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Breastfeeding

Overcoming

C

hallenges

W

hether you decide on the breast or the bottle, every

moment devoted to feeding your baby is a precious

opportunity for bonding.

“There are a number of issues that can challenge and frustrate

moms who are breastfeeding,”says Kristin Perkins, RN, ValleyCare

lactation specialist.“We’re here to offer help and support in any

way we can and encourage women to give us a call.”

Here are five common breastfeeding challenges, with a few

suggestions on how to handle them:

Sore nipples.

Consult with your lactation specialist to make

sure your baby is latching on correctly. Mother’s milk

is naturally healing, so rub a few drops on your

nipples and let them air dry.

Painfully full (engorged) breasts.

Frequent feedings—no more than four

hours apart—keep milk moving and help

soothe hot, swollen breasts. Before putting

your baby to your breast, express a little

milk to soften the breast, areola and

nipple. Try placing a clean, cool cloth

over the affected breast until the

heat, pain and swelling subside.

Surgingmilk flow;

sputtering baby.

Express

some milk before your baby

begins to nurse. To help slow

the flow as the baby feeds, try

compressing the milk ducts

with your hand.

Pluggedmilk duct.

Massaging the

ValleyCare Lactation Center

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

5:30 to 7 pm

New Location:

5565W. Las Positas Blvd.

Suite 360, Pleasanton

RSVP:

925-416-3598

tender lump in a circular motion, applying warm compresses

and getting plenty of rest can help. So can feeding your baby

often from the affected breast. If the lump doesn’t loosen up,

consult your lactation specialist—a plugged duct can lead to a

breast infection.

Breast infection (mastitis).

If one breast is hot, swollen and

painful and you have flu-like symptoms—such as achiness or

fever—see your doctor. He or she may prescribe antibiotics along

with fluids, rest and pain medicine. Your infection won’t harm your

baby, so keep nursing. It helps keep the infection from spreading.

Avoid tight bras and restrictive clothing, which can exacerbate

breastfeeding difficulties. Do not go long periods of time

between feedings—you always want to keep your milk moving.

And don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or lactation

specialist if nursing leads to an unusual symptom—or

when you need a little extra encouragement

and support. Call the ValleyCare Lactation Center at

925-416-3598

.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services

WINTER SNACKS

for Kids

ValleyCare registered dietitians offer

the following suggestions for some

fun and healthy winter snacks.

*

Winter fruit kabob:

Banana slices, red

grapes and mandarin orange sections on

a stick.

*

Pumpkin yogurt:

6-ounce container

low-fat vanilla yogurt mixedwith¼ cup

canned pumpkin. Add pumpkin pie spice

and topwith a crushed grahamcracker.

*

Edamame:

Enjoy warm or serve chilled.

*

Hummus and veggie sticks:

Serve

hummus with carrots, jicama, broccoli,

and cherry tomatoes.

*

Greek yogurt parfait:

Layer nonfat

Greek yogurt, berries, and slivered

almonds.

ValleyCare.com/maternity | Winter 2015