Making Milk Has Nothing To Do with Luck (or Magic)

Breastfeeding success has nothing to do with luck.

The misconception that breastfeeding is/will be easy, it not most lived experiences. "[Demi Lucas IBCLC, PMH-C] says roughly 70% of women will face challenges, especially in the first month, that include things like cracked nipples, pain while breastfeeding, and worry over whether they’re producing enough milk." - Motherly®

Although producing and/or sourcing human may feel "lucky," there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes when it comes to making lactation work.

• ☘️ - Education. You don't know what you don't know. Without education, it is harder to know what is normal (or not) and how to source support in a time of need. Time lapse in care can impact breastfeeding outcomes and reduce longevity. Attending in-person classes is not always available due to cost, access, and reliable transportation. Find peer-reviewed and hashtag#IBCLC (lactation consultants) backed classes (online or IRL). Social platforms can be confusing and limit Q/A.
• ☘️ - Support. The saying 'it takes a village' gets quoted often, but they are not wrong. Who is showing up? Bringing nutritious meals? Answering the questions that you asked? Support is vital for maternal/infant and parental health at home and at work. The more supportive HR is pre/post birth, the better for everyone involved.
• ☘️ - Health. One of the biggest indicators for breastmilk production is health. Things like BMI, PCOS, glandular tissue development, diabetes, endocrine disorders like Hashimotos, C-sections, and postpartum hemorrhaging can all impact lactogenesis. And, it's not just on the mom/parent side. Health impacts all parties involved in breastfeeding including the baby. Early-term babies (NICU), birth trauma, oral anomalies and more can impact a baby's ability to eat.
• ☘️ - Advocacy. The PUMP Act didn't happen overnight. This is a U.S.A. federal law requiring employers to provide reasonable, private space to pump that IS NOT a bathroom (2022). hashtag#PaidParentalLeave and childcare reform will be two massive wins to breastfeeding and human milk providers in the U.S.

Improving infant feeding isn't chasing a pot of gold. Human milk literally is liquid gold. It should be supported, researched, funded and innovated. 🌈 🌈

Best chest forward. - M