I Need Help With...Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Helpful Information
Breastfeeding can and should be a positive experience for you and
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...And this is free! |
your baby. Your milk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for your baby's growth and development. Breast milk has antibodies to help protect your baby from bacteria and viruses and to help them fight off infection and disease. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile. You can’t beat it.
And for you, it can save you time and money. No formula to buy or mix. It’s all right there, ready for baby.
But sometimes you might have questions:
“Breastfeeding is painful – what can I do?”
“How can I make more milk or make it stop?”
You might want to know about a diet for breastfeeding or breastfeeding pumping. Breastfeeding problems are many, but not insurmountable. It is natural, after all.
Painful breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should not hurt. Your nipple may be tender at first, but that should decrease over time.
Poor latch-on and positioning are the major causes of sore nipples. If you have sore nipples you are more likely to postpone feedings because of the pain, but this can lead to your breasts becoming overly full or engorged, which can then lead to plugged milk ducts in the breast.
The key is often proper positioning. If it hurts, take the baby off your breast and try again. If it still hurts, then call us! We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and help you to breast feed with all the comfort that should be there.
If you’re not sure about your positioning, you’ll find an excellent description at this government site: http://www.4women.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=228
Here are a few other things you can pay attention to about breastfeeding:
- Put a few drops of your milk on your nipples after breastfeeding. It has natural healing properties and emollients to soothe your breasts.
- Let your nipples air dry for a few minutes after breastfeeding
- Don’t wear those cute, but tight fitting bras or other clothes!
- Don’t bother with a nipple shield. It won’t relieve sore nipples and can prolong the soreness.
- Change your nursing pads often
It is also common to have a plugged duct in your breast. A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore, lump in the breast. It is not accompanied by a fever or other symptoms. It happens when a milk duct does not properly drain, and becomes inflamed. Then, pressure builds up behind the plug, and surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. A plugged duct usually only occurs in one breast at a time.
Try heat, which can relieve the pain. Also, breast feed MORE on that side, as this will help free up the plug. Get some rest, and take care of yourself. If it persists, then please come see us as soon as possible.
Not enough milk
If you think that your baby isn’t getting enough milk, you can often tell by weight loss or lack of growth by your baby. Here are a few things you can try:
- First and foremost, talk to us. We can help you get to the root of the problem.
- Try to let your baby breastfeed as long as he or she likes
- Try offering up both breasts at each feeding
- Let your baby decide when to stop
- Try to limit pacifier use when your baby is not feeding.
- Avoid giving your baby formula or cereal, as it may cause him or her to avoid breast milk.
Breastfeeding is for you and your baby
If you are having any problems whatsoever with your breastfeeding, then please give us a call. More than likely, you’re just missing a piece of vital information. We’ll take care of you and your baby in no time at all. You and your health are our top priority.