Common concern and challenges in breastfeeding
- 1. Idemudia Shulammite Omowunmi apbinnetwork@gmail.com +2348034549282 Presented at Agric. Lecture Theatre on the 22nd of October 2016 1
- 2. “The nature has designed the provision that infants be fed upon their mother’s milk. They find their food and mother at the same time. It’s a complete nourishment for them both for their body and soul” - Rabindranath Tagore 2
- 4. Breastfeeding Concerns I am not sure if my baby is getting any milk I don’t know if my baby is getting enough milk How often should my baby breastfeed Can I take medicines if I am breastfeeding Can I Wake my sleeping baby 4
- 5. I am not sure if my baby is getting any milk When breastfeeding, listen closely for the sound of swallowing When breasts makes small amounts of early milk (colostrum), baby swallow every 10 sucks When breasts produces a lot more milk baby swallows more loudly and with every suck 5
- 6. I don’t know if my baby is getting enough milk To find out, count wet and dirty diapers Urine Bowel Movement Importantly, your baby’s weight is the key factor that tells you that he/she is getting enough to eat 6
- 7. How often should my baby breastfeed First week at least every 3 hours or sooner if your baby acts hungry at least 8 feedings in a 24-hour period Watch for signs of hunger like mouth movements, sucking, bringing hands to mouth etc As baby gets older it will be easier to tell when they needs to eat 7
- 8. Can I take medicines if I am breastfeeding Medicines pass into your milk in small amount Discuss any medicines you are using with your doctor Ask before you start using new medicines 8
- 9. Can I Wake my sleeping baby Most babies are sleepy for the first few days as they adjust to life outside of mom’s body You may need to wake your baby so he or she will nurse often enough to establish a good milk supply Tips on waking up babies Loosen your baby’s clothing or undress your baby so that he has “skin to skin” contact with you.
- 10. Can I Wake my sleeping baby Rub your nipple against baby’s upper lip to stimulate baby to open his mouth Express some breast milk onto baby’s lips Change baby’s diaper Walk your fingers up baby’s spine; rub baby’s hands, legs and feet Wipe baby’s face with a lukewarm washcloth With a clean finger, stroke baby’s cheeks, lips and mouth 10
- 12. Breastfeeding challenges Breast engorgement Sore nipples Flat and inverted Plugged ducts Mastitis (Breast infection) Poor milk production Oversupply of milk Nursing strike 12
- 13. Breast Engorgement Breasts feel full and heavy before a feeding, this is normal But pain, swelling and hardness of the breasts is engorgement It can happen if your baby doesn’t eat often enough or long enough, or if you miss feedings 13
- 14. Engorgement Prevention ●Allow the baby to feed as long as he or she likes ●Nurse often on demand. Build up to eight to 12 times every 24 hours ●Do not limit the baby’s time at the breast ●Nurse on each side of the breast at each feeding until the baby is done or satisfied 14
- 15. Engorgement Treatments ●Gentle massage to stimulate the let-down reflex ●Apply warm compresses to help the ejection of the milk ●Manually express some milk before breastfeeding, so that the areola gets soft enough ●Cold compresses in between feedings to help ease pain ●Wear a well-fitting supportive bra that is not too tight 15
- 16. Sore nipple Painful, red, cracked, bruised, blistered and tender nipple Improper positioning Inappropriate latch-on 16
- 17. Sore nipple Treatments Use a proper breastfeeding technique Keep the nipples dry Change the nursing pads used to prevent milk flow on a regular basis Avoid products that remove the natural protection of nipples, such as soaps, alcohol or any drying agent Offer the least affected breast first 17
- 18. Sore nipple Treatments Express enough milk before breastfeeding to stimulate the let-down reflex Discontinue feeding, slip the index or little finger into the infant mouth Apply expressed breast milk on the nipple due to it’s anti-infective properties 18
- 19. Flat and Inverted nipple do not stick outward from the breast do not protrude out of the breast, but face inward toward the body 19
- 20. Remedy hand express or use a breast pump to pull your nipples outward right before you nurse you If breast is engorged, try to remove a little bit of breast milk before you put your baby to the breast baby syringe can be use to pull nipple out 20
- 21. Plugged duct Free flow of milk is blocked. Tender and sore lump in the breast It happens when a milk duct does not properly drain and becomes inflamed Occurs in one breast at a time 21
- 22. Plugged Duct Causes Delayed, incomplete or missed feedings local pressure, for instance, a very tight bra, or the use of creams on the nipples use of the same nursing position or incorrect positioning of your hands on the breast 22
- 23. Plugged Duct Treatments Apply moist heat to the area before nursing Gently massage the plugged area after using moist heat During nursing, massage gently from the sore spot toward the nipple Begin feeding on the breast with the plugged duct Position the baby’s chin toward the plug so his or her tongue milks the affected area 23
- 24. Plugged duct Breastfeed more often (at least every two to three hours) and long enough to relieve fullness Make sure baby is latched on well to the breast Hold baby in more than one position during nursing to remove milk from all parts of the breast Check that your bra and clothing are not too tight Get extra sleep or relax with your feet up to help speed healing 24
- 25. Mastitis Breast Infection Infected area always red, hot, and tender to the touch Caused by Fatigue and stress Untreated plugged duct or engorgement Cracks or fissures in the nipple 25
- 26. Mastitis Treatment: Breastfeed often on the affected side, as often as every two hours Massage the area, starting behind the sore spot Apply heat to the sore area with a warm compress Wear a well-fitting supportive bra that is not too tight See a doctor 26
- 27. Poor milk production Most mothers can make plenty of milk for their babies Pain, discomfort, stress, anxiety, fear and lack of self-confidence may inhibit the let-down reflex, hampering lactation 27
- 28. Remedy Increase the frequency of feeding Offer both breasts in each breastfeeding Allow the infant to empty the breasts completely Alternate between breasts during the same Feeding if the infant feels drowsy or if he/she is not sucking vigorously Avoid the use of bottles, pacifiers and nipple shields Eat a balanced diet Drink enough fluids Take a rest 28
- 29. Oversupply of milk ● Having an overfull breast ●Sometimes stressful and uncomfortable 29
- 30. Remedy Breastfeed on one side for each feeding Continue to offer that same side for at least two hours until the next full feeding Hand express for a few moments to relieve some of the pressure 30
- 31. Nursing strike ●Baby suddenly begins to refuse the breast Major causes ●mouth pain from teething, a fungal infection ●ear infection, which causes pain while sucking ●Pain from certain breastfeeding positions ●Being upset about a long separation 31
- 32. Remedy ●Try another feeding method temporarily to give baby your milk, such as a cup, dropper and spoon ●Keep offering your breast to the baby ●If the baby is frustrated, stop and try again later ●Try various breastfeeding positions 32
- 33. Remedy Focus on the baby with all of your attention Comfort him or her with extra touching and cuddling Try breastfeeding while rocking and in a quiet room free of distractions 33
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