SHARES
This is a continuation of BreastFeeding Issues and Solutions: Pain and Infections
When a baby is exclusively breastfed, the mother’s milk becomes the only food source. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to produce consistent flow of breast milk. However, aside from breast pain (previously discussed here), many also suffer from milk-supply related issues.
This milk-supply problem poses a serious challenge to the mother’s resolve to continue breast feeding. That is why it is vital to trouble shoot and solve the issues quickly.
Problem 5: There’s blood in my milk.
Bloody nipple discharge is also known as rusty pipe syndrome. This condition is more commonly seen during the first few days of lactation, especially among mothers with first pregnancy. The increased blood flow to breasts and ducts when the mother starts lactating could have contributed to the condition.
Solution: Although the colour of the milk may vary from pink to red, mothers can rest assure that this is only temporary. Mothers can still breastfeed as a tinge of blood in the milk will not harm the baby. However, larger amount of blood may cause the baby to vomit more often or have blood in stools. Regardless, consult a doctor if the condition persists more than a week.
Problem 6: My breasts are so full that my baby finds it difficult to latch on.
When the breasts are engorged, the breast can appear hard and uncomforming to the baby’s mouth. If the baby cannot empty the breasts, this can make engorgement worse. On top of that, the mother experiences much discomfort, breast pain and tenderness.
Solution: Expressing a little milk from the engorged breast can soften the areolar and makes it easier for latching. To express manually, hold your hand in a c-shape, with your thumb on top. Press your thumb gently on your breast straight back into the chest. Then, roll your thumb and fingers toward the nipple to express milk. Repeat the steps around the whole breast. Alternatively, feeding more frequently would also make it less likely for the breasts to be engorged.
Manually expressing milk (Source: UpToDate)
Problem 7: I make so much milk that my baby chokes during feeding.
Overproduction of milk occurs when the milk supply exceeds the baby’s demand. This condition is common among mothers with first pregnancy. It starts from early lactation and usually subsides on its own. Sometimes, the rush of milk is so strong that it makes it difficult for the baby to clamp the nipple. Hence, the baby can gain too little weight if they cannot handle the milk flow or did not feed on the last bit of milk that is richest in calories. On the other hand, some babies may also gain too much weight from high milk supply.
Solution: Nursing in a laid-back position allows the baby to have more control over the milk flow. The baby can lift his head for a break when the flow is too overwhelming. Burping the baby more often may also be useful. Besides that, reduce milk flow by putting a scissors-hold on your areola or pressing on your breast with the heel of your hand.
Laid-back breastfeeding (Source: UpToDate)
Problem 8: I might not be producing enough milk because my baby is appearing smaller in size.
Usually, breastfeeding should be able to sustain a baby’s growth as it is a supply-and-demand process. However, if the baby appears smaller when the weight and length is plotted on a growth chart, then the baby might not be getting enough milk.
Solution: Allow the doctor to troubleshoot to determine the cause of lower milk intake. The doctor would investigate you and your baby’s medical history, as well as your breastfeeding technique. If all is well, feeding or expressing milk more often can help to stimulate milk production.
Conclusion
Having an oversupply of milk can be uncomfortable; meanwhile, producing too little milk can be discouraging. Nonetheless, never give up on breastfeeding because the mother’s milk is the most precious gift to a new-born. Seek advice from healthcare professionals if necessary.
Read more: Breastfeeding Issues and Solutions: Pain and Infections (Part 1)
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
