Whether you choose to formula feed from birth or practice extended breastfeeding past the first year of your child's life, it is important that you discuss your choice with your OBGYN. While many women know it is important to find a pediatrician who supports their feeding choices, what you may not realize is it is also important to find an OBGYN who will support you throughout your child's early infancy. Whether you choose to use formula, exclusively pump, or breastfeed, here are some reasons to make sure your OBGYN is on board with your plan.
Your Hormone Levels May Fluctuate Based On Your Breastfeeding Relationship
After pregnancy, it can take some time for your hormone levels to become normalize. If you choose to not breastfeed after birth, your hormone levels may change drastically over a short period of time. This can affect your choice of birth control, whether you need supplements to dry up your milk, and can even contribute to postpartum depression. If you are not breastfeeding, your OBGYN needs to have experience spotting these issues and helping you through your post-pregnancy hormonal transition.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you are extended breastfeeding, it may take a while for your period to return and you may experience something called estrogen dominance, which can cause irritability, pain, and foggy thinking among other symptoms. Once again, your OBGYN should help you navigate these symptoms and offer various treatment plans without demanding you stop breastfeeding if you and your child are not ready yet.
Once Your Period Returns, Your Milk Levels May Drop
If you are practicing extended breastfeeding, there is a good chance that your period will return while you are still breastfeeding. This can cause issues with your milk supply and the taste of your milk. Some babies perform a nursing strike during the days before their mother's period because of these changes. A supportive OBGYN will work with you and your lactation consultant (if you have one) to find ways to continue your nursing relationship for the length of time you want. This may include altering birth control methods or adding certain vitamins to your diet.
Your OBGYN Will Be The One Performing Annual Breast Exams
For most women, their OBGYN is the one to perform their annual breast exams to screen for cancer. If you are extended breastfeeding, it is important that your OBGYN has experience performing exams on lactating women, as the texture of the breast can be different from women who are not lactating.
For more information, contact a professional service, such as Lifecycles OB/GYN, PC to start a consultation.
Share21 June 2017
Menopause took me by surprise. I thought only women in their 50s and 60s went through it, but I was in my late 30s when I entered this stage in my life. After talking to my OB/GYN, I discovered that my mother's early menopause played a major role in why I started so early. It was challenging to unexpectedly find myself dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of menopause. I soon discovered that I was not alone. There are many other women who started menopause at an early age and they were just as nervous as I was. I started this blog to give voice to those women and to provide emotional support.
