Breast is best, there’s no getting away from it. The World Health Organisation advises new mums to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, not only to nourish their new arrival in the short term, but because mother’s milk is said to provide a lifetime of health benefits. The unique biological formula is easily absorbed by an immature digestive system, builds up lifelong immunity and is even thought to help make your baby brainier. Then there’s the benefits for mums – nursing your baby helps to boost the mother-child bond and is a great way of getting your body back to its former glory – plus it doesn’t cost a single penny.
Breastfeeding is said to be one of the most natural experiences of womanhood; yet the UK has one of the lowest lactating rates in Europe. Almost a third of new mums in the UK never attempt it, and well over half stopping by the time their baby is six weeks old. The reality is, breastfeeding can be less easy than we imagine, with discomfort, illness or emotional frustration often hampering the experience. In fact, according to parenting charity NCT, 90 per cent of women cease breastfeeding because they are not getting the support they need. But help is at hand. We recruited NCT breastfeeding counsellor Ruthie Pearlman to help you deal with some of the most common complications…
The obstacle: Mastitis
What’s happening? A painful bacterial infection of the milk ducts, mastitis is most common in the first month after giving birth. Symptoms of mastitis include a sore, red patch on the breast, fatigue and fever. It’s important to find out the cause of infection – it could either be from external sources, for example through a crack in the nipple, or caused internally by undue pressure on the breast or lack of sufficient drainage.
Treat it: Continue feeding on the infected breast to ensure drainage, and adjust habits such as leaving long gaps between feeds or sleeping on the stomach. Be sure not to or over-handle or squeeze during feeds, as these put pressure on the breast. Applying hot compresses and nursing frequently can also help ease symptoms.
The obstacle: Sore nipples
What’s happening? Most sore nipples are due to a poor latch – meaning your baby’s mouth and tongue aren’t positioned properly on the nipple and surrounding area. Treat it: It’s common for babies to need extra support taking the nipple, so see the box below/right* for some tips to help. What’s more, trained advisors such as breastfeeding counsellors can help you address the problem – contact the NCT 0300 330 0771 to find one near you.
The obstacle: Thrush
What’s happening? Caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the nipples, signs of thrush include itchy pink nipples, pain during or after feedings, a vaginal yeast infection or white spots in your baby’s mouth or on their tongue.
Treat it: Thrush can be triggered by antibiotics taken either by you or your baby, which lower levels of healthy bacteria in the gut. If you do take antibiotics, it’s important to take probiotics to help top up your levels of these beneficial bugs. Over the counter anti-fungal creams can also help to relieve discomfort.
The obstacle: Engorged breasts
What’s happening? Milk comes in on day three after birth, and with it comes an increased blood flow, which can cause tissue to become swollen around the breast area.
Treat it: If your breasts are so hard that it’s impossible for your baby to latch on, try using heat to soften the breast before feeding – a warm bath or shower can often help. Gently massaging the breast to encourage milk flow and letting the baby suck also works well. Plus, pressing cold compresses (such as packets of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) against the swelling acts as an anti-inflammatory and soothes the area.
The obstacle: Low milk supply
What’s happening? Milk works on a supply-and-demand basis, so if you haven’t been feeding your baby often enough (around six to eight times per day during the early days) it can affect the rate of milk production. This can often happen if you have experienced illness or issues with breastfeeding,
Treat it: To increase a milk supply, increase the frequency of feedings; always offer at least both breasts at each feed; and ensure your baby is getting the best possible latch, so each feed stimulates the breast efficiently. The breast is never totally empty – if your baby has fed on both and is still looking around for more, put him or her back on side one again, then side two again, and so on. That will send the breasts a very clear message to up their production rate.
Breastfeeding basics
Try Ruthie’s top tips to help your baby latch on…
1 Your baby needs to have their whole body facing you – hold him or her very close to you.
2 Hold your baby’s nose to nipple so they are looking up at the breast from underneath.
3 Keep your baby’s hands out of the way, and don't push them onto the breast by the head, as this will result in him or her coming on nose-first or top lip-first.
4 Allow the head to fall back, support him or her from the shoulders down, not the neck up, because the head needs to be tilted in order for baby to swallow properly.
Top breastfeeding products
1 Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Complete Starter Kit
Ideal if you're switching from breast to bottle, this kit includes an electric steam steriliser, travel steriliers, electric bottle and food warmer, selection of easy-vent bottles, milk powder dispensers, insulated bottle bags, and a bottle and teat brush. £99.99, tommeetippee.co.uk
2 Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Electric Breast Pump
Perfect for expressing milk, this electric breast pump mimics your baby's natural feeding action and the revolutionary design provides comfort and control.
£70, amazon.co.uk
For more info: The NCT Breastfeeding Line is open from 8am-10pm every day, call 0300 330 0771 for more info or visit www.nct.org.uk
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