Navigating the world of breastfeeding can be daunting for new mothers, especially when infants struggle to latch properly. A recent image shared on Instagram by a new parent, Sarah Thompson, showcases a lesser-known feeding strategy that could aid in overcoming this common hurdle.
The image, posted by the popular account Family Birth Collective, features Thompson feeding her newborn son, Leo, with a syringe. The positive reaction to the photo underscores the intrigue surrounding this feeding technique, likely unfamiliar to many new moms.
Thompson shared with Parenting Weekly that the picture was taken just 18 hours after Leo’s birth. He was still quite drowsy and had difficulty latching onto the breast. “Being a birth coach, I was aware of syringe feeding, but in the moment, I really needed that suggestion,” she confessed.
“A lactation consultant visited our room and noticed that while I was expressing colostrum, Leo wasn’t latching. She introduced us to syringes and small cups to help us nourish him. I expressed colostrum into a cup and transferred it into the syringe, administering it drop by drop,” Thompson explained.
The method proved effective. “He smiled and relaxed with each drop,” she noted. “Shortly after receiving that nourishment, he seemed more alert and made an attempt at breastfeeding!”
For the initial week, Thompson combined syringe feeding with traditional breastfeeding. Now, at three weeks old, her son is exclusively breastfed. She expressed no guilt over the early challenges with latching. “I felt empowered and joyful to be able to feed my baby, even if it wasn’t the conventional way,” she said. “I understood it might take some time.”
While bottles are often the go-to alternative for feeding, mothers who prefer not to use them have various options to assist their babies in getting the nutrition they need while perfecting their latch. Besides syringe feeding, techniques such as cup feeding, where infants lap milk from a flexible cup, spoon feeding, and finger feeding can also be beneficial.
Thompson hopes her photo serves as inspiration for other parents. She encourages moms to accept that things may not always unfold as anticipated. “Embrace the moment and let go of rigid expectations. Approach your baby with compassion and love, meeting them where they are,” she advised.
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In summary, this new mother’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability in feeding methods and encourages parents to embrace their unique journeys with compassion and understanding.