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If you have difficulty breastfeeding your baby, don’t rush into commercial infant formula. Note that primary lactation insufficiency is rare (1 to 2% of women). When physiological or medical factors have been eliminated, the vast majority of situations of lack of milk are due to failure to observe the golden rule of lactation: the more your baby sucks, the more milk you will have ! Let him suckle on demand (including nights) and you will see the lactation adapt quickly to his needs. And if his request is discreet, get ahead of it!
The most frequent breastfeeding difficulties
“My milk is not rich enough. “
Fortunately, impossible. The composition of your milk is genetically “programmed” to feed your child. In all women, the composition of milk varies during breastfeeding: colostrum thus differs from transition milk and mature milk. The proportion of nutrients is then adapted to the maturity and needs of the baby. It also varies during breastfeeding and if external circumstances require it (the presence of a gastroenteritis virus, for example), the milk is enriched with specific antibodies to protect the baby. Little by little, this milk changes composition (we speak of transitional milk and then mature milk) to remain incredibly stable between D15 and your baby’s 15 months. What’s more, your milk is rich in antibodies, adapted to the microbes in your environment.
“I have too much milk. “
Some women produce a lot of milk when breastfeeding and even more … thanle baby cannot consume it. This physiological phenomenon is generally transient. The production of milk is indeed brought to adapt to the needs of the infant in a few days or a few weeks. Mothers notice, for example, that only one breast is enough to satiate their baby. Some mothers, however, may be prone tocongestion sometimes painful. To prevent these inconveniences, it may be a good idea to suggest to them that they keep their breasts supple at all times, either by hand-expressing milk or by using a milk collector during the feed or just after if the breast is weak. still tense.
New mothers may also find that their milk is squirting hard, and believe that this is a problem. If the baby is overwhelmed by the incoming milk, a few simple tips can help him manage this abundance. Many mothers have found positions that allow their babies to have their heads free above the breast to help them considerably. The baby can more easily manage the flow of milk. He is able to withdraw if disturbed, he can burp sometimes even in this position. Some babies who were doing well with colostrum are suddenly overwhelmed and overwhelmed when the milk rushes in: they cough, choke, and may refuse what has turned out to be an unpleasant experience for them. A few simple steps are all it takes to make things right, such as give the same breast several feeds in a row to decrease milk productionOr changing breastfeeding position so that the milk comes out less strongly (using gravity). It is good to take care not to put these actions in place unless the milk secretion is well established, and checking regularly that the baby is gaining weight harmoniously. If, however, the weight gain were to slow, we return to alternating the two breasts during the feeding.
“My baby can’t suckle my breast. “
Your baby was born a little early, he has jaundice, he is too weak to breastfeed. Or he does it wrong, cannot grasp the nipple. Do not panic. It is normal for him not to suck properly for a few days after his birth. Like you, he is learning. The priority in this case is to feed it in any way and install a good milk secretion in its place. While waiting for him to make progress, express your milk and give it (or have it donated, if you are separated from your baby). Instead, use a spoon, syringe, pipette or cup, or DAL * on a cup finger, if possible. A tip too: offer him the breast while he is only drowsy. It will surprise you by starting to suck on reflex.
* lactation aid device which consists of placing a small probe in a bottle containing milk, giving the baby the finger to suckle and sliding it into his mouth at the same time.
“My baby refuses to breastfeed. “
First, try to find the cause of this “strike”. Was he disturbed during thedelivery or in the moments that followed? Have you put anything on your breast that might taste or smell bother? If you introduced bottles, maybe he developed a flow preference? If he refuses a single breast, it is probably because he does not feel well there, it could also be that he feels discomfort (eg: blocked nostril) or pain (eg: otitis, hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc.). A baby who has difficulty suckling one breast while taking the other without difficulty can tell us on this occasion that he is feeling neck tension. If the cause is identified, remove it. This situation is rich in emotions for everyone. It can be helpful to get help identifying the cause: a lactation consultant is usually qualified to assess what is blocking. A manual therapist (physiotherapist, osteopath chiropractor) can also relieve certain tensions. Also, try to breastfeed the baby in another position or in another environment (in the bath, in particular), promote skin-to-skin contact… Most breastfeeding ‘strikes’ resolve in two to 15 days.
” It hurts. “
Your Seins are hard, hot and painful, the veins are visible, you dread breastfeeding and we understand you! You are probably suffering from engorgement. It is good that we help you to stem it quickly because once installed, it can lower your milk secretion. In addition, it can escalate and become mastitis. In addition to the initial symptoms, there is a red patch on the breast and fever. Mastitis must be contained quickly. If it is immediately acute or if the fever does not decrease after 24 hours of optimal breastfeeding behavior with local heat application and increased frequency of breastfeeds, it is prudent to refer it to a doctor who you may be prescribed an antibiotic. Although very painful, this complication can be treated very well, symptoms should improve within 24 hours and, unless you have medical advice, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding.
“I have crevices. “
Symptoms: the nipples are sore, red and sometimes raw. Erosions and crevices are mainly caused by a malposition of the baby or an incorrect latch. Many mothers have noticed a marked improvement by soaking a compress with their milk, placing it on the breast and keeping it in place with cling film which they change every two hours. If lesions persist and do not go away, it is good to seek the advice of a specialist. Cracks are a common reason for giving up breastfeeding
“I can’t do it because I had a cesarean. “
There are generally two types of pain that are characteristic of breastfeeding mothers after a cesarean: pain due to the aftermath of the operation (eg scar) and pain due to uterine contractions caused by breastfeeding. Taking pain relievers compatible with breastfeeding will give you relief. At first, however, you will look for a comfortable position that prevents your baby from brushing or tapping with his little feet on the scar. Make sure to settle down so that your back is well supported on a chair, sofa, or pillow if you are in bed. Bring your baby “to the right place” to know about your breast and try to orient his body so that he does not touch the scar and that he is in continuous ventral contact either against your body or on a soft cushion. next to you. Be patient: these pains should subside in a few days.
“I don’t like the look of others. “
As soon as you have to give the breast in the presence of third parties or strangers, you lose your means … However, it is possible to breastfeed discreetly in public. You can wear your child in a sling: he will be able to nurse there without anyone knowing! You can also cover your shoulders with a large scarf or shawl that will protect you from prying eyes. Prefer t-shirts or sweaters that stand up easily to unbuttoned bodices. You can also invest in nursing clothes, with a flap designed just to take out the breast. Act naturally : it is by multiplying the furtive gestures that we attract attention. And in stores, think of changing rooms to breastfeed quietly.
“I have flat or inverted nipples. “
Many women feel that they cannot breastfeed due to flat or slightly retracted nipples when resting. In fact, their nipples are, in most cases, perfectly able to lie down when stimulated. Even when the nipple is not protruding, a baby that opens its mouth wide can suckle a soft areola. Sometimes it just takes a little longer to find the right technique … A trick to make the nipple point: just before feeding, bring it out with the help of a breast pump or an inverted syringe.