Nursing Niggles?

Arushi Agarwal addresses common breastfeeding concerns that could make you sweat

- Arushi Agarwal

Breastfeeding has been the traditional method of feeding newborns since the dawn of time, so you should expect it to be a smooth ride, right? After all, it seems only fitting that a mum who chooses to breastfeed her child should be free to do so for as long as she wants.

Lactation issues do arise, even among women who have the best of intentions and the greatest desire to succeed at nursing. Problems with the mum’s breasts and nipples, as well as her overall health, can arise. Other times, breastfeeding issues include the baby not latching, and this can an impact on the baby’s health.

Some issues arise as a result of events beyond our control, while others arise as a direct result of a lack of understanding or confidence, poor technique, or bad counsel. The majority of issues drive women to stop breastfeeding before they wish to happen in the first few weeks. Nevertheless, a breastfeeding complaint can occur at any moment during lactation.

NOT ENOUGH MILK

Low breast milk supply is a common problem among breastfeeding mums. For some mums, this may be a perception of insufficient supply rather than a true problem. It may be reassuring to provide information on what constitutes “normal” newborn feeding behaviour. Infants, for example, are known to ‘cluster feed’ at specific times of the day. A change in a baby’s nursing pattern, such as increased feed frequency or the sensation of softer breasts, may worry the mum; however, they are likely to be typical alterations, unrelated to a decreased supply.