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.
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[...]
You may have heard about the Golden Hour - the first hour after birth which is so important for baby’s physiological adaptation to being outside the uterus, for bonding, and for getting a kickstart at establishing breastfeeding. This hour can actually stretch to 2-3 hours. Ideally baby should be skin-to-skin on mom’s chest, and there should be minimum medical interventions. And if all goes to plan, baby should latch and get his very first feed. Except this doesn’t always happen.[...]
