As a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC), it is common for experienced parents to reach out during or right after a subsequent pregnancy. Many parents struggle with breastfeeding their first child. In some cases, they struggled to breastfeed due to chronic low supply. They may be wondering if they will experience the same thing again.

As a CBC, you are not equipped to diagnose anything. However, you can provide them with evidenced-based information and support.

While each breastfeeding journey is unique, you can reassure clients that there are many factors which influence breastfeeding struggles. Here is what you need to know to support clients:

Not All Parents Struggle to Breastfeed Again

Having a difficult time breastfeeding one child does not automatically mean struggling with a subsequent child. It often depends on the reasons behind their struggle.

For example, if their first child had a tongue tie, was born prematurely, or had other challenges which impact latching, there’s a good chance they may not experience those issues again. Each baby is unique, and some have more difficulty than others learning to latch well.

When a baby struggles with latching, it can directly impact supply, and that can also impact breastfeeding management. For example, it isn’t uncommon for a poor latch to lead to a lower milk supply unless the parent is also pumping. Parents are not always told to pump and/or they may find it extremely difficult to fit in time for feeding at the breast and pumping.

As a CBC, you can reassure your clients that having an issue in the past does not automatically mean having a similar issue going forward.

Breastfeeding Challenges Are Common, But So is Poor Management

It is very common for clients to struggle with nipple pain, latching challenges, and more. However, what prolongs these challenges is poor breastfeeding management. This is rarely, if ever, due to the parents and often due to misinformation about breastfeeding management.

For example, if a baby seems hungry after a feed, rather than allowing baby to continue to feed on demand, a bottle might be recommended. As we know, breastfeeding is about supply and demand. The lack of continued demand creates a longer issue with supply.

Certainly, there are times when a top up is appropriate. However, this should be done with the support of a qualified lactation specialist who knows long-term supply management.

Chronic Low Supply Doesn’t Always Continue

At times, chronic low supply is of unknown origin. However, sometimes it is due to insufficient glandular tissue, thyroid imbalance, or retained tissue from pregnancy.

With each subsequent pregnancy, more breast tissue has the potential to develop. While it won’t occur in all cases, sometimes the tissue increases enough that a client is able to breastfeed with less difficulty.

If thyroid hormones were the cause, better management by providers could be the answer to an easier breastfeeding journey. In the case of retained tissue, one hopes a client would not have to experience that challenge again.

If There Are Issues, Earlier Support Helps!

Sometimes a client will have difficulty with every attempt to breastfeed. While we can’t control every situation, we know that getting help ASAP can make a huge difference. It can not only improve breastfeeding initiation and duration, but it can also help the emotional toll on parents.

Even in the best of circumstances, feeding and caring for an infant can be taxing. With the right support early on, even if things don’t go as planned, it can still be a positive experience. Support makes a world of difference regardless of feeding outcomes.

Remind Clients That Breastfeeding Is Not All or Nothing

Many parents go into early parenthood assuming one either bottle feeds or breastfeeds. It can be important to remind parents that any bit of breast milk has benefits. It is perfectly fine to combo feed, breastfeed for short periods, truly to do whatever works best for them.

In some cases, not feeling pressured can make the entire breastfeeding experience more positive. It can also improve duration when the stress is removed.

As a CBC, you can reassure clients that they don’t need to assume they will experience challenges again. You can also help them know they have support should difficulty arise again.