Breastfeeding Problems : Facts to make informed choices
These are the most common questions, problems and barriers to breastfeeding.
96% of women initiate breastfeeding and want to breastfeed their babies. By 4 months fewer than 16% are still exclusively breastfeeding their baby. 83% of women stop breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped.
Many of these problems start within the first week and are due to inaccurate and conflicting information. and cause great anxiety for parents. Here are the facts to empower you to make an informed decision. Always trust your instincts.
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Breastfeeding is NOT supposed to be painful.
Nipple Trauma is the most common reason why women cease breastfeeding and feel guilty and insecure. Nipple Trauma is due to one thing; a posittioning problem which results in the nipple in the wrong part of the baby’s mouth. Nipple pain, cracked nipples, blisters, cuts, bleeding are all nipple trauma. They shouldn’t be happening. Simple adjustments can correct this.
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Mastitis is one of the biggest fears for women, understandably.
It can be prevented by understanding the breast/mammary glands and the mechanics of attachment.
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Parents worry that there may be an underlying medical cause for their baby having multiple small vomits/spit ups/posets and crying a lot. However, true reflux disease requiring medication is rare.
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Tongue Ties ( ankyloglossia) are one of the most controversial topics in infant medicine at the moment. A recent study in the Medical Journal of Australia, showed that the rates of frenotomy (tongue tie surgical release) have increased 420% in Australia (NSW 530% increase) yet we haven’t seen a proportionate increase in breastfeeding rates. Here are the facts to help you in your decision.
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Cow’s Milk protein intolerance is quickly blamed for unsettled babies and poor weight gain. Here are the facts to empower you on your journey with your baby.
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Lactose or cream overload can occur when mother has a generous supply of milk, yet her baby is crying and seems to be uncomfortable.
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Nipple Thrush is a fungal/yeast infection that can occur on the nipples and can be painful. Here are the facts about nipple thrush.
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How does Motilium work? And can it increase my milk supply?