First-time mom benefits from breastfeeding medicine

Together, Hannah and Sofia overcame breastfeeding challenges.

As Hannah Varela eagerly awaited the birth of her first child – a daughter named Sofia – she didn’t think too much about breastfeeding. When feeding her baby didn’t go as Hannah hoped, she got help from Akron Children’s Breastfeeding Medicine.

Latching and oversupply issues lead Hannah to seek help

Sofia had trouble latching onto her mom’s breast. Hannah decided she would pump her breast milk and feed it to Sofia in bottles. Hannah had an ongoing problem with her body making more milk than Sofia needed – called oversupply – and it led to pain and stress. “I had to keep up with an extremely demanding pumping schedule, where I simply couldn’t miss a beat or else I faced painful consequences,” Hannah said. “At one point, my oversupply led to mastitis. Between being constantly worried about my pumping schedule, and my baby having difficulty latching due to engorgement, I realized I could use some help.”

Kirstin Fortune, nurse practitioner and certified lactation consultant

Sofia’s pediatrician recommended Akron Children’s, which launched the breastfeeding medicine department in 2024. Hannah and Sofia met with Kirstin Fortune, nurse practitioner and certified lactation consultant. “Kirstin helped get my supply to a more regulated and manageable state, which in turn, helped with Sofia latching,” Hannah explained. “She guided us from the severe oversupply and latching difficulties, all the way to me exclusively breastfeeding my daughter and only needing to pump once or twice a day.”

Kirstin loves supporting patients reach their breastfeeding goals. “Together, Hannah and I created strategies that empowered her to feel confident in her breastfeeding journey,” Kirstin said. “I helped her successfully manage her oversupply, while establishing a feeding routine that was both effective and comfortable. I truly enjoy helping families navigate this important stage of life.”

3-month-old Sofia is now latching and doing great with feeding.

‘Time for just us’

When Sofia latched on and fed for the first time, it was a moment Hannah will always remember. “It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “Having difficulty with breastfeeding in the early weeks was so stressful and sad for me.”

Once Hannah and Sofia got into the groove of breastfeeding, it became a special bonding time. “I cherish all of our feeds and cuddles – even those middle-of-the-night, exhausted feeds,” Hannah said. “The bonding experience is so special and unique. I love knowing that each feed is time for just us. The world around us slows down, we can just be together and nothing else matters in the moment!”

Every feeding is special to Hannah.

Don’t give up

Sofia is now 3 months old. Hannah’s only regret about seeking breastfeeding help is that she didn’t go sooner. “If I were to give advice to a new mom who is struggling with breastfeeding, I would tell her to not give up,” Hannah shared. “Before starting your breastfeeding journey, it seems like it will be so easy and natural. But the truth is, it can take time for both you and baby to figure things out. But once it clicks, it clicks. Also, don’t be afraid to get help from a lactation consultant; they are incredibly helpful.”

As a Cuyahoga Falls resident, Hannah is grateful to have breastfeeding medicine experts nearby. “The Akron Children’s Breastfeeding Medicine department was my saving grace,” she said. “Kirstin’s help with Sofia and my breastfeeding journey has been invaluable.”