Breastfeeding can be a meaningful experience for both mom and baby. Not only does breastfeeding have health benefits, it can also support recovery from childbirth and foster a loving connection. Nursing a baby isn't always easy, though — for some moms it can be uncomfortable or even painful.
We spoke to Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum, a pediatric and women's health specialist, about the importance of breastfeeding. Here are some of her tips on how to make breastfeeding more comfortable, how people can support a breastfeeding parent, and why a nursing pillow is so important.
What do you wish more people knew about breastfeeding?
How can friends, family, and the non-breastfeeding parent support a nursing parent?
Partner and family support can play a crucial role in helping a mother succeed in breastfeeding. Here are some specific ways they can assist:
- Regularly offer words of encouragement and affirmation to boost the mother’s confidence. Be available to listen to her concerns, frustrations, and successes without judgment. Show understanding and patience, recognizing that breastfeeding can be challenging and requires time to establish.
- Take on additional household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping to allow the mother more time to focus on breastfeeding and rest. Prepare healthy meals to ensure the mother is well-nourished. Choose foods rich in natural fats, proteins, and carbs. Think of foods that have seen the sun, not those heavily processed in factories.
- Help the breastfeeding mother stay hydrated. Hydration is crucial, so breastfeeding mothers need to drink plenty of water.
- Bring the baby to the mother for nighttime feedings and help with burping the baby afterward. Take turns watching the baby to allow the mother to get some sleep between feedings.
- Help with the care of older siblings, including taking them to school, helping with homework, and engaging in activities to give the mother and baby uninterrupted time for breastfeeding.
- Help the mother get comfortable and assist with positioning the baby for a proper latch. Offer and adjust nursing pillows or other supports to help her maintain a comfortable posture during breastfeeding sessions.
- Help identify and address any breastfeeding issues by researching solutions or seeking advice from lactation consultants and pediatric chiropractors or other therapists. Partners and family members can educate themselves about breastfeeding techniques, challenges, and benefits to provide informed support.
- Foster a positive and supportive home environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress for the breastfeeding mother.
- Support the mother’s decision to breastfeed in public. Defend her in front of other family members or friends who may offer unsolicited advice or criticism.
- Encourage the mother to take breaks and practice self-care by offering to watch the baby while she takes a bath, naps, or engages in a relaxing activity. Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," is essential for milk production and making breastfeeding easier. Simple pleasures like warm showers, cuddles with her baby or partner, massages, and even quiet 'alone time' can significantly enhance the new mother's emotional well-being.
- Remind her that it's OK to breastfeed on demand and even breastfeed to sleep. Don't worry about forming habits now; focus on providing comfort and security.
By sharing responsibilities, offering encouragement, and being actively involved in the breastfeeding journey, partners, family, and friends can help the mother feel more confident and less stressed, contributing to successful breastfeeding.
What inspired you to create the bbhugme nursing pillow?
In Norway, we were three female pediatric chiropractors who teamed up to start a franchise of clinics focused on caring for pregnant women and children. Over time, we noticed how much our pregnant patients struggled to find comfort, especially when trying to sleep.
Postpartum, there was a clear need for a good positioning and support pillow. This is how our idea for bbhugme was born. Our patients needed a tool they could take home.
The larger pregnancy pillow was our first creation. We designed it with a tie-around feature, which also makes it suitable for nursing. Its success led us to recognize the need for a more portable version of bbhugme that new parents could easily bring with them.
Thus, the bbhugme nursing pillow was developed. The smaller pillow retains all the benefits of the original — it's adjustable and can be tied around the waist for customized height. It supports various nursing positions, such as cradle-hold, laid-back nursing, side-lying, and bottle feeding. When you're not feeding the baby, it is also perfect for bonding time. Ideal for new parents on the go, it comes with a travel bag, making it easy to take anywhere.
Our goal has always been to make life a bit easier, especially during those precious moments when you are feeding your baby, ensuring you have good support in all the right places.
What are the benefits of using a nursing pillow?
Using a nursing pillow offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby during breastfeeding.
Many new mothers struggle with poor feeding positions, often finding themselves with high shoulders, looking down, bending forward, and lacking support. This can lead to stress and pain over time.
An adjustable nursing pillow can provide much-needed comfort for both mom and baby. A good nursing pillow helps with the proper positioning of your baby. Elevating the baby to the correct height for breastfeeding can make it easier for the baby to latch on properly. This is crucial for effective breastfeeding and reducing nipple soreness for the mother.
A good nursing pillow also facilitates close physical contact between the mother and baby, enhancing bonding and emotional connection.
Using a nursing pillow like bbhugme can significantly enhance the breastfeeding experience.
The bbhugme nursing pillow is uniquely moldable; with the BPA-free pebbles, you can adjust the firmness to fit your needs. This enables more comfortable and sustainable positioning, making it easier to breastfeed for longer periods without fatigue.
About Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum
Dr. Ann Kristin Homdrum is a chiropractor who specializes in pediatrics and women's health. She is a cofounder of bbhugme, which offers supportive pregnancy and nursing pillows. You can follow her at @natural_born_parenting and @bbhugme.
