Nearly
every pregnant woman expresses a desire to
breastfeed, because it is best for the child.
However, it is not uncommon to find that the
motivation to breastfeed declines to zero after
only a few days. The nipples are sore, every feed
hurts and the baby is also constantly hungry.
There is a solution to every breastfeeding
problem. Tell your breastfeeding advisors about
any concerns you may have: they will certainly be
able to help you.
If you feel pressurised by breastfeeding, then you
should consider possible alternatives. Breast milk
can be drawn out of the breast in other ways than
by the baby’s sucking: milk can be pumped out.
It is worth taking a look at your needs in order
to make the decision between manual expression, a
hand pump or a more expensive electrical breast
pump. The milk that has been pumped out can easily
be transferred to a bottle. In the section “All
about bottles”, you can find out more about
bottles
and teats and how, for example, a bottle may be
given in such a way as to replicate the
breastfeeding model. One useful tip: use a tea
teat (size 1) rather than a milk teat (size 2).
The baby will have to make relatively more effort
at sucking and thus will not lose its desire for
the breast. |
 |
 |
|
It is
generally important to recognise breastfeeding problems as
early as possible. Some problems can be cured by a careful
latch on technique.
The following general measures can be used at the first
signs of trouble:
Sore
nipples
●
Continue to breastfeed and make sure the baby latches on
correctly
● It is better to feed more often and for short
periods than for long periods, with bigger gaps
● Dab away any remaining drops of breast milk at the
nipples after feeding
● Keep the nipples as dry as possible by contact
with the air, short spells in the sun and breathable
lingerie fabrics
● Avoid using soap and disinfecting substances on
the nipples
● If feeding is very painful, it is best to press
out the milk by hand then feed by bottle.
Blocked
milk ducts
● Feed
more often and for shorter periods
● Lay a warm and damp cloth on the breast before
feeding and allow the breast to cool off for
● 20 minutes after feeding
● Warm showers or warm cushions improve the flow of
milk
● Massage the breast with circular movements, from
the outer parts inwards, prior to feeding.
Swollen
breasts
● Bed
rest
● Discontinuing feeding is useless because the
breast will not get emptied, so do carry on breastfeeding
● Lay a warm, damp cloth on the breast for a maximum
of 5 minutes before breastfeeding and allow the breast to
cool down afterwards
● If the high temperature continues (over 24 hours),
seek medical advice immediately
Too much
milk
●
Replace the milk flow reflex by pressing milk gently out
by hand
● Only give the baby one breast per feed
● Make sure you let the baby get its wind up
regularly
● Cool with a wet napkin the breast after feeding
● For a maximum of 2 weeks, drink 2 to 3 cups of
peppermint or sage tea daily
Too little
milk
● Check
that you are feeding in the correct position and that the
sucking action is effective
● Feed every two hours at both breasts
● Increase the quantity of milk by alternating
feeding. For example, you might start by putting the baby
to the left breast until it naturally lets go, then change
to the other side until it stops sucking, then lay it back
to the left hand side, then again to the right
● If the baby is not sucking enough, you should pump
away the milk and feed by a baby bottle
● Prolonged physical contact by carrying the baby
and letting it sleep together with its parents encourages
the production of milk and the baby’s ability to suck. |
