Many first-time moms look forward to breastfeeding their brand new baby. But a good percentage of those new moms quickly find out, it’s not always easy getting started.
Successful breastfeeding comes with time, patience and practice – and sometimes a little extra help from those in the know.
“New moms get a visit from a lactation consultant before they leave our hospital to make sure they have the information they need,” said Kolene Moore, a certified lactation consultant at Methodist Women’s Hospital. “Our consultants are also on hand to help new moms long after they leave.”
What sorts of concerns do Methodist lactation consultants hear the most? Here are their top five problems… solved:
1. Sore nipples. Some tenderness with breastfeeding is normal, but broken down, bleeding and cracked nipples are not. In those cases, you can talk to your physician about treatments such as lanolin cream, cooling gel pads or nipple cream. While those treatments can help ease the problem, Moore says the key to preventing them in the first place is a good and correct latch.
“The number one treatment for sore nipples is fixing the way baby latches on to the breast,” said Moore. “Once you fix baby’s latch, the nipples can return to normal.”
2. Engorgement. Breast engorgement is when the breasts become painfully overfilled with milk. It happens when mom makes more milk than baby needs. To avoid engorgement, feed baby every two hours, emptying the breast completely. You can make this easier by applying a hot pack the breasts 5-10 minutes before feeding and gently massage the breast during feeding. Apply ice packs to the breasts following feeding to help with the discomfort.
 Kolene Moore, IBCLC |
3. Thrush/yeast infection. Thrush is a yeast infection that can develop in baby’s mouth and on your nipples. It can be quite painful for moms. The nipples become red, shiny and sometimes rashy, and have an itching or burning sensation. Advanced infections can spread into the breast and ducts, becoming extremely painful.
When you first notice symptoms, moms can try using gentian violet, a topical medication for thrush, to wipe out the infection. It’s used both on mom and baby. There are also statin creams that can help get the infection under control. If you develop thrush, contact your physician to see if they also recommend a round of antifungal medication.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind with a thrush outbreak:
- Frequently change nursing pads. Yeast likes to grow in wet, warm places.
- Wash your hands frequently, as well as any hand and bath towels you use.
- If you use bottles, pacifiers or pumps, boil them all once a day for 20 minutes to clean.
- Don’t pump and store milk, as it is contaminated with yeast and may cause reinfection. Only use the milk right away.
- Eat yogurt or take a probiotic so good bacteria overgrows the yeast.
4. Low milk supply. There are many different reasons why a new mom may have a low milk supply. It can be linked to infertility, PCOS, thyroid disease, breast augmentation or reduction, or hormones. Whatever the reason, there are a number of steps to try before giving up. Moore suggests increasing the number of minutes of breast stimulation, drinking more fluids and sticking to a nutritious diet.
“If those steps are still unsuccessful, it can be a tough pill to swallow for some moms,” said Moore. “It’s important to remember that even a small amount of breast milk can go a long way when it comes to the health of your baby and you have done your best.”
5. Breastfeeding after returning to work.
Research shows it takes about 200 minutes of breast stimulation every 24 hours to keep up a good milk supply – nursing approximately eight times a day. That can be difficult to do in a work environment. Some moms may only be able to pump once or twice during the workday. That, as well as the added job stress, can lead to a decreased milk production. Moore says the key with successfully breastfeeding after returning to work is to increase the amount you are able to pump during the day. Aim to pump every two to three hours.
“I also highly recommend moms attend a free Back to Work and Breastfeeding support class,” said Moore. “There are so many little tips and tricks they can learn to help them continue to breastfeed successfully.”
If you need help with breastfeeding, Methodist offers outpatient lactation consultation at Methodist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, regardless of where new moms deliver their babies. The Breastfeeding Boutique at Methodist Women’s Hospital also offers assistance with breastfeeding supplies and obtaining a Medela breast pump through your insurance. Learn more about lactation services by calling 402-815-1528.
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| Katina Granger is a blogger and PR/Social Media Specialist for Methodist Health System. Contact Katina at MethodistPR@nmhs.org. |
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