Week 5: Breastfeeding Breakdown
What Student Nurses Should Know But Are Afraid to Ask
Breastfeeding Edition
When we started our OB duty, we thought breastfeeding support would be simple — help the baby latch, teach proper positioning, and remind the mom it’s “natural.” But natural doesn’t mean easy.
In this blog, I want to talk about what student nurses really need to know when assisting with breastfeeding in the OB ward. Because let’s face it — no one prepares you for the awkwardness, the confusion, and the realities of being the person who guides a new mom through one of the most vulnerable parts of her postpartum journey.
The First-Time Mom Panic
I once assisted a 19-year-old first-time mom who stared at her baby and whispered, “Paano ko siya pakakainin? Wala pa akong gatas.”
She looked terrified — not because of the pain from her episiotomy, but because she thought she was already failing her baby just hours after giving birth.
That's when I realized:✅ Breastfeeding isn’t just a physical task — it’s emotional, too.✅ Mothers need encouragement, not judgment.✅ And student nurses? We need to be ready and respectful when offering help.─────────────────────────────
Breastfeeding Support 101: A Quick Crash Course for Student Nurses
Here’s what helped me during my OB duty:
🔹 Understand lactation stages
- Colostrum appears first (yellowish, nutrient-rich, small volume — and perfectly normal!)
- Mature milk comes around day 3–5
➡️ Tip: Reassure the mom that “Kaunti man yan, sapat na yan sa baby.”
🔹 Know the signs of proper latch
- Baby’s mouth covers most of the areola
- No smacking or clicking sounds
- Cheeks rounded, not sucked in
- No pain in the nipple
➡️ Cue student nurse line: “Ma’am, pwede po nating ayusin ang posisyon para di kayo masaktan.”
🔹 Common breastfeeding problems you might witness
- Cracked nipples
- Engorged breasts
- Mastitis (watch for fever, redness, pain)
- Baby refusing to latch
Don’t panic — these are normal challenges. What matters is how you guide and refer properly when needed.
─────────────────────────────
Here’s what helped me during my OB duty:
🔹 Understand lactation stages
- Colostrum appears first (yellowish, nutrient-rich, small volume — and perfectly normal!)
- Mature milk comes around day 3–5
➡️ Tip: Reassure the mom that “Kaunti man yan, sapat na yan sa baby.”
🔹 Know the signs of proper latch
- Baby’s mouth covers most of the areola
- No smacking or clicking sounds
- Cheeks rounded, not sucked in
- No pain in the nipple
➡️ Cue student nurse line: “Ma’am, pwede po nating ayusin ang posisyon para di kayo masaktan.”
🔹 Common breastfeeding problems you might witness
- Cracked nipples
- Engorged breasts
- Mastitis (watch for fever, redness, pain)
- Baby refusing to latch
Don’t panic — these are normal challenges. What matters is how you guide and refer properly when needed.
What You Can Do as a Student Nurse
✅ Offer privacy and dignity
Some moms feel hiya when breastfeeding in front of others. Gently close the curtain or offer to step out after assisting.
✅ Demonstrate using dolls or pillows (if you're unsure)
Ask your CI if you can practice explaining using teaching aids. It makes a big difference when you show confidence.
✅ Affirm the mother’s efforts
Even if she says, “Ayoko na, wala akong gatas,” don’t dismiss her. Say:
“Normal po na mahirapan sa una. Pero unti-unti rin po kayong gagaling dito.”
✅ Watch your facial expressions
Don’t act shocked if a mother is struggling. Calm energy matters.
─────────────────────────────
✅ Offer privacy and dignity
Some moms feel hiya when breastfeeding in front of others. Gently close the curtain or offer to step out after assisting.
✅ Demonstrate using dolls or pillows (if you're unsure)
Ask your CI if you can practice explaining using teaching aids. It makes a big difference when you show confidence.
✅ Affirm the mother’s efforts
Even if she says, “Ayoko na, wala akong gatas,” don’t dismiss her. Say:
“Normal po na mahirapan sa una. Pero unti-unti rin po kayong gagaling dito.”
✅ Watch your facial expressions
Don’t act shocked if a mother is struggling. Calm energy matters.
Bonus: Cultural Considerations
In the Philippines, many mothers are influenced by lola advice like:
- “Lagyan ng asin ang utong.”
- “Mag formula ka na lang.”
Instead of correcting harshly, acknowledge their concerns, then offer evidence-based info:
“Marami na pong pag-aaral na nagsasabing… mas okay po kung exclusive breastfeeding muna.”
─────────────────────────────
In the Philippines, many mothers are influenced by lola advice like:
- “Lagyan ng asin ang utong.”
- “Mag formula ka na lang.”
Instead of correcting harshly, acknowledge their concerns, then offer evidence-based info:
“Marami na pong pag-aaral na nagsasabing… mas okay po kung exclusive breastfeeding muna.”
Reflection: Learning to Unlearn
Breastfeeding is not just a checklist task. It's one of the most human moments you’ll witness as a student nurse.
So don't be afraid to ask your CI for help. Don’t be scared of doing it “wrong.” What matters most is your intention to support — with care, humility, and empathy.
─────────────────────────────
Breastfeeding is not just a checklist task. It's one of the most human moments you’ll witness as a student nurse.
So don't be afraid to ask your CI for help. Don’t be scared of doing it “wrong.” What matters most is your intention to support — with care, humility, and empathy.
Real Talk to Student Nurses
Let’s normalize saying:
🗣️ “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out.”
🗣️ “Can I practice this skill with guidance first?”
🗣️“Ma’am, gusto ko po kayong tulungan — pero pwedeng pakiramdaman natin kung anong comfortable sa inyo?”
─────────────────────────────
Let’s normalize saying:
🗣️ “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out.”
🗣️ “Can I practice this skill with guidance first?”
🗣️“Ma’am, gusto ko po kayong tulungan — pero pwedeng pakiramdaman natin kung anong comfortable sa inyo?”
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