Breastfeeding

What problems can occur for breastfeeding and how to fix?

• The baby has weak suction force: This may be because the jaw muscles are very weak baby. For this there are special bottles that train the baby to suck so they can move to the chest later. Consult your doctor.


• flat nipples, inverted or sore: We observed that each time this problem is more common in women, which may be due to wearing bras too tight since adolescence. When this happens, infants can not press the nipple and remove the milk. In this case we recommend the use of a nipple and forming a right nipple shield. For dry cracked nipple or the nipple after nursing. Use an absorbent breast with the nipple bra to keep healthy. There are special creams or gels to care for the nipple.

• Breasts swollen and very full of milk: Put a hot towel over her breasts for a few minutes, get a massage and then express some milk by hand or with a pump. Try to get the baby to the breast more frequently and empty your breast after nursing. Use a proper bra that is not too tight. If discomfort continues consult your doctor. There may be risk of mastitis.

• Poor milk production: usually due to psychological problems such as anxiety, fear, disinterest, etc.. It is important that the mother is relaxed and comfortable breastfeeding. Milk is produced by the mammary glands when the nipple is stimulated by the baby, or a pump, by the release of hormones responsible for milk production: prolactin and oxytocin. Therefore the nipples should be encouraged continuously.


How long should each take?

As a guide we can say that during the first week is sufficient for 5-10 minutes on each breast. From the seventh day should leave 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. In any case, the baby will stop sucking when not hungry and you will understand when it is hungry. We recommend starting with the last chest of the previous shot. It is also advisable to remove the remaining milk in the breast after nursing to promote milk production. The very milk-filled breasts may swell and cause even mastitis. Usually the baby gets 80% of the milk they need in the first five minutes, so if you fall asleep after emptying the chest should not worry or awake. Generally, if sleep is because they are hungry.


When and how often you have to feed the baby?


The general rule is to feed the baby on demand and not follow rigid patterns. You have to meet the demand for baby food. In general, during the first months, babies are fed 6-8 times daily (every 3-4 hours). As you will grow less frequently and in larger quantities. From 10 to 12 weeks many babies fail to ask the central inlet of the night, a night's rest favoring the mother.


Is it necessary to give water or other food to the baby during breastfeeding?


It is not necessary to give any other food, breast milk contains all the nutrients the baby needs. Nor is it necessary to give the baby water, milk is made in 88% water. It should be noted that when the baby has started supplementary feeding even take chest should drink water.



Food of the mother during lactation.

If the mother is in normal physical condition is only necessary to have a varied and healthy diet that incorporates the different food groups and a large amount of water (about 2 liters of water and juice a day). In general, the nursing mother needs about 600 calories more per day. It is important to eat calcium during lactation (as during pregnancy) by about 3 to 4 servings of dairy a day: one glass of milk, yogurt or 30-60 grs. of cheese.


Avoid strong spices that can be passed to the milk and give a bad taste, such as: garlic, onion and asparagus in abundance.


It also recommends avoiding the use of medications, since many of them can pass into breast milk and affect the baby, the same with alcohol, snuff and caffeine. If you need to consume any medication consult your doctor.

Did you know ...?

The composition of breast milk is changing during a single shot. The fat content is increasing, thus regulating the fullness of the baby. Besides the endorphins at the end of the outlet to promote baby's sleep.