Babybrunch's Weblog

Problems breast feeding

babybrunch — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:38:05 +0000

There are some things that can cause problems with breast feeding such as, worry, pain, mastitus,engorgement, thrush, we have described these problems below and suggested a few tips from other mums that may help.

Worry

Its easy for new mum’s to get discouraged when you are first trying to breastfeed, if you feel you are not doing it right or you are worried your child is not getting enough milk. But it is really important not to stress about your performance, it is believed that stress of any form can hinder breast milk flow. If the babies weight isn’t rising quite as quickly as it should it is not the end of the world if your milk has to be supplemented with bottle milk. Breast feeding should be a bonding exercise as well as its health benefits so if it’s too stressful its time to get medical advice and if you have to stop for any reason, then do not berate yourself that is just the way it is. Millions of children grow up on formula and are perfectly happy and healthy. The most important thing for a baby is to have a calm and happy mum.

Being in pain

Having painful cracked or swollen nipples and then having a baby sucking on them can be very uncomfortable to say the least, it is a common cause of women stopping breast feeding but in most cases it is not serious or long-lasting. It can be caused by the baby is only sucking on the nipple and not on the areola the dark area behind. There are several creams on the market that can alleviate the soreness and applying cold compresses can help but if the problems persist it is better to get medical advice as it is possible that you have mastitus.

Mastitus

Mastitis is a relatively common condition and it can occur at any time during breast feeding. The symptoms are a red, hot, painful area on the affected breast, or a lump in the breast, or pain and flu-like symptoms i.e. feeling hot and cold, exhausted, nauseous and shivery. It is thought to be caused by breast milk leaking into the breast tissue. This may be due to infection or blocked ducts.

Blocked ducts may be caused by engorgement, the breast not emptying during as feed or sometimes it can happen as a result of pressure from clothing such as an ill fitting bra. It is best to try to feed, the breast will be painful and may be engorged, but try to feed on that side and massage any lump whilst feeding. If you cannot feed your baby you could try to express from the affected side, neither is pleasant but they do help.

It is possible to take pain relief, breastfeeding-safe painkillers such a paracetamol, however if you are trying to avoid taking drugs whilst breast feeding it can help apply something cold to the red area. Some people swear by frozen cabbage leaves, but most people don’t have them hanging around, frozen peas are great wrapped in a cloth, or if you have a wheat bag they can go in the freezer for a few hours.

If you are worried go to see a medical professional so they can reassure you and if you have repeated bouts of mastitis definitely visit your midwife, health visitor or doctor to discuss whether there is an infection. You may need a course of antibiotics.

Engorgement

About four days after birth, a mother’s breasts can become big, hard and painful. This is called “engorgement”. It occurs in the when too much breast milk is contained within them. It is caused by insufficient breastfeeding and/or blocked milk ducts.

When engorged the breasts may swell, throb, and cause mild to extreme pain. The position of the baby and how they are attached should be checked to ensure it is correct. Perseverance is so important when breastfeeding. Just offer the breast when baby wants to suckle, stay confident, and let the baby suck when it wants to.

Thrush

Symptoms of candidiasis breast infections include pain, itching, burning and redness, or a shiny or white patchy appearance. The baby could have a white tongue that does not wipe clean like milk would.

Candidiasis is common and may be associated with infant thrush. It is best to seek medical advice as both mother and baby must be treated to eradicate this infection

How often should I feed ?

babybrunch — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:37:02 +0000

There are varying schools of thought on how often to feed, on demand or at a set time usually evey four hours, this is your baby and the choice is yours.

If you choose to feed on demand there are signs to pick up on before they cry with hunger. Look out for them putting a finger in the mouth, and turning the head from side to side looking for the breast, sucking through jumpers or at other peoples breasts. You will soon see the signs and avoid the tears. It can be very tiring to feed on demand many women say they now know how a cow feels but some people feel it is beneficial as it keeps milk supplies strong. But expressing milk and storing it in the fridge for some one else to feed can help to alleviate this feeling and allow you the freedom to get on with other things in you life.

Expressing the milk is a great idea and it has saved many a frantic mum who wants to leave the baby either to go out or to go back to work, or just have a break. It is best to avoid too much alcohol when you are brest feeding as it may affect the babies feeding,sleeping or digestion.

How to breast feed

babybrunch — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:25:51 +0000

Technique

During the first few days the nipple is getting used to being taken into baby’s mouth and baby is learning how to feed from the nipple. It’s important for both of you to be relaxed and comfortable; you may be feeding for an hour or so, so propyourself up before you start cause even small babies can scream if you take away their dinner. At this age a baby may not yet know how to open his or her mouth widely enough. If this happens, you can squeeze out a little milk from your breast, open baby’s mouth with your clean finger, and put a little milk in to start baby off. Wait for the baby’s mouth to open, then guide the breast in – not just the nipple. Most people don’t realise but in order for a baby to suck properly, the baby squeezes the area behind the nipple with his or her whole mouth. When the baby finishes sucking the first breast, put your finger into the baby’s mouth to release the sucking, and offer the other breast. At the next feed, start the other way round. When the baby has had enough, he or she will just usually fall asleep.

It is important to use both breast equally as the child’s sucking stimulate the milk production. Each time you feed, you should stay on one breast until it feels empty that is usually at least ten to fifteen minutes. This is because the milk that comes at the end of a feed is much richer and more satisfying.

Breast Feeding – why do it?

babybrunch — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:24:51 +0000

Health profesionals recommend that women who don’t have any health problems should try to give their babies breast milk for at least the first six months of life. Many woman breast feed for longer but most stop when baby starts biting!!

Breast feeding offers many benefits to the baby; breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections.

One of the main benefits for the mother is that breast feeding helps you to loose that pregnancy jelly belly, a good enough reason to try for us, even if there were no health benefits for the baby.

The most important period in establishing breastfeeding is the first week. The earliest days are the hardest, but with a little knowledge you can do it! The earlier you put the baby to the breast, the earlier the breast milk should come. Your breasts work on the simple principle of supply and demand.

In the first few hours and days your breasts produce a thin, cloudy, yellow substance called colostrum and it is of enormous value to your baby. There is absolutely no substitute for colostrum in doing good for your baby. It gives him or her protection against disease that will last for several months. Don’t let it go to waste!