It is saddening that this is the part moms hear most about from friends and family – sore and bleeding nipples, full and leaking breasts, blocked ducts and mastitis…no wonder the task seems daunting.
The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented by getting the basics right. With good advice in the early days and by getting help sooner rather than later, most mothers will be able to breastfeed without major problems.
And then, if you do end up experiencing difficulties there are lots of tips and tricks to make things easier for you. Read on and let us know if you cannot find a solution to your problem, or if you need referral to a lactation consultant in your area.
When asking pregnant moms what concerns them most about breastfeeding, I always receive these two replies: That they won’t have enough breast milk (read our article on false alarms for low milk supply) That breastfeeding will be painful And painful nipples are indeed cringe-worthy. New mothers are subjected to horror stories of tiny newborn babies basically chewing away at their mothers’ nipples like little piranhas. The good news is that the above is not a given, and that there is[...]
If you are currently struggling with sore nipples, you will understand well why it is one of the main reasons moms give up on breastfeeding in the early days. There are many different treatment options, and the same option won't work for all mothers. Firstly, it is of extreme importance to address the cause of nipple pain. Most nipple damage is caused by an incorrect latch. There are also other conditions that can lead to sore nipples. Be sure to[...]
Note: this is a guide offering tips on finding your nipple shield size, and on feeding your baby with a nipple shield. If you are following this link from the guide provided by Netcare Femina Hospital, remember that you can contact Parentwood@Femina Clinic to purchase a shield and to obtain breastfeeding advice. You can message myself, Christine Klynhans on 072 490 7386 for breastfeeding support from a certified lactation consultant. First things first – why a nipple shield? Sometimes newborn babies[...]
When one should start expressing causes confusion for both mothers and healthcare professionals. Moms are often told not to express before 6 weeks. But many don’t realize that expressing sometimes form part of the care plan for a specific breastfeeding difficulty, and at other times is something a mom does for convenience or for building a freezer stash. This means that there are many grey areas, and that you need to find the option that will work for your unique[...]
Beast engorgement remains one of the biggest reasons why mothers seek the assistance of a lactation consultant. And all moms will agree that it is something that you won’t fully understand or appreciate until you’ve had the questionable honor of experiencing it first-hand! Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full. It ranges from mild and completely normal, to severe and a sign of bigger breastfeeding problems. The signs and symptoms of breast engorgement include: Breasts that feel full, heavy[...]
Most healthcare professionals receive some training in breastfeeding during their initial pre-graduate studies. For doctors this training is very basic, consisting of only a few lectures. Nursing sisters and dieticians will get more information as they work with breastfeeding mothers more directly. And of course those who end up choosing a career path like paediatrics or well-baby care will learn more about breastfeeding at conferences and in-service trainings. They will also build experience as they carry on, plus may or[...]
