This year’s theme for World Breastfeeding Week is creating support structures. As we know too well at Parent to Parent, effective support is based on practical, evidence-based information, connection and empathy.
And, where there is a lack of information and understanding, misinformation and doubt can creep in. Unfortunately, when it comes to myths, breastfeeding and autism attract an unfair number. So let’s break some down. Read on for quick, mythbusting, informative tips to reduce breastfeeding barriers for the neurodivergent mum!
Myth: Breastfeeding is painful
In reality: While some discomfort may occur initially as mother and baby learn to breastfeed, breastfeeding should not be consistently painful.
How neurodivergent experiences may differ: Pain levels, measured by a pain score, are not always valid for a neurodivergent parent. Pain is best validated through the description of the pain. This qualitative, systematic review, Autistic women’s views and experiences of infant feeding, showed that sensory challenges, pain and interoceptive differences can increase barriers to breastfeeding for Autistic mothers.
Things to try: Positive latching is key to reduced/no pain and good supply. Positioning is important. The mother lying back or side by side with the infant can often support deep latching. If sitting, having your arms well supported improves the latch; if the arms fall to your side, the deep latch can be compromised. The infant under the parent’s arm with their legs out behind is also a good position for a latch.
No one position suits everyone; it is a process where mothers and infants find what works for them to produce a successful latch and milk supply. If you are having difficulty, seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. If support is unavailable, the following resources may help.
How to achieve a perfect latch – Lactation Clinic | Breastfeeding Consultants
Breastfeeding positions guide: in pictures | Raising Children Network
Position and Attachment – Birth in Grampian (scot.nhs.uk)
Allow yourself to try alternatives such as expressing breastmilk or using formula (or a combination of these), some or all the time if breastfeeding becomes distressing.
Myth: Breastfeeding is easy
In reality: While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally! It often requires learning and practice for both mother and baby. Mothers can experience challenges with latching, milk supply, or discomfort and may need support and guidance to overcome these issues.
Neurodivergent considerations: See above for latching support. Research has identified several barriers to breastfeeding for the neurodivergent mother, some of which were related to sensory processing. Others were typical barriers to breastfeeding, which were exacerbated by neurodivergent parents’ lack of social support and the inaccessibility of feeding support services.
Some support person tips: Conscious neurodivergent communication is essential between the neurodivergent parent, midwife, community support worker, or community well-child nurse. Ideally, the support person should establish mutual understanding by relaying a similar story and clarifying the mother’s narrative. Reflective listening is not necessarily enough to establish where support is needed.
With good, positive support from health professionals and family, the neurodivergent parent can experience positive breastfeeding, which can be a fantastic co-regulation tool for both infant and parent.
Myth: Autistic people dislike being hugged or touched
In reality: Every Autistic person is different. For some Autistic people, touch may be uncomfortable or painful, but not for others.
Things to try: Nipple shields can be used throughout breastfeeding as a parental choice, or after a nipple injury to assist with healing and maintaining breastmilk supply. Checking the fit with a support person is advisable, as this can impact the latch. The newer style, ultra-thin silicone nipple shields are preferable to minimise any impact on breastmilk supply.
You can choose protective clothing that best meets your sensory needs. Soft cotton or silk can help avoid sensory pain between you and the baby. When you use a baby carrier, ensure a layer of soft clothing between you and the carrier. If you have Raynaud’s syndrome, always keep your breasts warm. Keep one breast covered whilst feeding per side.
Support person tip: Check in with Mum as to what is acceptable touch when guiding the latch.
Myth: Autistic people dislike noise
In reality: While many Autistic individuals experience sensory sensitivities, including to sound, it’s not a universal experience. Some Autistic people are highly sensitive to certain noises and/or other sensory stimuli like light, smell, touch and taste. In contrast, others may not be bothered by such stimuli or even enjoy them.
Neurodivergent considerations: Electric pumps can present sensory challenges, particularly the sound and pulling sensation. However, they are an excellent tool for the mother who needs to return to work in the early weeks or whose baby struggles to latch. Ensure your midwife or support person assists you with determining the right size for the nipple flange to make it as comfortable as possible. If they feel comfortable, then they are a good tool to use.
Things to try: Hand expressing is helpful to increase supply, if you wish to make up a bottle of milk, or if you need to leave the infant for a little while. This technique can be learnt a month before the baby is due. It is often more sensory-friendly for parents than an electric or manual pump.
Hand Expressing Milk | Newborn Nursery | Stanford Medicine
Try to reduce the noise of a crying or fussing baby—which may impact your sensory load—by latching the infant on to feed as soon as possible. Try to delay changing the infant until halfway through the calming feed or at the end of the feed. This can make everyone a lot happier!
Another way to comfort the baby is with a baby carrier, ensuring the fabric is soft on your skin. Putting the infant to the breast with a positive latch will, in most cases, stop the crying. Non-nutritive suckling is a way for the infant to calm down. Their needs are being met, and they begin to self-regulate.
Set up a “nest” as your safe feeding and self-care place, with items that help with self-regulation. For example, ensure there are drinks, nutritious snacks, wet wipes or water, soft cloths and nappies at hand’s reach—and everything you need to get you through the day at your comfort level—your favourite music, podcasts, headphones—anything that supports your day with your new infant. This self-care is so important.
Minimise sensory distractions while breastfeeding:
Consider using a space without bright lights or other distractions to help you remain calm.
Deliberately distract yourself—for example, by watching TV, reading, listening to the radio or a podcast, or by looking at your phone.
Give yourself time to adjust to new sensory sensations.
Go with what feels intuitive and be kind to yourself!
“As a BF support person, I always respect the neurodivergent parent’s self-autonomy. Some enjoy the breastfeeding experience, while others find it highly challenging. Some seek support while feeding because they want to continue, while others may seek support to stop. Ultimately, the choice must be theirs and always respected.” Isa, a neurodivergent parent and breastfeeding educator within the community, both in Aotearoa and internationally.
Thanks to Isa and Ramona Dillon (Child and Family Community Nurse and Parent to Parent Auckland Regional Coordinator) for all these helpful tips to guide and support neurodivergent parents and their supporters in the first weeks of breastfeeding.
