Overcoming Breastfeeding Problems, with Melissa Statler

Melissa Statler had a quick and mostly flowing birth. Feeling elated, she placed her newborn to her breast, only to be met with excruciating pain and instant damage to her nipples. As her confidence drained, she was informed that because her baby was large for gestational age, she would have to meet certain sugar level requirements during the first series of feedings, adding stress to injury. How did Melissa overcome these and more breastfeeding problems, to have the satisfying and nurturing breastfeeding relationship she has today? Go listen.

Listen directly through our website player, or however you usually listen to podcasts.

 

What we talked about:

  • A fast birth with shoulder dystocia
  • Feeling prepared to breastfeed (almost cocky)
  • First latch and all the confidence dissolves
  • Immense pain at every feeding, nipple shield helps a little
  • Dealing with the extra stress of monitoring baby’s sugar levels
  • Glucose get and donor milk
  • Trying not to catastrophize
  • Tongue thrusting and tongue exercises
  • So many lactation consultants, so much advice
  • Going home: less pain, more confidence
  • But her weight keeps dropping
  • Triple-feeding cycle
  • When do you sleep?
  • And now we have nipple blanching
  • Craniosacral Therapy
  • Love/hate relationship with her pump
  • Back to birth weight!
  • About that nipple shield…
  • Why did you keep going?
  • The wonders of a lactation consultant via video-chat at 3 am
  • Pump flanges and nipple shields come in different sizes
  • We are out of the weeds!
  • Now thrush?!?!
  • The importance of your support system

 

 

Resources mentioned and other helpful links*:

 

In the thick of it.

 

Related Birthful episodes:

 

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“We’re getting good at this.”

So tired

 


 

About Melissa Statler

Melissa Statler is a writer, photographer, and first-time mom from the western slope of Colorado. As a former educator, she loves both the process of learning and the sharing of knowledge. As a mother, she believes in the indispensable power of community and support from other women.

Learn more at notquitecrunchymom.com and check out Instagram: @notquitecrunchymom, specifically this post she shared about her breastfeeding journey.

 


 

Title music:Vibe Aceby Kevin MacLeod, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

Sponsorship music:Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

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