PROBLEMS solved
Stop stressing! There’s a solution for almost every breastfeeding issue that you’re experiencing
Breastfeeding is a natural practice, but many moms find a lot of challenges along the way. We’re here to help.
BREASTFEEDING MULTIPLES
Breastfeeding more than one child may sound daunting but it is entirely possible.
It’s a case of supply and demand. The more the baby suckles, the more milk you will produce. Moms do face special challenges, mainly that twins and triplets are often born early and start their lives in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In this case, a breast pump is a very good idea. Don’t delay starting to express if the babies aren’t with you. Don’t wait until the next day, even if you’ve had a caesarean section. Stick to the same feeding timetable the babies would have – express every two to three hours. As soon as possible, hold your babies skin to skin. Don’t be shy to ask the staff. This allows baby to get to know you and, crucially, triggers the same hormones needed for breastfeeding. Your oxytocin levels definitely increase by doing skin to skin. So put baby to the breast – he doesn’t have to breastfeed, but just the fact that he is there is stimulating your milk supply. If you’re demand feeding, follow the hungrier twin’s cues. The second one must feed when the first one feeds. Save time by nursing both at once in the “rugby ball” position, with baby’s body tucked under your arm, feet towards your back.
BREASTFEEDING PREMATURE BABIES
Like with multiples, try to have skin to skin with your premature baby as soon as possible. You’ll need to begin expressing by the day after your baby’s birth, and even earlier if possible. Some mothers prefer to begin with hand expressing their milk. A nurse or lactation counsellor should show you the proper way to express either by hand or with a breast pump. Once your milk has filled your breasts, you’ll need to begin using a good breast pump. The pump may feel uncomfortable at first, so try to use a low setting. In time, you will be able to increase the speed and the suction setting of the pump. To boost your confidence, ask a lactation consultant to do home visits after you leave the hospital with your baby.
BREASTFEEDING AFTER PLASTIC SURGERY
Moms who have had their breasts augmented may not have too much trouble, but moms who have had breast reductions, while they can still breastfeed, may need some help and advice getting started.
POSTNATAL DEPRESSION
Moms who suffer from postnatal depression are often advised to stop breastfeeding so they can be put on medication. But it’s important to keep in mind that breastfeeding hormones, like oxytocin, are natural mood boosters, promoting feelings of wellbeing. Continuing breastfeeding can also boost moms’ self esteem; an effective aid against the baby blues.
MY BREASTS FEEL “EMPTY”
The breasts are a continuous manufacturing site for the making of milk. When you breastfeed, you release a hormone called prolactin. This hormone makes the milk as your baby suckles at the breast. Once your breastmilk becomes established, and your breasts
do not “fill up” between feeds, this does not mean that they are no longer supplying milk. As soon as your baby starts to feed (demand) your body will respond immediately (supply).
ENGORGEMENT
Day three and your breasts feel like watermelons? Don’t worry. It won’t always feel like this. Right now – like you – your breasts have no idea what they are doing, how much milk baby needs or how much is too much. As your baby latches and drains your breast, so your body learns to produce only enough milk for baby. After about two weeks, your breasts don’t feel engorged or sore every time your baby needs to feed. This is a sign that milk production is regulated. However, you can still feel engorgement if you skip a feed or feed slightly later than normal. Engorgement can be relieved by feeding baby or by pumping or by placing cold cabbage leaves on your breasts. The cabbage leaf has an enzyme which relieves inflammation. You can also take an anti-inflammatory medication (without codeine) to help reduce inflammation.
MASTITIS
If nothing seems to be helping your engorgement and baby feeding still leaves your breast feeling full, you could be on your way to developing mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breast caused by a blocked milk duct. It is very painful. The only cure is to continue feeding your baby while gently massaging your breast in an effort to clear the duct. Get plenty of rest and increase your fluids. You can also try a session of physiotherapy to clear the duct.
Use safe painkillers. Warm compresses and massaging your breasts in the shower will also help. But if your breast is hard, red and you can feel swollen lumps then get to a doctor. You will soon develop aches, body chills and a fever and only antibiotics will clear it. But with the right treatment, your pain is reduced fairly quickly. Unfortunately, if you have developed mastitis once, it is likely you will get it again so keep your eyes open for any signs. Feeding on demand (when baby wants to feed) and preventing engorgement goes a long way to preventing this painful condition.