Synonyms
Complications of breastfeeding
The right development of the child
There are numerous indications that the child’s development is proceeding correctly: The child’s bowel movements should turn orange-yellow about 5 days after birth. If this is not the case and the stool is still very dark, the child has not yet completely stopped its first bowel movement, the so-called child’s spittle (meconium). In this case, the baby should be breastfed more often, as otherwise the risk of infant jaundice increases (see above).
In the following six weeks, the child should have bowel movements about twice a day, after which they can also be absent for ten days. In addition, about six diapers a day should be wet and the urine should be light and odorless. The child should drink at least six times a day, with successful sucking, so that the breast is softer than before.
The child should not have a sunken large fontanel, his face should be rosy and his body warm. Lassitude and drowsiness should not be permanent – they should be regularly interrupted by attentive and awake phases. In terms of weight development, an initial decrease of 10% of birth weight is normal.
After two weeks, however, the initial weight should be approximately reached again. This is followed by a weekly weight gain of about 100 to 250 grams per week, which after three months is only about 100 to 150 grams. When the child is about six months old, he or she should have approximately doubled the birth weight.
This situation may be due to a lack of milk. Both smoking during the breastfeeding period, alcohol consumption during the nursing period and stress can reduce the amount of breast milk. Make sure that your baby is properly fitted and sucks effectively (correct breastfeeding).
To stimulate milk production, alternating breastfeeding can be effective. For this purpose, the side and the breastfeeding position should be changed regularly during breastfeeding. Breast massages, heat applications to the breast before and during breastfeeding and drinking breast-feeding tea can also have a positive effect.
In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the baby is breastfed at least once a night and during the day about every two and a half hours. If your baby suckles properly and the amount of milk is sufficient, an insufficient milk flow may be the cause of the lack of weight gain. Again, the warmth, if possible before breastfeeding, helps to release inner tensions.
A warm bath, a hot water bottle and above all the local application of heat to the breast are suitable for this purpose. A breast massage can also be helpful. With the Marmet massage, the whole breast is massaged in a spiral from the outside to the inside, then gently stroked and then shaken out with the upper body bent over.
It is important to adopt an “open body” position when breastfeeding. The partner can put his hand between the shoulder blades with gentle pressure. Now breathe against the hand. This exercise activates a reflex point that promotes the flow of milk.
