Hop the hurdle

Top tips for dealing with specific issues that might arise.

YOU’VE GOT… BLOCKED MILK DUCTS

Plugged ducts are described as clogging of milk. Some women are more predisposed to this than others, and it tends to recur in the same place at various times, especially when you are tired, stressed and rushed. It may appear as a small white spot on the nipple surface. This is called a “bleb” or a milk blister, where the skin cells have grown over the nipple pore. Applying warm olive oil on a piece of cotton wool, kept in place with a breast pad, will help soften the skin. Exfoliate the area with a dry face cloth. Prevention is better than cure. Regular breast care helps with early detection. Massaging your breast with arnica oil soothes discomfort. You may note a lump, which is tender, with redness and heat felt in a particular area of your breast, close to the bleb. Feed your baby often to allow him to drain that duct well.

YOU’VE GOT… A VERY HUNGRY BABY

Often, a baby who appears to be very hungry is not actually feeding effectively and is often described as wanting to feed often. You may question your milk supply because of his behaviour, but before you do this, make sure your baby is well latched, with regular rhythms of sucking, swallowing and breathing intervals noted. Watch that he is not simply sucking for comfort, especially if his eyes are closed. He may also be resting more than he should.

Look at each day as a 24-hour period. Your baby needs a certain amount of milk daily to do well, and may feed more often at a particular time.

If he seems to get tired quickly and is not satisfied, then seek help. He may have a sucking problem (not using the correct technique needed to remove milk from the breast).

YOU’VE GOT… A GRAZER BABY

A grazer baby may also be a sleepy baby at the breast. First rule out jaundice or another medical cause, and then observe his feeding. If your baby is difficult to rouse and wake and doesn’t vigorously suck, falling asleep often, then first undress him and feed in skin-toskin contact. Massaging your baby’s crown stimulates the suck reflex and gets him going!

YOU’VE GOT… THRUSH

Thrush is a fungal infection that thrives in dark, moist places, such as your nipples and your baby’s mouth, gut and bum. Your nipples may burn, itch or sting when you have thrush. You may also question your latch, as you’ll experience pain during feeds, and your baby may fuss at the breast, tugging and trying to re-latch often.

• Antibiotics given at birth, a high sugar intake and a previous infection may be common causes. Eat healthy, wellbalanced meals and snacks that meet your hunger cues. Cut out refined carbohydrates, such as biscuits, rusks, muffins and fruit juices.

• Be sure to air-dry your nipples often.

• Get some direct sunlight on your nipples for a few minutes a day. Change your breast pads often – don’t allow them to become soggy.

• Taking a probiotic will help balance good bacteria to counter the fungal spores. Your baby can also be given a probiotic.

• If you or your baby develop thrush, it is important that you are both treated correctly at the same time to prevent passing it to each other.

• Thrush hates cinnamon. Sprinkle this spice over your yoghurt or cereal, or chew on some to help keep it in check naturally.

YOU’VE GOT… A TONGUE-TIED BABY

Tongue tie is the term given to a baby whose frenulum (a string-like membrane that attaches his tongue to the floor of his mouth) is short, which may cause restriction and difficulty latching and breastfeeding effectively.

Tongue ties can present in varying severity and interfere with the movement, flexibility and function of a baby’s tongue (and breastfeeding, as a result). On visual observation, baby may not be able to cup his tongue or even lift it to the roof of his mouth, especially when crying. Your baby may not be able to extend his tongue out of his mouth far enough, and the tip may pull inward, forming a heart-shaped edge. Often sore nipples – even with a good latch – and a clicking sound may be noted when your tongue-tied baby is feeding. Lactation consultants are aware of the potential negative effects of tongue tie on breastfeeding, as well as speech.

It may be necessary for the frenulum to be snipped by a doctor, to release the tongue. Quite often an immediate improvement is noted after this.

YOU’VE GOT… MASTITIS

Mastitis is most common in the first three to six months after birth. It is an infection of the breast tissue, and flu-like symptoms, with headaches, muscle aches and fatigue, present. This does not mean that you need to stop breastfeeding. In fact, you need to feed as often as you can to help clear it. There are several risk factors that may lead to mastitis: cracked nipples, blocked milk ducts, stress and fatigue, abrupt weaning, and ineffective drainage of your breasts. If you develop mastitis, act immediately!

• Apply warm cloths, and massage your breasts often to help with drainage.

• Applying cold packs after breastfeeding may help relieve pain.

• Take a painkiller – preferably antiinflammatory medication.

• Increase your intake of fluids (water, rooibos tea).

• Rest.

• Feed your baby often to encourage drainage. If it is not a lot better in 24 hours, then an antibiotic may be necessary, so go to your doctor.

• Call a lactation consultant to be guided correctly and prevent further progress of the issue, which may result in an abscess. ●