Special Delivery Spring 2018 | Page 29

BLOCKED DUCTS

Signs include tender lump or feels like a bruise, usually in one breast, no temperature in mother.  Can be caused by an area of the breast not being drained effectively due to ineffective attachment or by longer than normal gap between feeds.  Check positioning & attachment, feed your baby from the affected side first, warm flannels, baths & showers, gentle massage towards nipple during or after feeds.

MASTITIS

Signs include hot, tender or painful red area on breast, may feel lumpy, sometimes breast is red and aches, mother may feel hot to touch and have flu-like symptoms including raised temperature, chills and aches.  Can be caused by milk not being effectively removed from breast which results in milk leaking into breast causing inflammation (non-infective) or by bacteria entering milk ducts through cracked nipple (infective).  In either case it requires immediate & prompt action and may require medical attention if symptoms persist.  Important to keep the milk flowing by feeding and/or expressing. Good information leaflet from Breastfeeding Network here "mastitis and breastfeeding",

TONGUE TIED

Signs include pain during feeding with misshapen nipple at end even if attachment "looks good", baby gums breast with lower gum during feeding, clicking or swooshing sound during feeding, baby unable to latch, baby latches but then slips off unable to maintain good latch, ineffective transfer of milk highlighted by low weight gain.  May cause feeding issues for both breastfed and bottle fed babies depending upon type and severity of tongue tie.  Always worth asking for assessment if you are concerned or if there is a family history of tongue ties (often hereditary).  Further NCT information "tongue tie in babies".

REFLUX

Regardless of method of feeding, it is common & normal for babies to bring up some milk during or after feeding as the muscular valve at the end of their food pipe (which keeps the milk in the stomach) hasn't fully developed yet.  This is sometimes also called posseting or spitting-up and does not generally upset or cause the baby pain or discomfort.  There are some more serious reflux conditions which can cause feeding challenges.  Have a read of NCT information "what is baby reflux: symptoms and support". 

SOMETIMES CHALLENGES ARE MORE TO DO WITH YOUR BABY

FOOD SENSITIVITIES IN BREASTFED BABIES

A good article about what is normal and what to look out for in terms of food sensitivities.