Many of the problems that interfere with breastfeeding have an effective solutions. Here are 10 that may make breastfeeding more difficult in the short or medium term, but are not inevitable.
A Long Birth
At birth, when contractions have lasted several hours and the baby is exhausted, he may want to rest before drinking. That doesn’t mean he won’t want to drink when he’s regained his strength, on the contrary. He will probably also need a short adaptation time… and so do you!
Hyper-hydration
A newborn baby may also be slightly overhydrated because of the fluids if the birth was induced. A few minutes later, he will still be thirsty.
Inhibition Of Oxytocin
Necessary for childbirth, oxytocin is also the hormone that triggers the ejection reflex and regulates milk production. Even if it is generally effective, many factors can inhibit it such as stress, strong emotions, and pain. In general, a little calm and proximity to a hungry baby are enough to put things back in place.
The Ejection Reflex Is Too Strong
Other times, on the contrary, the ejection reflex is too strong and babies may choke and vomit when milk rushes into their mouth. A good solution is to remove the baby from the breast when this happens, burp him often to avoid colic, and feed the baby more often to reduce milk pressure.
Neck Or Jaw Problem
If a baby refuses to take one of the breasts, if he is more comfortable on one side than the other, and if, for example, he prefers the Madonna on the right and the football position on the left, it is possible that his positioning in the mother’s womb, the difficult delivery or the use of forceps have moved something in his neck or jaw. Chiropractors and osteopaths can help you solve this problem.
Frenotomy
When a baby drinks from the breast, his tongue makes a wave movement that allows him to eat well. If the frenulum under the baby’s tongue is too short, it is possible that this movement is impossible and that the baby licks the breast rather than sucking. In this case, and if your doctor deems it necessary, it is possible to perform a frenotomy. Your pediatrician will determine if your baby’s tongue frenulum is short enough to warrant this type of intervention.
Social Pressure
Other breastfeeding problems can be psychological. When people around you tell you what to do, when your loved ones complain about not being able to give a bottle and judge you or your baby, it’s normal to have enough! Take a step back and time alone or with your baby. Sometimes new parents need these quiet and lonely moments to find their way.
Cleft Palate
If your baby has a cleft palate and you want to breastfeed, you may need to express your milk until the procedure, but you can breastfeed him afterward.
Mouth/Nipple Incompatibility
When the baby’s mouth is very small and the mom’s nipple is too big to fit fully into her mouth, breastfeeding can be a little painful. One thing is certain: his mouth will grow very quickly and the problem will solve itself.
Blocked Channel
When a nursing mother feels a long, hard lump along her breast, she likely has a blocked milk duct. To prevent it from worsening and causing mastitis, the mother may have her baby suckle so that her chin points in the direction of the blocked canal. She can also apply heat to the affected area and try to rest…
