised advice and techniques to improve latching, increase milk supply, and address any breastfeeding concerns. They can visit mothers at home or offer virtual consultations, making their support accessible and tailored to individual needs. I recommend connecting with an IBCLC during pregnancy either to have a preparation session or to make sure you have a trusted professional you can call on during postpartum.
    • Doulas: Postpartum and Birth doulas can offer hands-on support and reassurance. They assist with breastfeeding positions, offer rituals and remedies to help support breastfeeding, and provide emotional support, helping mothers feel more confident and relaxed.
  2. Emotional Support
    • Family and Friends: Having a supportive network of family and friends can boost a mother’s confidence and morale. They can help with household chores, offer encouragement, and provide a listening ear during challenging times. Breastfeeding outcomes can also be negatively impacted by friends and family so it is important to share your intentions and wishes around breastfeeding so they can be supportive of your wishes and not offer detrimental advice.
    • Motherhood Communities: Online forums, social media groups, and local support groups can connect new mothers with others who are going through similar experiences. Sharing stories, advice, and encouragement can create a sense of solidarity and reduce feelings of isolation.
  3. Practical Help
    • Meal Preparation: Nourishing meals are essential for a breastfeeding mothers and postpartum recovery. Family, friends, and community members can help by preparing and delivering meals, ensuring the mother has the energy and nutrition needed for breastfeeding.
    • Household Chores: Assistance with household tasks allows the mother to focus on breastfeeding and bonding with her baby. This practical support can reduce stress and eleviate overwhelm.
  4. Education and Resources
    • Classes: Attending classes on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery can equip mothers with knowledge and confidence. These classes often provide practical tips and foster a supportive community. Attending classes during pregnancy can not only empower you but connect you with other mothers who will be on their journey around a similar time.
    • Educational Materials: Books, videos, and reputable websites can offer valuable information on breastfeeding techniques, common issues, and solutions. Access to reliable resources empowers mothers to make informed decisions. I highly recommend The Breastfeeding Planner by Mammae and The Womb Rooms, it is a brilliant resource full of bite-sized wisdom, tasks, and prompts to guide you through every aspect of breastfeeding.

Creating a Supportive Environment

To ensure breastfeeding success, it is crucial to create an environment that prioritises the mother’s well-being. Here are some tips for building a supportive environment:

  • Communicate Needs: Encourage open communication with family and friends about specific needs and preferences. Clear communication helps in receiving the right kind of support.
  • Set Boundaries: Protect the mother’s rest and breastfeeding time by setting boundaries with visitors. Remember it is okay to change your mind, cancel plans or tell visitors not to come.
  • Encourage Rest: Adequate rest is essential for both postpartum recovery and milk production. Embracing a confinement, enforcing boundaries and having clear communication with your village are all really important ways to ensure proper rest.
  • Promote Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact between mama and babe is essential for bonding and stimulate milk production. Setting boundaries and embracing rest can help encourage regular skin to skin contact.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding success is closely linked to the support a mother receives during the postpartum period and preparation during pregnancy. By providing professional guidance, emotional support, practical help, and educational resources, we can create a nurturing environment that supports breastfeeding success. Remember, it takes a village to support a new mother, and the village love and support can make a significant difference in her breastfeeding journey.

More from the archives

Village For Mama Book titled "Village for Mama" with recipe sheets, a free postpartum guide, and a poppy flower on a peach background. Tablets displaying related content are also included.
FEBRUARY SPECIAL

'A Postpartum Guide' FREE

When you buy the Village for Mama book get our postpartum planning guide free, packed with postpartum wisdom, planning tools, checklists, additional resources, recipes, and discount codes. No code needed, automatically added at checkout.

Newsletter sign up

Join the village