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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