Guest post by Gina Ciagne, CLC
Breastfeeding, although one of the most natural things a mother can do, is often challenging for both mom and baby. Beyond achieving the proper timing of meals and sufficient milk flow, there’s the matter of ensuring a solid latch and a comfortable, workable angle. Difficulties in breastfeeding can be beyond frustrating. To help new and expecting mothers with the newborn feeding process, here are some common challenges that can arise and some suggestions for quick and easy fixes.
A Proper Latch
While breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt, it is common to experience some soreness while you adjust. Newborns (and older infants) can have trouble latching on to the breast, which can make feeding painful and uncomfortable for mom. For proper latch-on, the baby’s chin should anchor on the breast about one inch from the nipple and then the top lip should pop over the nipple. Having a proper latch will help ensure a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience for both mom and baby. If you do experience soreness or chafing, using ultra-purified, hypoallergenic lanolin like Lansinoh HPA Lanolin or Soothies Gel Pads will give you symptomatic relief. However, it is important to understand and address the underlying cause of the soreness, so if you have continuing pain its important you discuss with your lactation consultant.
Feeding Frequency
Breastfed babies don’t tell time — their tummies tell them they are hungry! Breastfed babies will typically nurse at least 10-12 times every 24 hours and it is normal to have more feedings in the early days when establishing your supply. A full-term newborn baby’s stomach is the size of a marble when they are born and gets larger as they grow and develop. Breastmilk is more easily digested than formula, so being hungry often is very normal. The time between feedings will lengthen as baby’s tummy grows and it will be easier to develop a routine after the first several weeks or months. Babies are unpredictable and you will find, especially during a growth spurt, they will want to feed even more often and that is normal too. It is their way of prepping your body to make more milk.
Engorgement
Engorgement is a temporary condition that can begin around the third day postpartum and is caused by your body making milk but not yet realizing how much your baby needs. Nursing frequently is the best way to alleviate engorgement. Breastfeeding while engorged can be difficult since baby can have a hard time properly latching on, but don’t let this discourage you. Lansinoh Latch Assist Nipple Everter can be used to gently evert a flattened nipple to help baby latch on. To release some of the built up milk and soften the breast, it can also be helpful to take a hot shower or expressing a small amount of milk (by hand or with a pump) before feeding. You can also try Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Gel Packs frozen or chilled to help soothe and ease discomfort related to engorgement.
Maintaining Supply
Breastmilk production is based on supply and demand. As your body releases milk, it begins to replenish it, so having your baby at the breast teaches your body how much baby needs. Feeding at the breast is the best way to remove milk. Therefore, avoiding supplements and bottles, at least in the first few weeks, will ensure your body keeps up a good supply. A well-meaning relative may try to convince you that skipping a feeding so they can feed the baby is helpful, but it is important to understand that your breasts need to be stimulated so they continue to get signals to make milk.
Biting & Teething
Almost every baby will bite at least once while breastfeeding but it does not always mean baby wants to wean. When this happens, baby may be attempting to get some relief for sore gums associated with teething. Or, baby may simply be trying to tell you he or she is finished eating. While unpleasant, there are steps you can take to gently let baby know that biting is not okay. If baby is teething, offer a cooled teething ring before nursing. If baby has slowed down while feeding and pauses, see if she latches back on and actively sucks. If not, gently detach baby before she starts biting or gumming your nipple. If she tries to gum or bite, you can gently but firmly say “no” and/or set her down with a teething ring to make the point that breastfeeding isn’t a time to bite. It may take several times for the message to sink in. If your baby has clamped down on your nipple, gently pull her face close onto your breast so that she will let go of your nipple. Resist the temptation to pull her away without unlatching as this can cause further damage and soreness.
Gina Ciagne is a Certified Lactation Counselor and La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor. She has worked with and provided advice and support to thousands of breastfeeding mothers around the world for more than a decade. Ciagne is the Senior Director of Professional Relations for Lansinoh.
