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Idyllic pictures of mums cradling their babies to their breasts surround expectant
mums at antenatal classes. Breast is best is the message and it's a well documented
and researched fact. It offers numerous benefits for both mum and baby yet it's not
always easy for everyone. We've highlighted the benefits, taken a look at a few of
the common problems and given some solutions to make it a great experience for everyone.
The benefits
- Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby - particularly for the
first six months - as it has the perfect balance of vitamins and nutrients
a baby needs.
- It helps protect your baby from a range of illnesses - from tummy troubles
to respiratory problems and ear infections - thanks to all the disease-fighting
substances it contains. Colostrum, the first milk mums produce, helps guard against
germs by forming a mucous membrane in their intestines, nose and throat.
- It can help prevent your baby developing allergies. Breast milk prevents large
foreign proteins entering a baby's system, whereas proteins in cow's milk (which most
formulas are made from) are one of the most common allergens.
- Some studies have found that breastfeeding can result in higher IQs thanks to the
fatty acids in breast milk that play a big role in a baby's brain development, while
others show that it could reduce obesity in later life.
- It has also been shown to lower the risk of a baby developing childhood leukemia
and type 1 diabetes.
- It helps protect premature babies from infections.
- Some mums say that breastfeeding helped them lose their baby weight.
- It can also help relax you thanks to the release of oxytocin during feeding and it
helps your uterus shrink back into shape, resulting in less postpartum bleeding.
- Some studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian
cancer.
- It saves a lot of time - no washing and sterilising bottles. It also saves
money - it's free!
Common problems
So with all those benefits, what's to stop you? For something that is 100% natural,
breastfeeding is not without its difficulties - not unlike labour in that regard! Here are
some of the most common problems mums have and a few solutions:
Low milk supply
Some mums worry that their baby is still hungry and they're not producing enough milk. After
the first three or four days, if your newborn has between five and six soaking wet disposable
nappies (or seven to eight cloth nappies) and at least two, preferably five, yellow runny poos
each day and is gaining ½ an ounce a day, they are getting enough.
If this isn't the case, you may have a low milk supply. Ways to increase it are:
- Use a warm compress before a feed to encourage the letdown reflex
- Feed your baby regularly - every 1.5 to 3 hours. Don't go longer than 4 or 5
hours between feeds, even at night
- Use a breastpump and express some milk after each feed to encourage milk production
- Massage your breasts during feeding
- Make sure your baby is latched on and sucking properly
- Try to rest
Sore nipples
Those first few days of feeding can be fairly painful as your nipples toughen up. But if
it continues to be sore and you have painful, bleeding or cracked nipples, it's likely
that your baby isn't latched on correctly. There is also some basic breast care that will
help:
- Use specially-formulated breast creams after every feed
- Don't wash your breasts excessively and avoid using soap on the nipple area.
- Allow your breasts to air dry completely after washing and feeding.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton bras that are kept clean and dry.
- Make sure your baby is properly latched on. They should have the entire aureola in
their mouth, not just the nipple, and their lips should be flayed outwards. Using a proper
nursing chair or supportive pillow will
help you sit comfortably and get your baby in the correct position.
- Break the suction using your little finger before taking them off the breast.
- Express a little milk before feeding to soften the aureola and use the expressed milk to
massage into sore nipples.
Leaking
There's nothing quite like walking around a supermarket with two large wet patches on your
blouse to put you off leaving the house! Leaking happens, particularly if you suddenly hear
a baby cry and the let down reflex kicks in.
Solution:
- Use non-plastic backed breast pads and change them frequently or consider a
revolutionary breast pad that sticks to you instead of your clothes.
- If you know you're going to be out for a while, consider taking a breast pump
with you.
- Leaking does improve once your milk supply has settled into a comfortable routine
with regular feeds for your baby.
Engorgement
Many mums have been woken in the night not from a crying baby, but from rock hard, engorged
breasts that are just aching to be relieved. If your breasts are too engorged, your baby
might have trouble latching on.
Solution:
- Take a hot shower or use heating pads before feedings.
- Express milk before a feed to relieve some of the
pressure. You can save the milk in suitable storage bags for those emergency feeds when you're away from your baby.
- Massage your breast towards the nipple as your baby is feeding.
- Make a compress of cabbage leaves and place them inside your bra.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the breast that can cause flu-like symptoms, including fatigue,
headache, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. It also causes the affected breast to be red,
swollen and tender. Mastitis can occur after you have cracked nipples, plugged ducts or
engorgement.
Solution:
- Rest and take in lots of fluids.
- Frequent feedings - you can feed while you have it.
- Avoid wearing a tight-fitting bra.
- Apply moist heat to the affected breast.
- Speak to your doctor. They might well prescribe you a course of antibiotics to
treat it.
Feeding in public
Some women have concerns about feeding their baby in public. Breastfeeding is entirely
natural and shouldn't be viewed as embarrassing. But if you're a particularly private
person or imagine you might make others uncomfortable, there are ways to make feeding
in public a private affair:
- There are a growing number of places that provide breastfeeding rooms for
mothers. Before you choose to go shopping or out to eat or even travel, do a bit of
research and find out which have good facilities. You shouldn't feel compelled to use
them, but if you prefer to, at least they are at hand.
- Consider investing in some specially designed breastfeeding tops with hidden slits
to allow discreet breastfeeding
- Go out with another breastfeeding friend. You won't feel as conspicuous with a
friend doing the same thing.
What if you can't breastfeed?
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience. But if you feel that you can't or have tried
and just aren't able to get it right, don't beat yourself up about it. Even if you breastfeed
for a short amount of time, it will make a difference to your baby. And it's important for you
to enjoy your time with your baby without feeling guilty. Do try to get some support if you
are battling or not enjoying it. There are many organisations that provide breastfeeding support
- see our extra resources - or simply speak to your health visitor. Don't feel bullied
into doing anything you don't want to do, but equally, do give breastfeeding a try as it can be
one of life's greatest experiences.
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