Breastfeeding Problems 1
When everything’s going right, breastfeeding is easy. It’s convenient, soothing, and effortless. But occasionally things do go wrong, and it can be difficult to get back on track again. Here are a few common problems, how to spot them, and solutions.
Dehydration
New mothers always worry about the baby getting enough milk. Breasts aren’t like bottles, after all. They don’t come with a gauge on the side to measure how many ounces are left. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially in the first few weeks and on hot days. After the first day or two, a baby should be producing six to eight wet diapers (five or six disposables) and two to five bowel movements every 24 hours. Other symptoms of dehydration: sleeping more than usual, skin that doesn’t flatten out immediately when gently pinched, sunken fontanels, an absence of tears, and a dry mouth. But don’t wait for more than one of these symptoms to develop before seeking help. If you suspect your newborn isn’t wetting enough diapers, call a pediatrician immediately.
If dehydration is caught early, treatment may be as simple as visiting a lactation consultant to improve nursing habits. Occasionally a baby will need to be hospitalized and rehydrated with an IV. Don’t let this set back turn you away from breastfeeding, though. There are many ways to increase your milk supply and get more of it into the baby.
Sore, bleeding, cracked nipples
Most women will experience sore nipples in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. They’re getting used to doing a new job. It also takes a while to get the latch just right to avoid further irritation. This is usually a temporary annoyance. Avoid getting soap on the nipples while bathing or showering. Massage some breast milk into them after each feeding and let air-dry – breast milk has oils to moisurize and antibacterial properties will prevent infections and promote healing. You can also apply lanolin cream to soothe them, and there’s no need to wash it off before nursing.
Occasionally nipples will become cracked and may even bleed. This is often caused by latch and positioning problems, and a visit to the lactation consultant can help. To give nipples a chance to heal, alter the baby’s position with each feeding to change the part of the nipple that the baby’s mouth is contacting. Alternate between the three basic positions: “football” hold, “cradle” hold, and the side-lying position. Make sure the baby takes in as much as the areola as possible. Don’t be afraid to break the latch and try again if it’s uncomfortable. Insert a finger into the side of baby’s mouth to break the suction before pulling away.
Please Continue to Breastfeeding Problems Part 2
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