Many breastfeeding mothers suffer from some specific problems related to breastfeeding. These problems, though not serious, are sufficient enough for them to stop breastfeeding their babies. But if they know the right answers to these questions, they can continue to breastfeed their babies without any problems. Let us identify some of these specific questions and try to answer them.
1. Can a mother with bleeding problems on the nipples breastfeed her baby?
This is a perplexing problem many women face. But, the answer to this question is that you should continue to breastfeed the baby. Pain on the nipples is the main problem a breastfeeding mother faces. Many mothers breast feed their babies despite pain. Some paining nipples bleed. That is the only difference here. Hence, if you can bear a little pain, you can breast feed your baby even if there is bleeding. Bleeding without pain also occurs. These types of problems often appear during the first week of childbirth and vanish soon after. A doctor can help you to get over the problems. But, if the problems persist for a longer period, then a detailed check-up is necessary. But the breastfeeding can continue.
2. Can a mother with breast reduction surgery breastfeed her baby?
A small breast is similar to any other breast for a baby, provided it gets enough milk. So there is no problem in feeding your baby with it. You may have less milk than mothers with normal sized breasts, but you usually have enough to satisfy the baby. You can use both the breasts alternately at fixed intervals. However, if you think you don’t have enough milk or if you have artificial nipples, you can always supplement it with a suitable lactation aid in consultation with your doctor.
3. Can a mother with breast augmentation surgery feed her baby?
Of course, you can. There is no much difference between a big breast and a small breast when it comes to breast feeding, provided you have enough milk. Usually small and big breasts have enough milk for the baby. Some women have silicone implants, and if the surgery is made on the areola, then it will decrease milk production, but breastfeeding the baby with it is totally harmless.
4. Can a mother breastfeed her premature baby from childbirth onwards?
There is not much difference between a premature baby and a full term baby when it comes to breastfeeding provided the baby is ready to suck. If it has any problems to latch on to the breast, then you can hold it properly and pressure your breast to make the baby comfortably drink the milk. A little practice will solve the problem and your baby will soon learn to suck by himself. There is no need to put him on a bottle from the beginning if he is able to suckle your breast. How ever, if you need to supplement, then use a lactation aid without artificial nipples.
Posted on January 30th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Breastfeeding, FAQ, Toddler
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