Breastfeeding may not go smoothly right from the start. Newborn and mother must first get used to the new situation. For example, it may take a while to find the right breastfeeding position. The anatomy of the nipples can also make sucking difficult. The following are typical breastfeeding problems and possible solutions so that satisfactory breastfeeding can succeed for both mother and child.
How to find the right position?
The correct positioning of the baby is an essential aspect so that it can take the nipple well into the mouth and get enough milk. Some babies are true naturals, others struggle and need a little more time. Most breastfeeding problems can be solved by optimizing the positioning of the breast. It doesn’t matter in which position you breastfeed. Try out different positions. Both you and your baby need to be relaxed and comfortable. The baby’s head, neck and spine should not be twisted. A nursing pillow, as well as rolled towels or other pillows, can help support your back or arms and the baby’s posture. The following four breastfeeding positions are most common:
- The cradle position – This is the classic breastfeeding position. The mother sits upright. The baby’s neck is in the crook of the mother’s elbow and the forearm supports the baby’s back. The other hand is on the baby’s bottom. Tired babies fall asleep so quickly, however.
- The back grip – Here pillows help as a support. The child is placed on the side next to the hip. The head is thereby on the flat hand. The forearm of the mother supports the back of the child. The child’s legs are stretched out backwards. Well suited is this position for breastfeeding twins.
- The side position – Here, breastfeeding is done lying down. Especially at night, this position is very comfortable, because the mother could sleep further. Mother and child lie belly to belly. Important: The baby’s mouth must be at the level of the nipple, so that it can embrace it well.
- The Hoppe-Reiter-Sitz – This position is well suited for older babies who already do not want to lie still, or for smaller ones who suck poorly. Here, the baby sits on the thigh of the mother, with an erect spine and upright head. This breastfeeding position is particularly suitable for babies who suffer from reflux (backflow of stomach contents), have an ear infection or a frenulum that is too short. Important: the child comes to the nipple and not vice versa, otherwise there will be back problems in the long run.
What can I do if my child constantly falls asleep while breastfeeding?
Especially prematurely born children and newborns with jaundice (jaundice) are weak and still much tired. They fall asleep after only a short time at the breast. Mothers are then quickly worried because they fear that their child is not getting enough milk. However, falling asleep can also be a sign of incorrect breastfeeding technique. Then the baby doesn’t get a good grip on the nipple and drinks very little. In the end, it is frustrated. Some start crying, others just fall asleep. What helps?
- Gently massage the elbow of the child.
- Children born with teething problems in life can not do without a regular supply of milk. So gently wake your child when he is asleep, but actually should be breastfed again.
Can I breastfeed despite hollow/flat blacks?
About 7-10% of women have flat or inverted nipples. For babies, it can still be difficult, especially in the beginning, to be able to grasp these nipples with the mouth at all. Inverted nipples retract when squeezed instead of protruding. If they are only slightly retracted, the baby can usually pull them out. Otherwise, a pump will help. With pronounced inverted nipples, breastfeeding is usually very difficult. Flat warts do not come out when stimulated or cold. Breastfeeding success depends on whether the baby gets enough breast tissue in its mouth when drinking. Therefore, in the case of flat warts, it is crucial whether the breast near the nipple is soft enough so that the baby can grasp a lot of breast tissue with its mouth. Nursing caps can be helpful in this case. What helps?
- Check your breastfeeding position.
- Make sure that the baby’s mouth is wide open. If necessary, support it in doing so. Not only the nipple, but the entire areola must be included.
- Stimulate your nipple briefly before putting on.
- By pumping with your hand or an electric pump, you can try to pull the nipple outward before latching on. So sucking is easier for the baby already at the beginning.
- After the nipple is brought out, the baby should be put on quickly.
The nipple shape does not have to be an obstacle. Usually babies manage to cope with it over time.
What should I do if I have too little milk?
At the beginning of breastfeeding, milk production is still hormonally regulated. Over time, demand influences supply. The more often the baby is laid, the more milk is produced. Based on your baby’s weight development, you can estimate whether he or she is getting enough milk. There is rarely a real shortage of breast milk. If you are unsure, talk to your midwife or ask your pediatrician. Reasons for insufficient milk production may include:
- Incorrect breastfeeding technique
- Shortened lingual frenulum in the infant, making him unable to drink as well.
- Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) of the mother.
What helps?
- Put your baby more often. The more often breastfeeding, the more milk is produced.
- While your baby is drinking, play with his little feet. So you keep it awake.
- Breastfeeding teas containing anise, fennel or caraway can stimulate milk production.
- To boost milk production can be additionally pumped after breastfeeding with an electric breast pump.
The following observations suggest that your baby is getting enough milk:
- The baby has a wet diaper five to eight times a day.
- The baby gains at least 450 grams per month for the first three to four months.
- The baby is put on every two to three hours, or a total of eight to twelve times a day.
- You hear your child swallow while drinking.
- Sometimes you see milk in the corners of the baby’s mouth while drinking.
What should I do if I have too much milk? Some women have so much milk that it flows even when they are not breastfeeding. This is how you can tell that you are producing too much milk:
- The baby behaves restlessly at the breast, that is, he keeps letting go of the breast because he chokes due to the large amount of drinking.
- Your breasts are plump and tense. After breastfeeding, you hardly feel that your breasts have emptied.
What helps?
- Do not change breasts too soon.
- In these cases, use extra absorbent nursing pads that you change regularly.
- At night, you should put a towel underneath.
- Cool the breast after breastfeeding. This curbs the milk production. However, do not put the cooling pads directly on the skin, but beat them in a towel.
- Peppermint and sage teas are said to have a milk-reducing effect.
- Do not pump extra, because then your body would think your baby needs more milk and you achieve exactly the opposite.
