Breastfeeding FAQ’s Part 2
In this second part of the most frequently asked questions I will cover some Breastfeeding latching tips and what to avoid in Breastfeeding, in terms of food and drinks.
What can I do if my baby is having difficulty latching?
Seek support in the first instance. Put your baby in ‘skin to skin’ – this helps encourage your babies natural instincts to latch. Follow the CHINS principles:
Keep baby –
C – close (bottom tucked in)
H – head free (imagine your hand is like a hair dressers sink, supporting the nape of their neck allowing their head to tip back)
I – in line (the majority of latch issues come from babies having twisted necks when trying to feed)
N – Nose to nipple (by bringing your babies nose in line with your nipple it allows them to tip their head back and achieve a deeper latch. The nipple should be deep in the babies mouth with surrounding areola and breast tissue in the soft palate at the top back of the mouth)
S – Sit back – relax, otherwise the ‘let down’ hormones will be slower and you need to be in a sustainable position for a lengthy feed
How can I increase my milk supply?
The best ways to increase milk supply are:
Get support to achieve a deep latch, that is comfortable for yourself
Breast compressions – whilst the baby is actively feeding compress the surrounding breast tissue with your hand to increase the flow of milk
Switch breasts regularly – as soon as your baby stops actively feeding on one breast switch to other, continue switching alongside compressions until your baby is satisfied
Express your milk – milk supply works on a supply/demand process. The more milk that is drained – the more that will be made. So adding in some extra expressing/pumping sessions throughout the day will benefit your overall milk supply
Consider galactogues – Galactogogues are either medications or homeopathic medicines that are believed to benefit maternal milk supply (In the instance of requiring a galactogogue, specialist support should be sought.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid while breastfeeding?
Whilst you don’t need to eat anything in particular to be successful at breastfeeding a balanced diet is encouraged. This of course includes a few treats along the way! Everyone including breastfeeding women are encouraged to take a daily Vitamin D supplement containing a minimum of 10mcg – the rest of your required vitamin and mineral intake can be obtained from a healthy diet but many mothers choose to take a multi-vitamin to ensure this.
It is recommended that caffeine limits in breastfeeding are similar to those in pregnancy of 200mg a day due to caffeine passing the breast milk and can cause your baby to be more stimulated and occasionally more fussy, however this should be judged on accordingly. There is no clear evidence that you should eliminate any common allergens from your diet whilst breastfeeding (such as nuts, gluten or dairy). Alcohol passes across into breastmilk but amounts decrease at the same level as blood alcohol does. An occasional drink is not thought to put your baby at any additional harm especially if there is an intention to feed your baby more than 2 hours later. However excessive drinking (over the driving limit) is not recommended for safety reasons alongside the longer lasting levels that would be within breastmilk.
What can I do if I experience sore nipples or breast engorgement?
Sore nipples are a key indicator of a shallow latch. It is important to follow the CHINS principles:
Keep baby –
C – close (bottom tucked in)
H – head free (imagine your hand is like a hair dressers sink, supporting the nape of their neck allowing their head to tip back)
I – in line (the majority of latch issues come from babies having twisted necks when trying to feed)
N – Nose to nipple (by bringing your babies nose in line with your nipple it allows them to tip their head back and achieve a deeper latch. The nipple should be deep in the babies mouth with surrounding areola and breast tissue in the soft palate at the top back of the mouth)
S – Sit back – relax, otherwise the ‘let down’ hormones will be slower and you need to be in a sustainable position for a lengthy feed
There are some techniques such as breast shaping or a ‘Flipple’ that can exaggerate a deeper latch.
Engorgement is usually when milk hasn’t been drained from a breast effectively. Alongside trying to achieve a deeper latch breast compressions would be recommended. Lymphatic massage to reduce swelling and ibuprofen if you are allowed to take it. Cool packs on your breast post breastfeeds can help reduce any symptoms of mastitis.
Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant or specialist professional for personalised advice and support regarding breastfeeding