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Lish McBride
Tears, lack of sleep and a lot of patience: in the bright but often tiring adventure of motherhood, mothers face breastfeeding crises . We shed light on what they are and some tips you can take into account to get through them.
Tania Rodríguez Yangüela, pharmacist at Farmacia Yangüela, reminds us that "breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed a baby and has multiple benefits for both the baby and the mother, but she stresses that "each situation is unique, and not all women can or want to breastfeed," and that the essential thing is "the love, care and attention given to the baby, regardless of how it is fed."
The pharmacist stresses that breastfeeding or not "does not define the love or commitment you have for your baby," but what really matters is that "you and your child are well, and that you feel accompanied and supported in the process."
What is a breastfeeding crisis?
As psychologist Saray Falcón Trejo explains, these are periods in which the baby, due to a growth spurt or a change in its needs, demands more milk than the mother seems to produce.
“This can create insecurity and frustration in mothers, as the baby seems to want to breastfeed more frequently or for longer,” explains the specialist.
Typically, these crises or bumps occur at very similar and specific stages of the baby's development: at 2, 3, 6 and 9 weeks after birth, and at 3 or 6 months.
It is common for some mothers to worry, especially when the baby gets angry, tenses up, cries or pulls on the mother's nipple.
The origin of lactation crises, as described by midwife Natividad García, from the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid, in an article for Natalben, is different depending on the phase. It may be due to a change in the composition of the milk that upsets the baby or because the production of breast milk needs to be increased.
The most complicated, difficult and persistent crisis is the one that appears at three months, as it can last between three and four weeks, generating anxiety and worry in the mother.
Tips for overcoming a breastfeeding crisis
“To overcome them, it is important for mothers to remain calm and trust in their ability to breastfeed,” says psychologist Saray Falcón Trejo.
Among the tips she provides, one of them is to offer the breast more frequently and make sure that the baby is properly latched on , practices that can help stimulate milk production. In addition, “seeking support from a lactation specialist or a pediatrician can be key to resolving doubts and making sure that everything is in order,” she points out.
The blog of the El Parto es Nuestro platform provides some useful recommendations for getting through growth spurts, emphasizing that the mother has enough milk and the capacity to produce all the milk the child needs, since the mother's body adapts to increase the necessary production.
The organization reminds us that we should not force the baby to breastfeed or insist too much during lactation crises - since exactly the opposite can happen - and recommends breastfeeding in semi-darkness and silence , with the least amount of stimulation possible to relax and calm the baby.
It is also important to pay attention to the different signs of hunger in your child, such as yawning, calling sounds, head movements, or putting his hands in his mouth. Don't wait for him to cry.
Information is power: having educational resources and professional advice at your disposal will help you calm down and reduce your anxiety levels. For example, you can check out the Mis Matronas website to find out exactly what happens during each of the different breastfeeding crises, or learn everything you need to know about these growth spurts in this video by paediatrician Diana Álvarez.
Things you should know if you are not breastfeeding
Some women cannot breastfeed due to medical, personal or environmental reasons.
circumstances. In these cases, Tania Rodríguez Yangüela provides three essential things that you should know:
- Formula is also a safe and healthy option . Infant formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies.
- Bonding is not dependent on the feeding method . What really nourishes a baby emotionally is close contact, caresses, words and time spent together.
- You are not alone . Every family finds its own path, and the most important thing is to make informed decisions, but also to be kind to yourself.
If you have questions or need support, remember that there are professionals, groups and resources available to help you, whether to achieve successful breastfeeding or to feel comfortable with any other choice, the pharmacist notes.
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