Breastfeeding Issues With Young Infants
January 25, 2023 2023-03-06 20:02Breastfeeding Issues With Young Infants
Struggling With Breastfeeding? We're here for you!
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are specially trained professionals dedicated to helping families achieve the breastfeeding relationship they desire. We acknowledge that the transition into motherhood is about more than just feeding your baby; we focus on you, since the breastfeeding experience needs to be healthy for you and the rest of your family as well. At My Pure Delivery, your goals become our goals, and we will help you find the path that works best in your life.
The best part- Our services are covered 100% by most insurance plans nationwide.
Common Breastfeeding Issues With Young Infants
DOES MY BABY HAVE A TIE?
Our IBCLCs are trained and experienced in working with infants who have oral restrictions such as tongue tie, lip tie, buccal tie, etc. Your consult(s) include an oral exam to assess tongue movement and function as it relates to breastfeeding, as well as evaluate suck strength and efficiency. Not all oral restrictions require a revision procedure. We begin with other types of therapies whenever possible, and will recommend an evaluation by a pediatric dentist or ENT if needed. Think your baby may have an oral restriction? Click HERE to request an appointment.
HOW CAN I GET MY BABY TO TAKE A BOTTLE?
The ideal time to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby is between 3-6 weeks of age. If you miss this window, or if your baby simply refuses to consider feeding from the bottle, a skilled lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help you. As a parent, bottle refusal can be incredibly stressful, but rest assured that you will not starve your baby. We will help you figure out what’s going on, and introduce techniques to get your baby bottle feeding effectively, and discuss when and how to pump to replace direct nursing sessions. Request an appointment HERE.
DID YOU KNOW? BREASTFEEDING SHOULD NOT HURT!
If you are having pain with latch or see bruising, blisters, scabs, cuts or your nipples are bleeding, there is something wrong with the latch. Unfortunately many well-meaning friends and family tell new mothers that pain and bleeding is normal at first and this simply is not true. Seeing a lactation consultant can help identify the cause of the incorrect latch, help with nipple healing and protect your milk supply.
AM I MAKING ENOUGH MILK? DO I HAVE AN OVERSUPPLY?
Having to much or too little of a breast milk supply is a very common concern parents come to us with. You may be worried that your supply is hindering baby’s weight gain, or that your oversupply is painful and creating issues.
In an appointment with us, your IBCLC will create the best individualized plan to help you reach your goals for your milk supply, whether that be increasing, reducing, or maintaining! Click HERE to request an appointment.
WHY IS MY BABY SO GASSY AND FUSSY?
Young infants have immature GI systems and require help to relieve gas. This is normal, however breastfeeding can lead to excess gas or symptoms of colic in some circumstances. Most commonly, the culprits are swallowing too much air due to an improper latch, or eating too fast due to an overactive letdown or oversupply of milk. Occasionally, babies can be sensitive to something in their mother’s diet, but this is less common than it seems. Your lactation consultant will assess your situation and help to resolve the issues that may be causing your baby’s discomfort.
HELP! MY BREASTS ARE SWOLLEN, FIRM AND HURT.
Engorgement can make feedings difficult, can interfere with latching and can lead to worse issues such as breast infections. Often starting between day 3 to day 5, it is a result of an increase in milk volume in the breasts as well as an increase in blood and lymph fluids. The degree of engorgement will vary from mother to mother. If engorgement does not improve in 24 – 48 hours, click HERE to book a consult with one of our Lactation Consultants.
IT SEEMS LIKE MY BABY IS FEEDING NONSTOP!
Cluster feedings are when baby feeds very close together. This is your baby’s way of telling your body to increase milk production. However, there are times where cluster feeding is abnormal, like if baby is taking longer than an hour to feed, or is also experiencing reflux symptoms.
Follow your gut! If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding habits, click HERE to request an appointment.
WHAT IS THIS LUMP IN MY BREAST?
A plugged/clogged duct is an area where your milk flow is obstructed. Your body responds by sending inflammatory cells to the clogged area, which further reduces milk flow may turn into mastitis. Mastitis is inflammation that may become an infection that will require antibiotics. It’s important not to try to self diagnose! These issues are highly individual, and it’s very easy to compound your issues by following advice that may not be right for your situation. Your lactation consultant can help you clear the clog, as well as finding and treating the underlying cause. Click HERE to request an appointment.
What Happens in a Lactation Consultation
Watch the video to see what to expect in your initial postpartum consult with us. If you are seeing us prenatally, or for a special concern like adoption or a medical issue, your visit may look different.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have! Just reach out at 512-765-9959.
We are on a mission to create a world full of healthy babies and families. This begins with fostering the mother/baby bond with love and compassion- and without judgment. We would be honored to help you along your journey!
Please reach out with any questions. We’re here to help, nationwide. 512-765-9959
