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Both mother and baby will have to learn to master the art of breast-feeding.
This will take time and what works for one pair need not necessarily work for
another pair. If you face problems ask your nurse or doctor to help you out.
Given below are the causes and solution to some of the common breast-feeding
problems:
1. Baby wants to keep feeding all the time: This is normally caused because the
baby is not positioned properly and there is insufficient supply of milk. In the
initial days the baby may insist on feeding continuously simply because he enjoy
it and it is very comforting. It could happen if the baby is trying to increase
the supply of milk. If this activity is a change from his normal feeding pattern
then it may return to normal in a day or two. Make sure that you position them
properly and let them feed on demand.
2. Bleeding/sore /cracked/nipples: This happens because the baby is sucking your
nipple and not the breast as a result of bad positioning. Dislodge the baby, by
inserting your finger gently into his mouth to break his grip. The reposition
your breast so that the breast not just the nipple is inside his mouth. Try
different positions. Express milk and rub it on the nipples this will help it
heal. Use the less sore side to feed.
3. White marks on sore nipples that don't seem to heal: This is known as thrush,
it can appear when either you or the baby have taken a course of antibiotics or
may appear without any particular reason. Both of you may have to take oral
medication or use anti-fungal cream.
4. Flat nipples or lumpy, hard and full breasts: Primary engorgement takes place
when milk first 'fills in' on the third or fourth day. Secondary engorgement
takes place when the baby reduces the number of feeds he takes maybe, because he
has started sleeping for longer hours at night. If this is case, your body will
reduce the amount of milk it is producing. Feed the baby more often to reduce
engorgement. If baby is unable to latch on properly, the express some milk to
help it do so. Wear warm flannel clothing to ensure milk flow or have a warm
shower before feeding to ensure the same. Using chilled cabbage leaves inside
your bra can reduce the swelling.
5. Tender, small lump in the breast: Free movement of milk is stopped because of
a block in some duct of the breast. This can happen because you have slept in
funny position, sat for a few hours with the seat belt across your breast or a
tight bra. Massaging the area or using warm compress on the area will help the
lump to dissolve. If possible, position the baby in such a way that, his jaw is
near the lump so he can feed and help dissolving the lump. Feed from the sore
side, if it doesn't work express milk from the breast.
6. Inflamed, red areas on the breast; along with flu symptoms like temperature,
aches, sore breast that is full: This is known as Mastitis, which is an
inflammation of the breast when milk leaks into the breast tissue. Rest as much
as possible, but continue to feed the baby, starting with the sore side. Use of
warm and cold compress will reduce the swelling. If there is no improvement go
to your doctor who will probably prescribe painkillers or a course of
antibiotics.
7. Baby refuses to feed from the breast: There could be a number of reasons for
this:
A change in the taste of milk because of a change in diet or medication.
You are using nipple cream.
You have stopped using nipple shields.
You are undergoing dental treatment or your periods are starting.
Whatever the case maybe, continue feeding your baby. Try feeding when he is
almost asleep he may not notice the change in taste. When you decide to stop
using nipple shields do it gradually, by trimming more and more of the shield
each day so that the baby gets used to it. If nothing works you will have to
express milk in order to maintain milk supply.
Breast - Feeding Twins: When you have twins the task of breast-feeding becomes a
little more difficult and there is the often-asked question of about whether to
feed them together or one at a time. Feeding one baby at a time improves bonding
between mother and child. But this can be time consuming. Letting the feed
together will improve your milk supply and it will be easy to remember who has
had how much. If you decide to feed them together then placing one baby under
each arm is the best position to use. You can also criss-cross them on your lap
and feed them together. Swapping the babies between the breasts ensures equal
production of milk. But using one breast exclusively to feed one baby will
customize the supply for that baby and ensure that he gets sufficient hind milk.
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