Health

What Interferes with Successful Breastfeeding?

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2023

While breastfeeding is ideal, it comes with many difficulties new parents might face.

After experiencing the intensity of labor and delivery, many new parents are left exhausted. Despite this fatigue and surviving pospartum, new parents soon learn the importance of managing the needs of an infant. Putting aside their own desires, parents learn to quickly adapt.

Exhaustion and recovery are not the only things that discourage parents from breastfeeding. There are a variety of other woes that can make it difficult for a lactating parent to continue to choose this option.

While 83 percent of women breastfeed at the beginning of postpartum, there is a drastic reduction by 6 months, resulting in only 56% of babies still being breastfed.

Engorged Breasts

When a lactating woman’s milk comes in, she may experience intense pain and discomfort. The breasts typically become overly filled with milk because they have not yet regulated their supply. This engorgement can continue throughout the breastfeeding journey for a variety of reasons.

If the baby’s schedule changes, a woman’s breasts can become overly full. If the parent misses a feeding, breasts can experience discomfor which can lead to breastfeeding infection. If a woman becomes preoccupied at work and does not make time to pump, she can experience discomfort.

If breast engorgement is not treated properly, milk ducts can become blocked, and if a woman does not work to move the milk through her breasts (via feeding her baby, pumping, or expressing the milk), this engorgement can lead to further problems and may cause clogged milk ducts.

Infection

One of the biggest concerns beyond the pain a woman experiences with engorgement is infection. This is known as mastitis, and leads to a woman experiencing not only breast pain and warm breast tissue, but also flu-like symptoms that come with fever, chills, headache, and further exhaustion.

In order to help prevent infection, regular feedings are essential. Often, the best mastitis treatment, at least for early symptoms, is to massage the breast in a warm shower and express the extra milk.

Furthermore, by working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), parents can have a great resource on how to best deal with, treat, and alleviate these problems.

Not only is an IBCLC a great resource in helping prevent breast infection, but a great source for your breastfeeding journey to encourage and educate you in best practices.

The best way to achieve breastfeeding success is to utilize the many tools that an IBCLC offers.

Burnout

To exclusively breastfeed your baby can be quite overwhelming and exhausting. Between nightly feedings, cluster feedings, and pumping sessions for working mothers, breastfeeding is difficult to maintain. Unless a woman is properly supported by her family, friends, and workplace, the chances that a woman will continue to breastfeed are significantly impacted.

Culture also impacts the likelihood of a baby being breastfed beyond 6 months. The CDC discovered that parents in the Southeast United States are less likely to breastfeed their children past six months. This was in contrast to the Northwest, where business policies and the culture is more breastfeeding-friendly and supportive.

Conclusion

Despite the nutritional benefits afforded to a breastfed baby, there are many obstacles that can be discouraging for parents on their breastfeeding journey. From exhaustion to pain to lack of supoort, parents have many reasons to give up.

To increase your chances of success, surround yourself with supportive individuals, reach out to an IBCLC, also known as lactation consultants, and gain the necessary tools required to provide your child with the healthiest option available – you!

Health

Snack Smarter: The Rise of Low-Calorie Almond Butter for Active Lifestyles

Published

3 weeks ago

June 10, 2025

Michelle Langton

The snack aisle is shifting. For those who balance a busy life with a commitment to health and fitness, the rise of low-calorie almond butter offers a new way to snack smarter. American Dream Nut Butter is at the center of this change, blending clean ingredients with dessert-inspired flavors and added protein to create almond butter that is both nutritious and enjoyable.

Why Almond Nut Butter Is Key to Clean Eating

As consumers become more mindful of their food choices, the spotlight is increasingly on nutrient-dense snacks that provide sustained energy without excess calories. Almond butter, especially in low-calorie varieties, meets this demand by offering a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein in a compact form. Compared to traditional spreads, such as peanut butter, almond butter often provides a smoother, lighter alternative with a different nutritional profile.

For those who track macros or embrace meal prepping, almond nut butter fits neatly into their plans. Its balance of fats and protein supports satiety, helping to keep hunger at bay between meals or during workouts. American Dream Nut Butter elevates this concept with high-protein options that blend the wholesome qualities of almonds with a subtle sweetness inspired by classic desserts.

How Much Protein is in Low Calorie Almond Butter for High Performance?

One common question around almond butter is: how much protein does almond butter contain? While natural almond butter provides a moderate protein boost, American Dream Nut Butter takes it a step further by creating blends that enhance protein content without relying on artificial sweeteners or fillers. This approach suits those seeking fuel for recovery or sustained energy throughout their day.

These protein-enhanced almond butters can work as a pre-workout snack, a post-exercise treat, or simply as a midday pick-me-up that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. The brand’s small-batch production method ensures each jar maintains a fresh, creamy texture that spreads easily or drizzles beautifully over everything from oatmeal to fruit.

Buy Almond Butter: Unique Flavors from American Dream

American Dream Nut Butter distinguishes itself with unique flavor profiles, such as Cinnamon Toasties and Cookie Batter. These offerings embrace the idea that healthful snacks can still delight the palate, using clean, natural ingredients to create indulgent taste experiences without sugar bombs or artificial additives. Each batch is hand-whipped in-house, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and care.

Their dedication to natural flavors and nutrient density allows consumers to enjoy a dessert-inspired snack while keeping their wellness goals intact. Whether you’re looking to buy almond butter that tastes like a treat or are curious where you can find almond butter crafted with both nutrition and flavor in mind, American Dream Nut Butter offers an accessible option.

Almond Nut Butter: Fuel for Athletes and Busy Parents

Almond butter’s versatility makes it appealing for a wide range of active lifestyles. For athletes, it provides a balanced blend of nutrients that supports energy and recovery without unwanted additives. For busy parents or professionals juggling multiple demands, it’s a convenient, clean snack that fits into hectic schedules without compromise.

The brand’s YouTube channel offers video insight into how these nut butters are crafted, revealing the hands-on process that ensures quality in every jar. By choosing American Dream Nut Butter, consumers support a product that embodies family values and a personal story of overcoming dietary challenges to create wholesome alternatives that everyone can enjoy.

Where Can You Find the Best Almond Butter & More? The Future Is Here

The growing interest in low-calorie nut butter reflects a broader shift in how people approach snacking—valuing nutrition, flavor, and mindful eating in equal measure. American Dream Nut Butter’s approach, which combines protein-rich formulas with all-natural ingredients and enticing flavors, shows how almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter can evolve from a niche health food into a daily staple for those who want to snack smarter.

For more on the evolving nut butter market and how it aligns with fitness trends, check out this feature on the rise of healthy high-protein nut butter. To explore American Dream Nut Butter’s full collection and shop their almond butter selections, visit their website.

American Dream Nut Butter invites you to experience healthy nut butters that strikes a balance between enjoyment and mindful nutrition—perfect fuel for active days and wellness routines alike.

*Images sourced from American Dream Nut Butter