There are many would-be mothers who would like to know a lot about breastfeeding, so that they can be mentally prepared after giving birth to their baby. This way, they can also ensure that the baby is breastfed properly, timely and to his/her satisfaction.
Some commonly asked breastfeeding questions and answers
- Is it normal to lactate during pregnancy?
It is quite normal & you need not be afraid. It is not an indication of delivery sign. To avoid annoyance, you may put on breast pads to absorb colostrums.
2 Do the nipples being flat or inverted interfere with breastfeeding?
No, the nipples may be flat/inverted but in due course of pregnancy at the end, they will protrude outwards.
- How much time is taken for the milk to come in the breast?
It typically comes sooner.
- Is it normal to have more milk in 1 breast than the other?
Yes, it is normal! This because, baby is fed on one breast more than the other! One breast might produce more milk than the other.
- How do I know that my baby is getting full feed from my breasts?
There are some signs to help you like baby feeds 6-8 times a day & is satisfied, baby is passing 3-4 yellowish colored stools/day, baby’s lips & mouth are moist not cracked and breasts feel softer after feeding.
- How to increase milk supply if it is too less?
You can consider following recommendations for increased milk supply. Drink enough fluids. Gently massage your breast from the outside of the breast towards the nipple while feeding the baby. Use a double breast pump after feeding for five to ten minutes on the highest comfortable setting. The most effective supplement is taking two to three capsules of fenugreek three times per day. Two medications can be used to increase milk supply – metoclopramide and domperidone.
- How to know if you have a blocked duct or mastitis and the necessary treatments?
Ducts that bring milk from the breast to the nipple might get clogged. When this happens, a tender, sore lump forms just below the areola and the skin around the lump may turn red. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that causes it to be red, swollen, and tender with constant pain. When you get mastitis, you can have the baby nursed on the affected side, massage the affected area moving your hand towards the nipple, alternate between warm and cold compresses, drink plenty of fluids, etc.
- Opt between manual & electric breast pump
It depends upon your needs/cost & portability of the pump.
- Duration of breast feeding
Depends upon how long you want to nurse, the demands of your baby, work and personal life. Pediatrics across the globe recommend nursing exclusively for the first 6 months and then supplement solid foods with nursing until the age of 12 months or more.
- Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t breastfeed?
Occasionally there are sound medical reasons for not breastfeeding. Like you are infected with HIV or require some medication that may harm the baby.
Understanding the above 10 breastfeeding questions answered can help you better understand about breastfeeding.