OFF TO THE BREAST START

Nursing your baby is best, but it’s not always easy. Experts share how you can overcome common breastfeeding problems.

OUR EXPERTS

• Dr Yong Tze Tein is a senior consultant at Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

• Wong Boh Boi is an assistant director (clinical) and senior parentcraft and lactation consultant at Thomson Parentcraft Centre at Thomson Medical Centre.

I’ve got a nasty bug. Everyone says my breast milk will infect Baby with germs.
DON’T PANIC It is safe to continue breastfeeding, says Dr Yong. “The antibodies in your breast milk are the best protection for your baby.”
FIX IT Have plenty of rest, fluids or breastfeeding-safe medication to ease your flu symptoms. “Let your doctor know you are nursing, so he can prescribe the appropriate medicine. If he asks you to stop breastfeeding because of it, don’t be afraid to question if the medication is necessary, and ask for possible alternatives,” says Dr Yong.

I’m so ill and stressed that my boobs seem to have dried up.
DON’T PANIC According to the experts, it is common for milk supply to dip when Mummy is tense. In fact, some women’s milk factories shut down overnight during a bout of illness. “When you’re stressed, milk flow won’t be good. The tense muscles also inhibit let-down – a reflex which can produce a good 30ml more milk,” explains Boh Boi.
FIX IT If you are ill, drink plenty of fluids and rest. Dehydration can dry up your milk supply, too. Surround yourself with love and kind words from supportive family members and friends. To trigger let-down, Boh Boi suggests cuddling, looking at Baby or visualising things that soothe you, such as a walk in the garden or snuggling under the blanket on a rainy day. Having a warm drink or bath helps as well. Continue to nurse during this trying time to build up your milk supply again.

My baby wants to nurse every hour. I don’t think my milk supply is good enough for him.
DON’T PANIC Newborns typically lose weight in the first few days, and start gaining after seven days if they are adequately fed. How can you tell if your milk supply is good enough? After Day 10, your newborn should be gaining at least 150g every week, says Boh Boi.
In general, the body needs at least 1½ hours to produce a good amount of milk, adds Boh Boi. Overly frequent feeds will only “burn out the milk factory”. Newborns need about eight to 10 feeds a day – that works out to be approximately one feed every 2½ to three hours.
FIX IT Rather than feed on demand, find out why Baby is so demanding. Boh Boi says sometimes his feeding patterns are simply due to his need for comfort from Mummy.
Is he merely “snacking” and then falling asleep on the breast? Does he need a cuddle? Boh Boi suggests offering alternatives like distracting your little one with a toy or getting a relative to carry him.

(to be continued…)

Read the December 2011 issue of Young Parents for the full story, and more expert advice to make you a better mum or dad.