Breastfeeding is a very natural thing. But to do it right, you need to practice a little and be patient. When you become a new mother, especially if it is your first baby, it is very normal for you to have questions and small problems about breastfeeding. So today, let's talk about some of the common breastfeeding problems you may encounter and simple solutions to them.
Can I continue to breastfeed my baby if I get sick?
This is a question that many mothers have. Imagine you have a cold or the flu. Should you stop breastfeeding your baby?
In most cases, yes – you can continue to breastfeed . Many common illnesses that you get are not dangerous to your baby. In fact, something amazing happens. When your body produces `` antibodies`` against that illness, those valuable ``antibodies`` pass to your baby through your breast milk. That means your baby also gets some protection from that illness. Isn't that amazing?
But then, there are some special cases.
For example, if you have something like `(Coronavirus)`, the chances of that virus passing into your breast milk are low. However, the virus can be transmitted to your baby through tiny droplets (`Droplets`) that come out when you talk, cough, or sneeze. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor and get advice in this situation. He or she will tell you whether you should continue breastfeeding, or express your milk and have a healthy family member feed it to your baby.
If your doctor allows you to breastfeed, be sure to do these things:
- Wear a good `Mask` when breastfeeding.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling the baby.
- Otherwise, have a healthy family member give your expressed milk to your baby. That person should also wear a mask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after touching the baby.
Important: Some other medical conditions or medications you take can affect breastfeeding. So before making any decisions about breastfeeding, especially if you are thinking of stopping, be sure to talk to a lactation consultant or your family doctor.
My baby isn't drinking milk, what's wrong?
Oh, this is also a time when mothers feel very helpless. A baby who has been breastfeeding well suddenly refuses to breastfeed. We call this something like a ``Nursing Strike''. Imagine, you are getting ready to breastfeed, and the baby cries, or turns his head away. Then it is sad, isn't it?
There could be many reasons for this. The baby could be experiencing some discomfort or pain :
- Teething is a very painful condition for young children.
- You may be experiencing ear pain due to an ear infection .
- Oral Thrush is a fungal infection that appears as a sticky coating on the lining of the mouth. This can make it difficult and painful for the baby to suckle.
- It could also be because you have a cold and your nose is blocked, making it difficult to breathe .
- Maybe you've used a new type of soap or perfume and your scent has changed, and your baby may not like it. Babies are very sensitive to smells.
- Or it could be that you 've made a big change in what you eat and drink, and the taste of your breast milk has changed .
Whatever the reason, don't worry. You and your baby can overcome this temporary obstacle. Here are some tips:
- Make the breastfeeding experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Praise the baby, stroke him lovingly, and soothe him. Soothe him when he is upset or confused. Never force him.
- Try to breastfeed your baby when he is a little sleepy . This will allow him to nurse without fussing or fussing. Breastfeed in a quiet place , away from distractions like noise and the television.
- Before feeding, stimulate your breasts by expressing a little milk with your hand (`Hand Expressing`) or pumping a little with a `Pump`. Then, as soon as the baby starts sucking, the milk comes (`Let-down`), which is easier for him, and he will be happy because his hunger is satisfied quickly.
- Try breastfeeding while rocking your baby or walking slowly in a sling . Some babies like to nurse when they are soothed this way.
This type of refusal to drink milk is normal, and it usually resolves within a few days. Keep expressing or pumping every few hours until your breastfeeding pattern is back to normal. This will help keep your milk from sag- ing and your baby will get enough milk (you can feed your expressed milk from a bottle or cup). When a baby is truly ready to wean, it doesn't happen all at once, but gradually over weeks or months.
Is it good to give a pacifier to a baby?
Pacifiers, or pacifiers, are another controversial topic. Some mothers don't like giving them, while others do. What is the real status of this?
According to experts, babies who use pacifiers are at a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) . Pacifiers can also comfort babies and satisfy their natural desire to suckle.
Therefore, doctors and experts recommend that when the baby is about 3-4 weeks old, that is, after breastfeeding is well established , they give him soup at bedtime and during naps. This can be given to the baby until he is about a year old . However, if the baby does not like soup, do not force it .
Some parents worry that if they give their baby formula before 3-4 weeks of age, the baby will become 'confused' (`nipple confusion`) and stop sucking at the breast. Or that the mother will not be able to tell when the baby is hungry. However, it is generally not a problem to give the baby formula occasionally during the first month of life (for example, to soothe the baby during a painful procedure such as circumcision) and it is said that it does not usually harm breastfeeding efforts.
My baby is still clinging to my breast after he finishes drinking, is that a problem?
This is also very common. You may think your baby is getting enough milk, but they continue to latch on to your breast for an hour or more. At times like this, you may wonder, "Why is this baby still nursing?"
This may be because he is sucking for comfort rather than nourishment . We call this ``Non-nutritive sucking'' or comfort sucking . He is using the breast like a little soup.
So how do you recognize this? A well-fed baby will stay at the breast, but:
- The baby looks content and happy .
- The sound of swallowing milk is not heard , or it is very, very rare.
- It looks like you 're playing with your penis .
If you see this, that is, if your baby is doing ``Non-nutritive sucking'', you can remove the baby from the breast occasionally and let him suck on his thumb or hand. Or, you can also consider giving him a ``Pacifier'' once breastfeeding is well established (after 3-4 weeks).
Is it better to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula?
This is a very sensitive issue. Breast milk is always the first choice of pediatricians for newborn babies. There is no denying its value. However, the truth is that not every new mother can successfully breastfeed for one reason or another. You need to choose what works best for you, your baby, and your family.
Many new mothers are unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions, medications, work, travel, or scheduling issues . For some mothers, breastfeeding comes naturally and easily. For others, it can be a difficult and painful experience. Even with the help of a lactation consultant, it can feel like your baby isn't getting enough milk. Even though you want to breastfeed, you may be overwhelmed by the stress of trying to do so. This can be especially difficult when you have a baby and are going through other big changes in your life.
Some new mothers pump and bottle feed their breast milk. That's a good option, too. But some choose to feed formula. If you do, keep in mind that commercially available, approved formula is a good, nutritious alternative to breast milk for your baby .
Furthermore, bottle feeding, whether it is formula or breast milk, has its own advantages. It gives fathers, grandparents, and other family members the opportunity to actively participate in feeding the baby and to create a special bond with the baby (`Bonding Time`). Since formula milk is usually digested a little slower than breast milk, formula-fed babies do not need as many milk feeds as breast-fed babies.
So, you are not doing anything wrong to your baby by using formula. You are doing the best you can to raise your baby healthy and happy. Don't feel any regret about it.
So, a few final things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can also be a challenging one at times. If you have any questions, concerns, or concerns about breastfeeding, formula, or any of these things, please don't hold it in and don't be discouraged, but definitely talk to your family doctor or a lactation consultant.
They can give you scientific, accurate advice that is best suited to your situation and your baby, and help you. Remember, every mother's and every baby's journey is different. You are not alone on this journey! There are many people to help you and encourage you.
Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Problems, Soup, Formula, Illness and Breastfeeding, Refusal to Breastfeed, (Breastfeeding), (Pacifier), (Formula), (Nursing Strike), (SIDS)
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