Nashville Baby Photographer | Ashton’s Nursing Story

So many women these days struggle with nursing. Its grown ten fold over the past five years. Babies are born with lip ties and tongue ties, thanks to epigenetics and genetic mutations passed down each generation. I asked Ashton to share her story of nursing pain, mastitis, lip tie, tongue tie, baby’s weight issues and more.

“Leland and I have had a trying time with nursing since we came home from the hospital. Many tears have been shed between he and I during this process. I thought it was going to be easy, because it’s supposed to be a natural thing between mother and child, but I quickly learned that’s not the case for everyone. There are many factors that come into play with a good latch and unfortunately these weren’t working in our favor.

After a few days of trying on our own, we decided to have a lactation consultant come to our home, in hopes that we would find the guidance we needed to help us along in the right direction. During our appointment we found out that Leland was lip and tongue tied. It explained everything we had been through. It was the reason I was in so much pain, the reason I ended up with mastitis, and the reason he wasn’t gaining as much weight as he needed to. Leaving myself, my husband, and Leland very frustrated.

Recently, Leland had a lip and tongue tie revision. It completely broke our hearts to take him in to have the procedure done, but it was also completely necessary in order for him to be able to nurse properly. We’re continuing to do the appropriate stretches with his lip and tongue, so that they don’t reattach. The last thing we want is for him to need another revision. He doesn’t like the stretches, but he really has been a trooper through it all.

With all of that being said, it is likely that my MTHFR gene mutations are the reason for Leland’s ties, and/or the reason he may have MTHFR gene mutations, causing the ties. My experience thus far with learning about my MTHFR gene mutations, is that it has affected my body in many ways, including my journey with endometriosis and getting pregnant. The MTHFR mutations cause impaired methylation and detoxification. Sounds simple, but it’s really so much more complicated than I ever imagined. I encourage you to look into all that it entails.

I would also advise everyone to be tested for these mutations, because it truly affects so many bodily functions. For me this includes getting pregnant, being pregnant, the health of my child, and even my ability to have a natural nursing experience. It is important to be aware of the possible genes you may have so that you can take the appropriate steps before, during, and after pregnancy. Learning about genes and their interaction with the environment has helped me better understand my own health and how to make sure my baby is as healthy as possible.

Once Leland’s old enough, he will be tested for the mutations, as well. Until then, we are treating him as if he does have the mutations. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In the meantime we will continue to work hard at nursing, because it’s something that’s really important to me. I would be lying if I said this has been an easy journey so far, but I do know that it is all worth it, for my sweet boy.”