Breastfeeding encompasses a fantastic as well as mysterious world full of lights and… shadows. Yes, you read that right, shadows. Shadows that translate into incomprehension, uncertainty and doubts for which when the time comes it is difficult for you to find justification. One of the moments that generates the most anguish is the lactation crisis.
Once again at SingularMom we advocate information as the main tool before, during and after pregnancy. That is why along the following lines we try to resolve all the questions related to these fateful and interesting moments. We tell you everything!
What is a breastfeeding crisis and how to identify it?
You can’t believe it. In the blink of an eye, 9 months of pregnancy have passed, you have experienced the process of delivery And yes, you have your baby at home. But as the people around you told you very well, the baby does not come with an instruction manual! You are faced with an intense learning path in which more than one doubt will focus on the wide world of breastfeeding.
As you breastfeed your baby, you will face situations in which you think your baby is not completely satisfied, you will doubt whether he is full or still hungry, you will think that he may not be completely comfortable, etc. This may cause uncertainty, anguish and stress, affecting your emotional health and your partner’s. Here you can read more about how pregnancy affects the couple.
Don’t worry, these types of special situations are nothing more than lactation crises or growth periods translated into changes in the frequency and duration of feedings that coincide with rapid developmental episodes.
Breastfeeding crisis during the first year
During the first year of life you will probably face three major growth spurts. We explain them to you progressively.
1st lactation crisis: after 15-20 days
“My baby wants to breastfeed constantly, if I don’t give it to him he starts crying. I don’t understand it… he seems to want to continue breastfeeding even though he spits up! Nothing, there is no way for him to let go.” In the first days your baby will only eat and sleep, sleep and eat. They tend to be quite regular and predictable until… the third week! Welcome to the first breastfeeding crisis.
What is happening? Your baby needs to eat more, he is responsible for regulating milk production and at this time he needs to increase it. To do this, you have to breastfeed non-stop for 2-3 days in a row until you achieve your goal. Once the objective is achieved, everything will return to normal.
2nd breastfeeding crisis: at 6-7 weeks (month and a half)
“My baby gets upset when I breastfeed him! I notice how he gets nervous, he jerks, he doesn’t stop crying… Seeing him so tense makes me worry and think that the milk I offer him is not of quality. Maybe there is something I’m not doing very well.” Don’t worry, everything is fine. The only “problem” your baby has is the taste of your milk due to its new composition. It has changed because its digestive system has matured. Now it is a little saltier and… your baby has to get used to it again. It just takes a few days to get back to normal.
3rd lactation crisis: at 3 months
“I don’t know if my baby is rejecting my breast. I notice that he no longer asks for it as frequently, the feedings last very little and he also gets distracted by anything, as if he didn’t want it. I doubt that he is producing enough milk since I feel that my breasts are softer than before. My baby cries a lot when he sees that milk doesn’t come out immediately and it really is exasperating for both of us. Maybe it would be good to give him a bottle as a nutritional supplement?” Welcome to the 3rd breastfeeding crisis!The one that takes the longest to return to normal and of course, the most complex. We explain everything point by point:
- At this point your baby has become an expert in the “art of sucking.” Now it takes half the time it took before to express your milk.
- It is totally normal for him to be distracted since at 3 months his neural connections multiply, giving him greater visual and auditory acuity. Before I only saw your face and heard your voice. Now, dear friend, a world of possibilities has opened up around you! How not to get distracted?
- Your breasts are actually softer. This is because milk production has changed and been optimized. Your breasts were constantly full before and from now on they will only generate food when your baby requires it, that is, when he sucks.
- And how can your baby not cry? Before he was used to having his food instantly. Now you have to wait a couple of minutes from sucking until it appears. Put yourself in their place: imagine that you are used to always going to a buffet, you have all the food at your disposal at a moment’s notice until you get fed up. However now you have to ask the waiter for your food and… wait for him to serve you!
How to act when faced with breastfeeding crises?
To act correctly in the face of breastfeeding crises It is essential to have accurate information to know first-hand what can happen and the reasons why they occur. Very frequently, the lack of information leads to errors such as gradual abandonment and artificial supplementation.
Among the points to take into account when facing breastfeeding crises, you should remember that:
- Breastfeeding is done on demand according to your baby’s needs. Let him suck as long as he wants. However, at no time should you force him or insist too much to prevent him from rejecting the breast.
- Try to enjoy breastfeeding by making that little time a moment of bonding between you and your baby. Try breastfeeding in a calm environment, in silence and with little light, especially after 3 months.
- Anticipate breastfeeding your baby, don’t wait for him to cry before giving it to him.
- Do not try to “solve it” with a bottle as a supplement as this may lead to abandoning breastfeeding.
- Use a breast pump to stimulate its production.
- Drink fluids, especially water. Here you can read more about nutrition in pregnancy.
- Lean on your partner, family and/or friends right now. Dedicate yourself to breastfeeding and leave other chores aside, especially during crises or periods of growth. Remember that breastfeeding groups can be of great help to you.
To overcome fear and doubts…
Focus on objective data.
Observe if your baby pees several times a day and if his poops are soft. During routine visits to the pediatrician he checks that he is growing and gaining weight, that he maintains a good skin color and that he is active.
If so, don’t worry, everything is fine.
It is essential to recognize these periods to avoid unnecessary moments of anxiety. Trust yourself. You’re doing great. It seems simple, but it is not so… PATIENCE.
At SingularMom we want to offer you our help before, during and after pregnancy. We offer you the best we have: our training and information.
