Breast Feeding: Correct Latching and Various Feeding Positions
Hi. Congratulations for the new addition into your family. Here are some tips as to how to handle your bundle of joy.
​
Soon after the baby is born, unless there is a specific indication not to feed the baby, the baby will be put to breast even when the mother is on the delivery table and final stages of wound suturing are going on. It is very important to breast feed the baby as soon as possible because; the baby will be active and will have the urge to suck in the first half an hour, following which, the baby may feel sleepy and prefer not to suck. Often, we see that when breast feeding is withheld in the first one hour or more, the risks of poor latching and feeding issues increase. Hence mothers have to be geared up to breast feed soon after delivery.
​
It is important to breast feed on both the sides. Initially, in the first couple of days, only few drops of clear yellowish liquid called colostrum will be there. These few drops of colostrum when fed frequently are adequate to quench the nutrition needs of the baby. If the baby cries frequently, feed frequently. Try feeding every 2 hours or earlier. In the first few weeks, feed the baby on both the sides. Finish on one side and then only go to the next side. The initial milk is known as the fore milk. It is rich in carbohydrates. It is easily digestible. It is almost transparent. The milk that comes later is known as hind milk. It is rich in fat. It is slow to digest and prevents the baby from feeling hungry frequently. Hence, both types of milk must be given to the baby during each feeding session.
Breast Feeding: Need to Burp and Burping Positions
The baby must be burped after every feed. This is to prevent air getting locked in the tummy. When the baby is not burped well, the baby can have discomfort, vomiting and colic. There are several positions to burp to burp the baby.
Breast Feeding: Handling Nipple Sores
Nipple sores are common, especially in first time mothers. It mostly occurs due to poor latching techniques. Aggressive sucking when there is inadequate milk supply can also lead to nipple sores. Application of breast milk and lanolin for nipples will help. Infected nipple sores may need antibiotic creams. Correction of latching technique helps in most mothers.
Breast Feeding: Handling Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement during breast feeding is common. There are several causes to it, the most common being inadequate and improper breast feeding. Correct latching techniques, frequent feeding and massaging of breasts help in relieving engorgement. Infection and abnormal breast structure can also contribute to engorgement.