For all the ladies, here is a reality check for you.
Breastfeeding is not easy, especially for new moms, and we often forget to focus on those struggles. But it is important, because it helps in creating a stronger bond between mother and the child, and also provide ebenfit to the mother.
It is to remind you that you are not alone in this. We, Cradle Children Hospital, understand the problem related to breastfeeding support and lactation care after delivery. This complete guide will be your supporter, because we are going to cover the challenges, and mothers can resolve them.
Challenges
Breastfeeding is not as easy as it seems, because a mother goes through challenges that you might not even think of. Here are some of the issues that every new moms and their partners to know, so that they can take timely actions.
- Cracked nipples- due to poor latch, this issue often occurs, and it is also a form of athletic chafing or jogger’s nipples. Soreness, crusting, flakiness, and bleeding are some of the signs. But with proper latching, using breast milk on that, creams, and gentle care, it can be treated.
- Engorgement- it happens when the breast is filled with milk, blood, and lymph fluid. Engorgement is the result of the buildup of milk, and usually happens after the third to fifth day after delivery. Mothers also experience swelling, tenderness, redness, throbbing, flattening of the nipple, and low-grade fever because of this. During that time, make sure to feed your baby particularly from that side to remove the buildup, hand express to soften the breast, massage it, and use cold compresses in between feedings. These will help to ease your pain.
- Not enough breast milk- sometimes having this issue is fine, because after 6 weeks or 2 months, the chances of not making enough milk to full baby’s stomach happen. This might be because of infrequent feeds, supplementation, poor latch, or sometime baby’s behaviour. You don’t have to worry too much; it is better to consult your gynecologist, prioritize self-care, and focus on frequent milk nursing or pumping.
- Overproduction/ hyperlactation- it may sound like a good thing for your baby, but it can be overwhelming for them. Common causes are over-feeding, medications, or comfort feeding (where the baby just suck only for comfort). It can result in choking and gassiness. It often happens in the early weeks because the body also takes time to adjust, but if the issue persists, then you can do pumping to prevent leakage, and if you feel discomfort, then expert help is the best choice.
- Plugged ducts- when the flow of milk is prevented, and created bloackages in the milk duct. This is one of the most common challenges that the majority of new mother faces. But if you experience sore lumps and fever, then it’s probably a sign of breast infection. In such cases, lactation consultation is necessary because you cannot feed your child from an infected breast.
- Mastitis- due to infection, a duct often leads to breast infection. And don’t worry, breast infection like mastitis does not pass to your baby, and it is completely safe to breastfeed. But if you see pus and blood in the milk, then it is something that you need to be concern of, and never avoid taking help from a gynecologist. Cradle Children Hospital’s lactation expert can guide you on things that will help you to prevent getting it worse.
- Fungal infection- it is also called a yeast infection or thrush, and they form on the nipples. If a soreness on the nipples lasts for more than a few days, or you start to experience pain after a smooth breastfeeding, along with signs like flaky, itchy, pinkish, or cracked nipples, then these are symptoms of a fungal infection.
Common Reason: Why Baby Having Trouble Latching?
Several issues restrict the baby from latching properly. Let’s discuss all the reasons-
- If the baby is born early, then the chances of them not developing the skills to breastfeed are high.
- Babies with cleft lip/ cleft palate or tongue tie have difficulty in having mother’s milk, because they are unable to suck and create tongue movements properly.
- They might be oversleepy or have reflux (when a baby’s stomach is unable to digest mother’s milk, leading to spitting up or vomiting).
- Engorged breast, or you may have an oversupply of milk
- Flat or inverted nipples create a problem for the baby during breastfeeding.
Sometimes Newborns Struggle To Digest Breastmilk, and It Includes So Many Reasons For This –
- An immature digestive system occurs, especially in premature babies.
- Lactose overload occurs when the flow of milk is fast, overwhelming the baby’s system.
- Gastroenteritis due to viral bugs like rotavirus, which temporarily damage gut lining.
- Congenital lactase deficiency is one of the rare genetic conditions in which the baby is born with little to no lactase (an enzyme which help body to digest dairy products).
- So, if your baby is struggling to digest your milk or refusing to feed, then make sure to take them to the doctor, because early detection can prevent issues.
