Pick up any pregnancy book and you'll notice new moms get repeated advice: Breastfeeding is a natural—and easy—part of being a new parent. But as many new moms discover, learning to breastfeed is far from effortless.
To get the hang of it, some women are turning to lactation clinics—health centers outside hospitals that provide a calm environment and medical expertise to guide moms as they learn to breastfeed.
"Questions [about breastfeeding] may arise after discharge from the hospital," says Carole Stipelman, MD, medical director of the University Pediatric Clinic at University of Utah Health.
Here's how they work: Lactation specialists teach moms how to pump and store milk, maximize milk supply, and monitor their baby's weight gain. Women also learn about latching techniques or how to nudge babies to attach onto breasts to suckle milk.
"By the end of lactation visits, many mothers find relief from painful or difficult latching, and their infants are peaceful and well-fed," Stipelman says.
Common Breastfeeding Problems
If your breastfeeding journey turns into a rocky road, you're not alone. Common problems include:
- Pain
- Latching problems
- Nipple sensitivity
- Engorgement (high milk supply)
- Low milk supply
Although three in four women in the United States will start breastfeeding, just 13% will use breastfeeding exclusively (without formula or other supplements) throughout their child's infancy, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Benefits to Mom and Baby
If it all seems too overwhelming, but don't rethink your decision just yet. Research shows breastfeeding brings a slew of benefits to both mom and baby.
For infants, breastfeeding aids growth and development and lowers the risk of contracting disease. Breastfeeding also releases hormones that strengthen bonding between infants and mothers.
Moms who breastfeed throughout infancy have lower rates of postpartum depression. According to the AAP, breastfeeding may even lower the risk for breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Breastfeeding for the Long Haul
In the long term, lactation support increases the odds women will breastfeed throughout the duration of their child's infancy, improving health outcomes.
Even the setting itself—a quiet room with an armchair and cushions and extra seating for family members—can relax mom and infant and spur suckling, making breastfeeding an enjoyable experience.
"Our data show that more women who access lactation support breastfeed beyond two months postpartum [after giving birth], compared to those who don't," Stipelman says.