Lactation Care
First of all, if a mother is feeling pain during breastfeeding, it is a sign of poor latch. We understand that for a new mother, it is difficult to understand the right way to feed your baby, which is why taking advice from an expert is necessary.
Positioning
Use the C.H.I.N method-
– Close- make sure that the baby’s front body is touching you and their hards are huffing your breast.
– Head free- slightly tilt their head and support their shoulder.
– In line- their hips, shoulder, and ear should be in a straight line, as this gives them a comfortable position.
– Nose to nipple- make sure to level their nose to nipple and then bring them close to the breast.
Signs of A Good Latch
- Their mouth is wide open, allowing them to take a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
- Their chin is resting on your lower breast area, as it is supporting the baby.
- You are not feeling any pain while breastfeeding.
How To Resolve Breastfeeding Issues?
- Yes, we understand it can be challenging, especially for new mothers. But with the right care and support, the challenges can be resolved. Start with the breastfeeding position. You can use the recommended one, named the CHIN position. This will help to keep the child in a more secure position.
- Keep yourself hydrated, feed your baby frequently, and use warm compression with gentle massage. These will not only help to treat infection, but also help with milk flow.
- Never hesitate to ask for help, because overwhelming feelings and being anxious are some of the common feelings. Discuss the type of issues you are facing, like lactation, etc. Personalized assistance and support can help you to smooth out your. One thing that new mothers need to keep in mind is to make sure to breastfeed their baby, but if you started to have a fever, persistent breastfeeding difficulties, and their baby is not gaining weight, then consult with their gynecologist.
- Apart from that, make sure that your baby gets colostrum (the first milk that your baby drinks after delivery, and it is generally a thick, yello and liquid gold milk).
Breastfeeding Tips For New Mothers
- Things you can start early- you can start breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, because early feeding helps to create bonding between mother and the child. But remember, newborns feed 8 to 12 times a day, so don’t wait for their crying, as this is a sign that they are hungry.
- Don’t do it alone- along with your baby, take care of yourself too, and never hesitate to ask for help, because the journey comes with rollecoaster of emotions.
- Increase milk supply naturally- feeding frequently, keep yourself hydrated, emptying breast completely, eating a balanced and nutrition-rich diet, and avoiding formula for your child are some crucial points that you need to keep in mind.
- Reach out to an expert- it is important to consult with an expert, whether it is related to breastfeeding or lactation, an expert can precisely guide you the precaution prevention and can also provide support.
FAQs
When should a mother avoid breastfeeding?
If your baby is premature and sick, and sometimes in rare cases, a gynecologist may recommend mother not feed their baby. Also, there are certain medication which can possibly be passed on to the baby through breast milk, so doctors also restrict mothers from breastfeeding.
How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?
If they are peeing or pooping properly, and not having gastric issues, then this indicates that your baby is eating well and is not having issues with the mother’s milk.
Why is colostrum necessary for the baby?
It is filled with immunoglobulins, which boost the immune system of the baby and protect it from issues. It is filled wth zinc (4 times than usual), minerals, vitamins, protein, and antibodies.
How can I maintain the milk production?
There is nothing fancy that you need to do. Ensure to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and feed your baby frequently. These simple things make a huge difference and make your breastfeeding journey smoother.
How can I get my baby to latch?
If you are new and don’t know how to feed your baby or if your baby is latching properly or not, then it is better to talk to an expert. A lactation expert from Cradle Children Hospital can help to ease your motherhood journey through proper lactation technique, so that you can breastfeed without pain and your baby gets the food they want.
Conclusion
Most of the new mother complaint about painful breastfeeding and inability to feed their baby properly because of poor lactation. Although women face so many challenges, like sore, painful, cracked nipples or infection, they don’t know what to do.
Listen, mother, first understand your body and take care of yourself just like you are doing for your baby. Secondly, if you are dealing with challenges, then there is nothing to be ashamed of. Take help from your gynecologist, because they know better and can guide. Support from an expert after delivery is much needed.
Cradle Children Hospital gynecologists are experts in guiding and supporting women in their breastfeeding phase.
Contact today and ease your motherhood journey!
